A Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) is a private super fund that you manage yourself. It gives you direct control over how your superannuation is invested, but it also places legal and compliance responsibility on you as a trustee.
SMSFs are governed by Australian superannuation and tax laws and are strictly regulated.
An SMSF is a trust established for the sole purpose of providing retirement benefits to its members (or death benefits to dependants).
Key features:
Up to 6 members
Each member must be a trustee or a director of the trustee company
Members control investment decisions
Regulated primarily by the ATO
An SMSF may be suitable if you:
Want greater control over investments
Have complex investment or estate-planning needs
Are considering direct property investment
Have a combined super balance generally above $300,000
Are willing to take on legal responsibility and ongoing administration
SMSFs are not suitable for people who:
Want a “set and forget” option
Are unwilling to keep records or meet deadlines
Are uncomfortable with compliance obligations
The fund must exist only to provide retirement or death benefits — not present-day benefits.
The fund must maintain a written investment strategy considering:
Risk and return
Diversification
Liquidity
Insurance for members
Ability to pay benefits
SMSF assets must be kept separate from personal or business assets at all times.
Trustees must keep:
Financial records
Minutes and resolutions
Member statements
Investment strategy reviews
Records for 5–10 years
Provide assistance with the establishment of a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund, including:
Explaining available trustee structures and their administrative and compliance implications
Establishing the SMSF trust deed
Registering the SMSF with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for ABN and TFN purposes
Coordinating corporate trustee setup and ongoing ASIC compliance requirements, where applicable
Provide accounting and taxation services for SMSFs, including:
Preparation of annual financial statements
Preparation and lodgement of the SMSF Annual Return
Calculation of taxation liabilities and compliance with superannuation tax laws
Liaison with an independent, approved SMSF auditor
Assistance with ATO correspondence, reviews, and compliance matters
Provide general information and compliance support only, including:
General information about trustee obligations under superannuation and taxation legislation
Assistance with the preparation and maintenance of compliance documents (including investment strategy documentation) from a regulatory and tax compliance perspective only
Administrative support to ensure ongoing regulatory obligations are met
Important limitation on advice (regulatory disclosure):
AdvisorCorp is a registered tax and accounting services provider
We do not provide personal financial product advice, investment advice, or recommendations about the acquisition, disposal, or suitability of specific investments
Any information provided is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs
Independent financial advice:
Trustees are responsible for all investment decisions of the SMSF
Before establishing an SMSF or implementing any investment strategy, clients should obtain independent advice from a licensed financial adviser holding an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL)
AdvisorCorp may work collaboratively with your appointed financial adviser to ensure the SMSF’s structure, accounting, and taxation treatment align with the adviser’s recommendations, while maintaining compliance with applicable laws