Fixed Fee · $990

SMSF Setup Process & Criteria

Everything you need to know about how My SMSF sets up your fund — from initial consultation through to a fully registered, ready-to-invest SMSF.

$990Fixed setup fee inc. GST

2–4Weeks to complete

15+Years experience

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Is an SMSF Right for You?

SMSF Setup Criteria

A Self-Managed Super Fund gives you direct control over your retirement investments — but it comes with trustee responsibilities. My SMSF specialises in setting up and administering funds for investors in property, crypto and precious metals.

Most clients are employed or self-employed Australians who want to invest their super in specific assets — particularly property, Bitcoin or gold — and who are prepared to take on the responsibilities of being a trustee.

There is no minimum balance required by law, though we generally recommend having at least $80,000–$100,000 in super before setting up an SMSF, to ensure administration costs remain proportional to your fund size.

Investing in Property

You want to buy residential or commercial property, or borrow via an LRBA loan inside your super fund.

Investing in Crypto

You hold Bitcoin, Ethereum or other cryptocurrencies and need a compliant structure with cold wallet and exchange reporting.

Gold & Precious Metals

You want to hold physical gold, silver or pink diamonds via an approved vault — with proper valuations and audit support.

1–6 Members

Your fund has between 1 and 6 members (e.g. couples, business partners, family members). All must be individual trustees or directors of the corporate trustee.

Sole Purpose Test

Your SMSF must be maintained for the sole purpose of providing retirement benefits. It cannot be used for personal financial benefit prior to retirement.

How It Works

The SMSF Setup Process — Step by Step

My SMSF handles the entire setup process for you. Here's exactly what happens and when.

Apply Online

Complete our simple online application — your name, address, investment intentions and member details. Takes about 10 minutes.

Day 1

Days 1–2

Consultation Call

Our team reviews your application and contacts you to confirm your structure, investment plans and any questions. We confirm the $990 fixed fee.

Corporate Trustee Setup

We register a Pty Ltd company with ASIC to act as your corporate trustee ($329 ASIC fee included in your $990). You receive the company certificate and ACN.

Days 2–5

Days 3–6

Trust Deed Preparation

Your SMSF Trust Deed is drafted — the legal document that governs your fund. This is a personalised deed, not a generic template.

ATO Registration

We register your SMSF with the ATO to obtain your fund's ABN and TFN. The ATO typically takes 3–5 business days to process.

Days 5–10

Days 7–12

Bank Account Setup

We guide you in opening a dedicated SMSF bank account. The account must be in the fund's name. We can recommend SMSF-friendly banks.

ESA & Investment Strategy

We set up your Electronic Service Address (required for SuperStream) and provide your investment strategy template, updated to allow your planned asset classes.

Days 8–14

Days 10–21

Rollover Your Existing Super

You instruct your existing super fund(s) to transfer your balance to your new SMSF. We provide the rollover request letter and track the transfer. Most funds take 5–10 business days.

Fund Active — Ready to Invest

Your SMSF is registered, funded and ready to invest. We onboard you to our administration platform and begin your first year of accounting.

Week 3–4

Everything Included

What's Included in the $990 Setup Fee

One fixed price — no hidden extras, no hourly rates. Here's everything covered for $990 inc. GST.

SMSF Trust Deed

Personalised legal deed governing your fund — prepared by our legal team.

Corporate Trustee Company

Pty Ltd company set up with ASIC to act as trustee — includes $329 ASIC registration fee.

ABN & TFN Registration

ATO registration of your fund's Australian Business Number and Tax File Number.

Bank Account Guidance

Advice on opening your SMSF-dedicated bank account and recommended banking options.

ESA Setup

Electronic Service Address configured for SuperStream — required to receive rollovers.

Investment Strategy

Template investment strategy updated to allow your planned investments (property, crypto, gold).

Rollover Support

We prepare rollover request letters and track the transfer from your existing super funds.

Compliance Guidance

Initial trustee briefing on your obligations, sole purpose test, and ATO requirements.

Ongoing Support

Access to our team throughout the setup process — phone, email and WhatsApp.

$990

Total — inc. GST · inc. $329 Corporate Trustee & ASIC fees

Eligibility Requirements

Who Can & Cannot Be an SMSF Trustee?

Under Australian super law, there are specific eligibility requirements. All members of an SMSF must be either individual trustees or directors of the corporate trustee.

Check Your Eligibility

Employed or self-employed AustraliansAny working Australian with existing super can set up an SMSF.

Couples and business partnersUp to 6 members — all must be trustees or corporate trustee directors.

Australian residentsMust be an Australian resident for tax purposes (most cases).

Disqualified personsAnyone who has been convicted of a dishonesty offence, is insolvent or is under a civil penalty order cannot be a trustee.

Minors (under 18)A minor cannot be a trustee but can be a member if an adult acts as trustee on their behalf.

Employees of each otherFund members who are also employers/employees of each other cannot both be trustees (with limited exceptions).

FAQs

Setup Process FAQs

The full setup process — from application to a fund with a rolled-over super balance — typically takes 2–4 weeks. Registrations with ASIC and the ATO take 3–5 business days each. The rollover from your existing fund takes a further 5–10 business days.

There is no legal minimum balance. However, we generally recommend a minimum of $80,000–$100,000 to ensure the fixed administration cost of $1,190 per year remains proportional. The ATO estimates the break-even point is around this figure compared to retail funds.

A corporate trustee is a Pty Ltd company that acts as trustee instead of you personally. It costs $329 (included in your $990 setup) and is strongly recommended — it keeps assets clearly titled in the company's name, makes member changes simpler, and is often required by SMSF lenders.

Yes — you can roll over as many existing super funds as you like into your SMSF. My SMSF will prepare rollover request letters for each fund. Note that some industry and retail funds charge exit fees.

Yes — your SMSF can have up to 6 members. Each member must be either an individual trustee or a director of the corporate trustee. Adding members later is straightforward.

Once your fund is registered and funded, My SMSF transitions you to our annual administration service. You'll pay $1,190 per year for your tax return, financial statements and independent audit — all handled by our team.

Ready to Start Your SMSF?

Apply online in 10 minutes. Our team will contact you within one business day to confirm your setup details and answer any questions.

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