SMSF vs Industry Super
Cost Calculator
Compare the true annual cost of running a Self-Managed Super Fund against an industry fund. Find the balance where an SMSF starts to make financial sense.
| Cost Item | SMSF | Industry Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Audit fee | $700 | — |
| Accounting / tax | $2,500 | — |
| ASIC levy | $518 | — |
| Other admin | $500 | — |
| Investment / MER fees | — | $2,345 |
| Flat admin fee | — | $78 |
| Total | $4,218 | $2,423 |
Is an SMSF worth it? The real cost comparison
Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) offer control and flexibility, but they come with a fixed cost structure that only makes financial sense above a certain balance. The ATO recommends a minimum balance of around $200,000–$500,000 before an SMSF becomes cost-competitive, though the exact number depends on the fees you negotiate.
What does it cost to run an SMSF?
The typical SMSF running costs in Australia include an annual audit (required by law, typically $500–$1,500), accounting and tax return preparation ($1,500–$4,000 for most accountants), the ASIC supervisory levy (currently $518 for most SMSFs), and any additional administration or software costs. Total annual costs typically fall between $3,000–$8,000 per year for a straightforward fund.
How do industry fund fees work?
Industry super funds typically charge a percentage-based investment fee (MER) plus a flat administration fee. For large funds like Australian Super or Hostplus, the balanced option MER is typically 0.55–0.85%. As your balance grows, this percentage fee grows with it — which is why SMSFs become cost-competitive at higher balances.
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