SMSF Setup & Management
Direct Control Over Your Retirement
Self Managed Super Funds give you direct control over your retirement investments. You choose where the money goes. You decide the investment strategy. You have complete control over the assets in the fund's name.
Why Clients Choose SMSFs
Insurance Through Superannuation
Most people who establish SMSFs are business owners, professionals, or property investors who want investment options that industry and retail funds simply can't provide.
They're looking for greater control and to leverage strategic opportunities that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
One of the most compelling strategic options: Property investment.
SMSFs can purchase residential or commercial property directly. Your industry or retail superfund won't allow this. For professionals with substantial super balances, the ability to buy property via super opens up significant wealth-building opportunities.
The Tax Advantages
Here's what makes property investment through super attractive:
During accumulation phase
Rental income taxed at 15% (vs your marginal rate of potentially 37-45%)
Capital gains taxed at 10% if held more than 12 months
In pension phase (typically from age 60 if retired)
Rental income: 0% tax
Capital gains: 0% tax
Pension withdrawals: tax-free
For professionals earning $180,000+ annually, these tax advantages compound significantly. The difference between paying 37-45% tax on investment income versus 15% (or 0% in pension phase) creates substantial wealth accumulation benefits.
Is an SMSF Right for You?
Generally speaking, SMSFs make economic sense once your super balance reaches $180,000 to $250,000. Below this, setup and ongoing administration costs may outweigh benefits.
SMSFs suit people who:
Want direct control over investment decisions
Are considering strategic investment opportunities i.e. direct property ownership.
Have sufficient super balance to justify costs
Understand the compliance requirements
Are ambitious in their wealth building journey.
Key considerations:
Time commitment: You're responsible for compliance as trustee
Ongoing costs: Annual audits, financial statements, tax returns
Investment knowledge: You need to understand the investments you're making
Compliance requirements: Strict rules around transactions and fund purpose
Property Investment Through SMSFs
The most popular SMSF strategy involves property investment using Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements. This allows your SMSF to borrow money to purchase property while maintaining compliance with super and tax law.
How it works:
Your SMSF borrows under a limited recourse arrangement
Borrowed funds purchase an investment property
Property title held in separate trust until loan repaid called a bare trust
Rental income services the loan
Once repaid, property title transfers fully to your SMSF
Key restrictions:
Maximum loan-to-value ratio typically 70-80%
Property must be a single acquirable asset
Borrowed funds only for property purchase (not renovations)
Property cannot be lived in by members or related parties
The SMSF Setup Process
Establishing an SMSF typically takes 4-6 weeks:
1. Suitability assessment: We evaluate whether an SMSF aligns with your strategy
2. Trust deed preparation: Legal document establishing the fund
3. Trustee structure: Individual trustees or corporate trustee
4. Regulatory registrations: ABN, TFN, ATO registration
5. Bank account setup: Establishing the fund's bank account
6. Investment strategy: Documenting your fund's investment approach
7. Rollovers: Transferring existing super into your SMSF
8. Compliance framework: Setting up audit and administration processes
Ongoing Compliance Requirements
Once operational, SMSFs have ongoing obligations:
Annual requirements:
Independent audit by approved SMSF auditor
Financial statements and tax return
Annual member statements
Investment strategy review
Trustee meeting minutes
We coordinate these requirements through specialist SMSF administrators and auditors, ensuring everything is handled correctly while you focus on your investment strategy.
How We Help With SMSFs
1. Initial Assessment: We evaluate whether an SMSF makes sense for your circumstances. Not everyone benefits from an SMSF and we're upfront about when it's appropriate.
2. Complete Setup: We coordinate the entire establishment process, working with experienced SMSF specialists to ensure your fund is structured correctly from day one.
3. Ongoing Support: Once operational, we provide compliance coordination and strategic advice to ensure you remain compliant while building retirement wealth.
Taking the Next Step: How Summit Financial Planning Can Help
If you're considering an SMSF, the first step is a strategy session to discuss whether it aligns with your retirement objectives.
We'll assess your super balance, investment goals, and circumstances to determine if an SMSF makes sense.
Book a consultation to explore whether an SMSF is right for your retirement strategy.
At Summit Financial Planning, we excel in precise financial management tailored to your needs. Contact us today for expert assistance.
Summit Financial Planning ABN 28 856 289 615 is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFSL No. 229892 ABN 23 065 921 735.
Jeremy Douglas is an Authorised Representative (ASIC NO. 001238064) of Lifespan Financial Planning AFSL No. 229892.
The purpose of this website is to provide general information only and the contents of this website do not purport to provide personal financial advice. Summit Financial Planning strongly recommends that investors consult a financial adviser prior to making any investment decision.
The contents of this website do not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any person and should not be used as the basis for making any financial or other decisions.
The information is selective and may not be complete or accurate for your particular purposes and should not be construed as a recommendation to invest in any particular product, investment or security. The information provided on this website is given in good faith and is believed to be accurate at the time of compilation.
You should obtain a copy of the PDS and Target Market Determination relating to the product and consider it before making any decision to acquire the product.
The information on this site, including the site source code is the property of Summit Financial Planning and is subject to Copyright © 2025. Unauthorised use of the information on this website is not permitted. Copyright in the information contained in this site subsists under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) and, through international treaties, the laws of many other countries. It is owned by Summit Financial Planning unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved. You may download a single copy of this document and, where necessary for its use as a reference, make a single hard copy. Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) or other applicable laws, no part of this publication may be otherwise reproduced, adapted, performed in public or transmitted in any form by any process without the specific written consent of Summit Financial Planning.