What does it really cost to run your self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF)?

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) published a fact sheet showing the average annual cost of having a SMSF is $13,900. Since this publication the SMSF Association in conjunction with software provider Class, have suggested:

• Over 75% of SMSFs have expenses that are below the $13,900 figure
• Funds with expenses of $13,900 or more generally had assets of over $2,300,000
• The median cost of running an SMSF was $6,800, which is half the cost stated by ASIC

Source: Opinion piece written by CEO of SMSF Association, John Maroney.

Therefore SMSF expenses can be considerably lower than the suggestions by ASIC. This does not necessarily suggest that an SMSF will be an appropriate or cost effective structure for all. There are instances where a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund is a viable strategy with balances under $500,000 however specialist advice should be obtained for your personal circumstances.

ASIC also suggest that SMSFs with balances under $500,000 have lower returns after expenses compared to other retail and industry superannuation Funds. This is backed up by the findings in the ATO Property commission. SMSFs are best suited for those with a unique investment strategy that cannot be achieved within a retail or industry superannuation fund. This may include property investment, direct commodities, currency or very large cash holdings.