January 28, 2021

(ATO)

Consider the costs, time and skills

You need to have the time and skills to manage your SMSF, and there are ongoing running costs.

As a trustee of an SMSF you’ll be responsible for operating your fund within the law. If you don’t, you may face severe penalties and your fund may suffer tax consequences.

You’ll also need to make investment decisions for the SMSF, including formulating an investment strategy that you review regularly. You’ll need to understand the restrictions on the investments an SMSF can make.

It costs money to set up and run an SMSF. You might find that the fees you pay for an SMSF are more than you would pay in another type of super fund. Every year that you have an SMSF you’ll need to pay for an independent audit and the supervisory levy. Most SMSFs also pay for additional help, such as:

• preparing the SMSF annual return

• valuations of the SMSF’s assets

• actuarial certificates for SMSFs paying income streams (pensions)

• financial advice

• legal fees, for example if the trust deed needs to be amended

• assistance with fund administration

• insurance for members.