Cost guide · 2026
Running a self-managed super fund typically costs $1,500–$3,000 a year in accounting and audit — more if you hold property, run pensions, or have several members.
| Component | Typical range |
|---|---|
Annual accounting & financial statements Preparing the fund's accounts, member statements and SMSF annual return. | $900 – $2,000 |
Independent audit (mandatory) By law, every SMSF is audited each year by a separate registered SMSF auditor. | $400 – $700 |
Actuarial certificate Only if the fund pays a pension from a mix of accumulation and pension assets. | $150 – $300 |
Admin / software platform Some accountants bundle a daily-reporting platform (e.g. BGL, Class) into the fee. | $0 – $500 |
Indicative 2026 market ranges, not a quote. Always confirm your price in writing before work begins.
A two- or four-member fund has more accounts, contributions and balances to reconcile than a single-member fund.
Once a fund starts paying a pension, minimum-drawdown rules and actuarial certificates add work — and cost.
Direct property, LRBAs (borrowing) and unlisted investments need more valuation and documentation than a fund holding only shares and cash.
An accountant who does hundreds of SMSFs a year is usually both cheaper and safer than a generalist doing one or two — SMSF rules are their own world.
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Because an SMSF must be independently audited every year in addition to its accounting — you're paying two separate professionals (accountant and registered SMSF auditor), plus the extra compliance work super law requires.
Sometimes. Many SMSF accountants quote an all-in fee that covers arranging the independent audit; others quote the audit separately (typically $400–$700). Always ask whether the audit is included before comparing quotes.
You can do the bookkeeping, but the annual return still needs to be prepared correctly and the fund must be audited by a registered, independent SMSF auditor — that part can't be done by you or a related party. Most trustees use a specialist to avoid compliance breaches, which are costly.
A flat annual fee is usually better value and more transparent than a percentage of the fund's balance — a percentage fee quietly grows as your super grows, without more work being done. Prefer a fixed quote.
Compare specialists on verified client reviews and confirmed credentials, not price alone. Our free 60-second quiz shortlists TPB-verified accountants who actively work with self-managed super funds.
Superannuation Specialists Australia is a marketing consultancy firm that helps individuals navigate superannuation and financial planning by connecting them with licensed financial advisors. The firm has over 20 years of combined experience in the superannuation industry and facilitates personalised guidance on retirement planning, insurances, investments and wealth management.
The Super Factory provides SMSF accounting and administration services to clients Australia-wide. Based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, they offer annual administration, compliance, and reporting obligations for self-managed super funds, with particular focus on pension fund lodgement and franking credit refunds.
iCare SMSF is a specialist provider of Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) setup, administration, audit and transfer services. The company offers compliance solutions including annual financial statements, tax returns, independent audits and taxation advice for SMSF trustees. iCare SMSF was established on 15 March 2012 and operates primarily in Melbourne.
RL SMSF Audits provides independent auditing services for self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) and small medium enterprise (SME) trusts. They conduct annual financial and compliance reviews to ensure funds meet legal obligations and operate efficiently. The firm offers audit services with a first audit promotion starting at $290.
