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Step-by-step guide: How to set up a self-managed super fund in Australia

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Thinking about taking control of your retirement savings? This is your plain-English guide on  how to set up an SMSF in Australia . Whether you're comparing providers or just starting research on  SMSF Australia , here you'll find the essential  SMSF set up guideline   – what needs to be done, when, and why it matters. The  SMSF establishment process  can look complicated from the outside. But if you follow the steps in order and stay compliant, it's manageable. And while you can do much of the groundwork yourself, remember – an experienced  SMSF accountant or SMSF tax consultant   can save you from costly reporting mistakes that could invite ATO penalties. Before you jump into the process, it helps to understand what really goes into creating a compliant fund. Setting up an SMSF isn't just about forms and registrations. It's about structure, timing, and ongoing responsibility. Every decision – right from the type of trustee you choose to the way ...
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Corporate trustee vs individual trustee: which structure is right for your SMSF?

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  Every  Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF)  needs trustees. That’s how the  Australian Taxation Office (ATO)  recognises who controls and manages the fund. But before you start, there’s one important choice to make – whether your  SMSF  will have a corporate trustee or individual trustees.  Both structures are accepted by the  ATO . They do the same job – managing the fund for its members – but they differ in cost, flexibility, and long-term management. Picking the right one can save you time, money, and effort in the future. Understanding the two structures People often think setting up an  SMSF  is all about investments and returns. It’s not. It starts with structure. That one decision shapes everything that follows – how you sign documents, how the ATO sees you, how you sleep at night when paperwork piles up. Now, with individual trustees, it’s pretty straightforward. Each member of the fund is also a trustee (there are special rule...
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Australia-wide SMSF Accountant — qualified and licensed

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  Managing a  Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF)  isn’t just about numbers. It’s about compliance, clarity, and long-term control over your retirement savings. If you’re an accounting firm, tax agent, or SMSF administrator, you already know this. But what really makes the job easier — and safer — is working with a  qualified and licensed  SMSF accountant  who can  support clients Australia-wide . Whether your client base is local, regional, or spread across the country, you want an  Australia-wide  SMSF accountant  who understands the rules, keeps up with  ATO  updates, and handles everything with precision. That’s exactly what we do. Licensed to work, trusted to deliver Not all  SMSF accountants  are the same. You want someone who is registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB), meets  ATO  licensing requirements, and can legally prepare and lodge SMSF returns. That’s the bare minimum. A  licensed ...
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What sets great SMSF accounting apart: Winning trust in a competitive market

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  Most  SMSF  providers say they offer great service. But what does “great” even mean when it comes to  SMSF accounting ? If you’re managing a  Self-Managed Super Fund  — whether you’re the trustee or the professional behind the scenes — you already know the stakes.  SMSF  is a complex structure. The compliance requirements are strict. One error can set off a domino of  ATO  headaches, fines, or worse. In this environment, trust becomes currency. Clients stay with you not because you promise results, but because you deliver clarity, consistency, and zero surprises. Let’s talk about what separates good  SMSF accounting  from great — and why trust is the real product you selling. Why trust matters in SMSF accounting This isn’t regular bookkeeping.  SMSF  accounting means handling a mix of compliance, audits, taxes, asset tracking, and lodgements. The wrong partner can leave gaps that cost money or bring unwanted attenti...
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How SMSFs are taxed in Australia

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  Like any other entity in Australia  SMSFs  pay tax on taxable income. SMSFs assessable income comprises of: Assessable contributions Interest or dividend payments Rent payment from property Capital gains In  Australian SMSF tax  rate is set at 15% in the accumulation phase with assets held more than one year get 1/3rd discount and once the fund is in the pension phase by following transfer balance cap rules taxed NIL. Highest marginal tax rate of 45% apply to non-arm’s length income or non-complying funds. Determining if the contribution made by fund members are assessable or not Whether a contribution becomes part of the assessable income of the fund or not depends on if the contribution is concessional or non-concessional. Concessional contribution includes employer contributions or member contributions where they are claiming deduction for that amount in their personal tax return. S290–170 notice needs to be completed for this deduction to be claimed. Conce...
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