SMSF Setup Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of setting up a self-managed super fund (SMSF). The set-up is one cost, but the annual running costs, accounting, audit, ASIC and the ATO levy, are what determine whether an SMSF is worthwhile for your balance.
Your smsf setup details
Your estimate sits within the typical range.
A corporate trustee costs more to set up and has an annual ASIC fee, but it is recommended for SMSFs, it simplifies adding or removing members and separates fund assets, which matters for compliance and borrowing.
The ongoing annual costs (accounting, audit, levies) are the real question. SMSFs generally only make financial sense above a certain balance (often cited around $200,000+), below which the fixed annual costs eat too much of the returns.
SMSF set-up is a one-off cost, but the annual accounting, audit and levies are unavoidable and largely fixed, so they matter more at smaller balances. Get advice on whether an SMSF suits your balance and goals before setting one up.
💰 Ways to save
- Consider whether your balance justifies an SMSF, the fixed annual costs make small funds uncompetitive.
- A corporate trustee costs more up front but simplifies compliance and membership changes long-term.
- Compare total ongoing annual cost (accounting, audit, levies) against what you pay in a regular super fund.
or from $35/week over 5 years , indicative finance
How we estimate this
Setting up an SMSF in Australia typically costs around $800 to $2,000 in 2026 for the fund and trustee structure, more with advice or a borrowing arrangement. The ongoing annual cost, accounting, audit and levies, is typically $2,000 to $4,000+ and is the key figure.
Pricing reviewed: November 2026.
Understanding smsf setup costs in Australia
Setting up an SMSF in Australia typically costs around $800 to $2,000 in 2026 for the fund and trustee structure, more with advice or a borrowing arrangement. The ongoing annual cost, accounting, audit and levies, is typically $2,000 to $4,000+ and is the key figure.
The set-up is one cost, but the annual accounting, independent audit and ATO/ASIC levies are largely fixed and unavoidable. Because of that, SMSFs generally suit larger balances, below a certain point the fixed costs outweigh the benefits.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to set up an SMSF in Australia?
Roughly $800 to $2,000 in 2026 for the fund and trustee structure, more with advice or borrowing. The ongoing annual cost (accounting, audit, levies) is typically $2,000 to $4,000+ and is the figure that matters most.
Is an SMSF worth it?
It depends on your balance and goals. The fixed annual costs make SMSFs uncompetitive at small balances (often cited as needing $200,000+ to be cost-effective). Get advice comparing it against a regular super fund before setting one up.
Are you a accountant / SMSF specialist?
Everyone on this page is working out what smsf setup costs because they are ready to hire. Put your business right beneath the calculator, in your state, so you are who they find. From $50/mo.