SMSF Calculator
Determine if a Self-Managed Super Fund is right for you by comparing costs and projected growth.
SMSF Details
Total balance if combining multiple members
Contributions
Cap: $30,000/year
Projections
SMSF Considerations
Advantages
- Full control over investments
- Direct property investment possible
- Lower fees for large balances
- Estate planning flexibility
- Pool resources with family members
- Pension phase strategies
Disadvantages
- Time commitment to manage
- Compliance responsibilities
- Setup costs ($1,500-$3,000)
- Annual admin costs ($4,000+)
- ATO penalties for mistakes
- Insurance may cost more
What is a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF)?
An SMSF is a private superannuation fund that you manage yourself. Unlike retail or industry funds, you have complete control over investment decisions, but you also take on all compliance responsibilities.
SMSF Key Statistics (2024)
610,000+
SMSFs in Australia
$925B
Total SMSF assets
$1.5M
Average SMSF balance
When Does SMSF Make Sense?
- Balance over $500,000: Fixed costs become reasonable as % of balance
- Multiple members: Share costs between family members (up to 6 members)
- Investment expertise: Comfortable managing own investments
- Specific goals: Direct property, collectibles, or specific strategies
- Time available: Willing to spend time on administration
SMSF Costs Breakdown
| Cost Item | Typical Range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Setup costs | $1,500 - $3,000 | One-off |
| Annual audit | $500 - $1,200 | Annual |
| Accounting & tax return | $1,500 - $3,500 | Annual |
| ASIC annual fee | $65 | Annual |
| Administration software | $300 - $800 | Annual |
| Total Annual | $3,000 - $6,000+ |
SMSF Investment Options
SMSFs can invest in a wide range of assets:
Common Investments
- • Australian shares (ASX listed)
- • International shares
- • Managed funds & ETFs
- • Term deposits & cash
- • Residential & commercial property
Specialist Investments
- • Direct property (with LRBA)
- • Collectibles (strict rules apply)
- • Cryptocurrency
- • Unlisted shares
- • Artwork (must meet conditions)
Contribution Caps — FY 2025-26 & FY 2026-27
| Contribution Type | FY 2025-26 | FY 2026-27 (from 1 Jul 2026) | Tax Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concessional (pre-tax) | $30,000 | $32,500 | 15% contributions tax |
| Non-concessional (after-tax) | $120,000 | $130,000 | No tax on contribution |
| Bring-forward (3 years) | $360,000 | $390,000 | No tax (conditions apply) |
| Transfer Balance Cap (pension phase) | $2,000,000 | $2,100,000 | 0% on earnings in pension phase |
SMSF Compliance Requirements
Trustee Responsibilities
- • Prepare and implement an investment strategy
- • Keep accurate records for 10 years
- • Lodge annual return with ATO
- • Have fund audited annually by approved auditor
- • Value assets at market value
- • Ensure all investments meet sole purpose test
- • Keep member and fund assets separate
SMSF vs Retail/Industry Funds
SMSF Advantages
- ✅ Complete investment control
- ✅ Direct property ownership possible
- ✅ Lower fees for large balances
- ✅ Estate planning flexibility
- ✅ Multiple strategies (pension, accumulation)
- ✅ Tax planning opportunities
Retail Fund Advantages
- ✅ No admin hassle
- ✅ Lower costs for small balances
- ✅ Professional fund management
- ✅ Insurance often included
- ✅ Regulatory protection
- ✅ Easy employer contributions