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.
Key takeaways
SMSF accountant fees in Australia vary widely depending on fund complexity and provider structure.
Trustees are responsible for compliance, reporting, and audits, which makes professional SMSF accounting support essential.
Factors like fund structure, number of members, investments, and transaction volume directly influence annual fees.
CleanSlate offers fixed-fee SMSF accounting packages starting from $990 per year.
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 fixed - fee SMSF packages
At CleanSlate, we offer fixed-fee SMSF packages that cover both setup and annual accounting requirements. Here’s how our pricing works:
Annual accounting and admin fee:
From $990 per year (ex GST), covering:
- 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
- Simple SMSF: $450 (ex GST)
- With a corporate trustee: $1,320 (ex GST)
- With property investment: $2,375 (ex GST)
Following is covered as part of our SMSF set up process:
- Providing SMSF trust deed and trustee company registration
- Help with opening a bank account for the SMSF
- Help with the roll-over of the funds.
At CleanSlate, we ensure you know exactly what to expect in fees, with no hidden charges. Our fixed pricing covers everything you need to keep your SMSF compliant.
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.
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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.
FAQs
1. Do I need an accountant to set up an SMSF?
It is not a legal requirement to have an accountant set up an SMSF, but most trustees choose to. An accountant helps with the trust deed, registrations, and compliance obligations, making sure the fund starts off correctly and avoids costly errors.
2. Can SMSF accountant fees be claimed as a tax deduction?
Yes. Accounting, audit, and tax lodgement fees are generally deductible expenses for a complying SMSF. These costs fall under operating or tax-related expenses, as outlined by the ATO in its SMSF deductible expenses page. Claiming them properly helps reduce the overall cost of managing the fund.
How much does it cost to run an SMSF each year with an accountant?
Annual SMSF accounting costs often range between $1,500 and $3,000, with complex funds exceeding $5,000. Our fixed annual packages start from $990 per year (ex GST). We cover your accounting, tax lodgement, and audit management without hidden extras.
What is the average accounting fee for setting up an SMSF?
The average setup fee for an SMSF in Australia ranges from $400 to over $2,000, depending on the structure. Our SMSF setup packages start from $450 (ex GST), with fixed pricing that covers the trust deed, registrations, and compliance essentials.
Is there a low-cost SMSF accountant option available?
Yes. CleanSlate provides one of the most affordable fixed-fee SMSF accountant packages in Australia, starting from $990 annually. This gives trustees reliable compliance support at a predictable cost.
