Short answer: Setting up a self-managed super fund (SMSF) with My SMSF costs a one-time $990 for a corporate trustee (recommended) or $440 for individual trustees, inclusive of GST. Ongoing administration, accounting and audit is a fixed $1,190 per year (Bronze), with no hourly rates and no surprise bills. On top of that sit the government fees that every SMSF pays (ASIC and the ATO levy), which we list in full below.
What does it cost to set up an SMSF?
My SMSF charges a transparent, fixed setup fee. There are no hidden extras — the price includes the trust deed, full ATO registration (ABN and TFN) and, for corporate trustees, ASIC company registration and trustee company setup.
| Setup option | One-time fee (inc. GST) | What’s included |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate trustee (recommended) | $990 | ASIC company registration, trustee company setup, trust deed, full ATO registration (ABN & TFN) |
| Individual trustee | $440 | Trust deed, ABN/TFN application, full ATO registration |
| Transfer an existing SMSF to My SMSF | $220 once-off | Review of your existing deed, financials, prior SMSF annual return and setup documents |
A corporate trustee is recommended because it gives cleaner asset ownership and simpler succession when members change — you avoid re-titling every asset each time a member is added or removed.
What does it cost to run an SMSF each year?
Annual administration is a fixed fee covering your fund’s financial statements, tax return and independent audit. Choose the package that matches your investments:
| Package | Annual fee (inc. GST) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | $1,190 pa | Cash, shares/ETFs, crypto (up to 300 trades), gold — chat & email support |
| Silver | $1,550 pa | Broader property & investment options, phone support, ATO/ASIC mailhouse |
| Gold | $2,550 pa | All asset classes, priority processing, free deed updates, phone/WhatsApp support |
How My SMSF compares
Our fixed annual administration fee versus the typical (median) SMSF.
You could save up to $3,438 per year.
Source: ATO SMSF quarterly statistical report (median administration & operating expenses, based on 2022–23 annual returns). Compares a typical SMSF with the My SMSF $1,190 fixed administration fee; not a comparison with APRA-regulated funds. General information only.
Government fees (paid by every SMSF)
These fees are set by ASIC and the ATO, apply to all SMSFs regardless of provider and are not charged by My SMSF. They may change each year.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| ASIC annual review — special-purpose (super) trustee company | $70 |
| ASIC annual review — standard Pty Ltd company (e.g. property trustee) | $342 |
| ATO SMSF supervisory levy | $259 |
Example: total first-year cost
A typical fund set up with a corporate trustee, on the Bronze package, holding cash and listed investments, would pay in year one: $990 setup + $1,190 administration + $70 ASIC + $259 ATO levy = $2,509 inc. GST. Every figure is fixed and known up front.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth setting up an SMSF?
An SMSF can suit people who want more control over their super, broader investment choice (including property, crypto and precious metals) and direct involvement in decisions. It also brings more responsibility, record-keeping and compliance. Because our fees are fixed rather than percentage-based, the cost does not rise as your balance grows.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. My SMSF uses fixed-fee pricing — no hourly rates and no per-transaction surprises. Optional one-off services (such as a pension establishment or a bare trust for borrowing) are listed on our fee schedule so you always know the price before you proceed.
How is My SMSF cheaper than the average?
The ATO’s most recent data puts the median SMSF’s administration and operating expenses at around $4,628 a year. Our fixed Bronze fee is $1,190, which can save a typical fund up to $3,438 a year.
Does the price include the audit?
Yes. Your annual package includes the independent SMSF audit, the financial statements and the SMSF annual tax return.
Ready to get started?
My SMSF is an Australian Registered Tax Agent providing fixed-fee SMSF administration, accounting and audit Australia-wide, online. Book a free discovery call or start your online application today.