What are the average SMSF accountant fees in Australia?

Introduction:

SMSF accounting fees in Australia vary significantly depending on the provider and the complexity of the fund. While some firms offer low-cost annual packages for simpler SMSFs, others may charge several thousand dollars per year, particularly when the fund includes property, multiple members, or more complex investment strategies.

For many trustees, these price differences can create uncertainty around whether they’re getting fair value for the services provided. In this blog post, we break down the typical fees charged by SMSF accountants across the industry and compare them with CleanSlate SMSF Accounting’s fixed-fee packages.

Our goal is to give trustees a clearer understanding of where CleanSlate stands in the market and how predictable, transparent pricing offers peace of mind without compromising on quality.

What does an SMSF accountant do?

Before we get into the costs, it’s important to understand what an SMSF accountant in Australia does and why their role matters.

Running your own self-managed super fund (SMSF) isn’t just about choosing investments. As a trustee, you are responsible for meeting strict compliance, reporting, and tax obligations set by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). That’s where an SMSF accountant becomes a valuable support partner.

An SMSF accountant is a qualified professional who helps ensure your fund remains compliant, accurate, and properly reported. An accountant generally helps you to:

• Prepare the fund’s annual financial statements
• Manage the independent audit process
• Lodge the SMSF’s annual tax return with the ATO
• Advise on compliance and regulatory obligations
• Assist with contributions, rollovers, and investment property reporting

By handling the technical and compliance aspects of your SMSF, an accountant gives you peace of mind and helps reduce the risk of costly errors or penalties.

Factors that influence SMSF accountant fees

Not all SMSFs are the same, which is why fees vary across the industry.

Key drivers of cost include:

• Fund structure – simple SMSFs with only listed assets usually cost less.
• Investments – property or borrowing arrangements increase accounting work.
• Number of members – more members mean more transactions to manage.
• Transaction volume – frequent rollovers, contributions, or withdrawals add complexity.

By understanding these factors, trustees can better evaluate the price quoted by different providers.

Average SMSF accountant fees in Australia vs CleanSlate fixed pricing

Across Australia, SMSF accountant fees can vary widely depending on the complexity of the fund and the type of services included. Many providers charge on a variable basis, meaning the cost rises as your fund structure becomes more involved. Typical market ranges for SMSF accounting fees look like this:

• Simple funds (bank accounts or listed shares): $1,200 – $1,800 per year.
• Funds with property or pension phase: $2,500 – $3,500 per year.
• Complex funds (multiple properties, overseas assets, or borrowings): $4,000 – $6,000+ per year.

These ranges highlight the unpredictability of SMSF fees, making it difficult for trustees to plan their annual expenses. Many trustees find that as their fund grows in complexity, so do the costs, leading to unexpected increases in accounting fees.

CleanSlate’s SMSF accounting fees

Our SMSF accounting fixed fee packages start at just $990 per year (excluding GST). You will get all-inclusive services, including financial statements, tax lodgement, audits, and continuous compliance support, all for one fixed price. No surprises, no hidden costs, just pricing that keeps your SMSF on track.

What’s included in our SMSF fixed -fees packages?

Here is the detailed breakdown of what’s included in our SMSF accounting and setup services. Our team expertly manages all the tasks to ensure your fund operates efficiently and remains fully compliant.

Annual accounting and admin fee:

• Preparation of your SMSF’s annual financial statements
• Completion and lodgement of the SMSF annual tax return with the ATO
• Full coordination of the independent audit (no extra admin fees)
• Year-round support for ATO compliance queries related to your accounts and tax lodgement
• Review of year-end records to ensure the fund meets all reporting obligations

SMSF setup fees

• SMSF trust deed & trustee company registration
• Help with opening a bank account for the SMSF
• Roll-over of funds assistance

New SMSF? Here’s what you need to do by 31 October

If you have set up a new Self-Managed Super Fund, your first annual return (SAR) is due by 31st October in the same year it was established. Lodging on time is important, as delays may lead to penalties.

By working with CleanSlate SMSF Accountants, you gain access to the ATO’s extended lodgment program. This gives most new SMSFs until 28 February of the following year instead of the standard October deadline.

And here’s what our accountants will do for you:

• Prepare your SMSF accounts and ensure all assets are valued correctly
• Manage the audit process and address any compliance issues
• Lodge your annual return with the ATO as registered tax agents
• Track deadlines and ongoing obligations like the supervisory levy
• Provide continued guidance on rollovers, contributions, and property reporting

By engaging us, you don’t just meet deadlines, you gain peace of mind knowing your SMSF is fully compliant and supported from the very first year.

Why choose CleanSlate SMSF accounting services?

When it comes to SMSF accountant services, cost matters, but so does trust and reliability. At CleanSlate, we combine competitive pricing with years of experience in SMSF compliance and reporting, giving you confidence that your fund is in safe hands.

• Experienced Team: Our accountants specialise in SMSFs and understand the unique compliance rules that apply to trustees.
• Peace of Mind: We keep your fund accurate and compliant, reducing the risk of penalties or ATO scrutiny.
• Time Back: By managing the accounting and audit process for you, we free up your time to focus on investment decisions.
• Ongoing Guidance: From setup through to annual lodgements, we support you at every stage of managing your SMSF.

Contact us today to get started with an SMSF accounting service that combines affordability, compliance, and experience.