Self-managed superannuation
Manage Your Own Super with Expert-Led SMSF Setup & Compliance
From structure and investment strategy to admin, reporting, and audit prep. Arbour Advisory guides you through every phase of SMSF ownership.
What is an SMSF, and should I consider setting one up?
A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is a private retirement fund you manage yourself as a trustee. You control how it’s run, what you invest in, and how your retirement savings grow.
SMSFs suit individuals who want direct control over investment strategy, including property, shares, and hybrid assets. But they come with strict compliance obligations under the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Arbour Advisory helps you assess whether an SMSF is suitable for your financial goals, risk profile, and administrative capacity. Control is valuable, but it must be paired with expertise.
How do I set up an SMSF legally and correctly in Australia?
Setting up an SMSF involves more than filling out forms. Arbour Advisory guides you through every compliance step to make sure your fund is recognised by the ATO:
- Choose your trustee structure – corporate (recommended) or individual
- Create a compliant trust deed – sets the fund’s legal foundation
- Register for an ABN, TFN, and ATO-compliant status
- Open a dedicated SMSF bank account
- Enable SuperStream for rollovers and contributions
- Implement your accounting software (Class or BGL)
- Prepare your initial investment strategy
We ensure all registrations, strategy documents, and bank setup meet ATO standards from day one.
Can I use my SMSF to invest in property, shares, or both?
Yes, but every investment must meet the ATO’s “sole purpose test”, meaning it’s strictly for your retirement benefit.
With an SMSF, you can:
- Buy residential or commercial property (including via Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements – LRBA)
- Invest in Australian and international shares
- Build hybrid portfolios of ETFs, term deposits, property, and managed funds
However, personal use of SMSF-owned property or buying assets from related parties is prohibited. Arbour Advisory structures your investment path to meet both your goals and compliance obligations.
What SMSF administration and compliance reporting do you manage?
SMSFs have extensive annual obligations, and Arbour Advisory handles all of them on your behalf:
- SMSF Annual Return (SAR)
- Financial statements
- TBAR (Transfer Balance Account Reporting)
- BAS or IAS if required
- Record-keeping and minute documentation
- Coordination of annual independent audit (ASIC-registered)
- Ongoing support with ATO queries or compliance checks
We use Class Super or BGL to automate secure reporting, maintain an audit trail, and give you on-demand visibility over fund performance.
How do I make sure my SMSF stays compliant and audit-ready?
ATO scrutiny of SMSFs is increasing, especially around investment strategy, trustee behavior, and drawdown compliance.
Arbour Advisory reduces your compliance risk with:
- A fixed-fee model tied to defined services and a transparent scope
- Annual compliance calendars to track key deadlines and obligations
- Audit file preparation and real-time alerts if strategy, members, or assets change
- Support for rectifying breaches or managing fund wind-up
Every fund we manage is reviewed with audit-readiness in mind. You’ll always know what’s due, and we’ll make sure it’s covered.
Who typically benefits from our SMSF services?
Our clients range from first-time trustees to experienced professionals managing multimillion-dollar portfolios. Common scenarios include:
- Individuals seeking control over property or share investments
- Professionals wanting tax-efficient retirement options
- Small business owners consolidating super into a flexible structure
- Pre-retirees preparing for pension phase drawdowns
- High-income earners needing diversification outside industry super
Each fund is set up with your goals, risk tolerance, and asset mix in mind, not a generic template.
What’s included in your SMSF setup and admin service package?
Arbour Advisory offers a full-service SMSF package built to ATO standards and backed by practical experience:
- Compliant trust deed
- Corporate trustee setup via ASIC (or individual if preferred)
- ABN, TFN, and ATO registration
- SuperStream activation and contribution pathways
- SMSF bank account guidance
- Investment strategy aligned with your risk profile
- Class Super or BGL system configuration
- Full year-round admin, reporting, and audit prep
- Ongoing access to SMSF compliance and structural advice
We’re not a bulk processing shop. Every fund receives tailored attention with direct access to experienced advisors.
Why choose Arbour Advisory to manage your SMSF?
Arbour Advisory isn’t a general accounting firm. We’re a compliance-led, outcome-focused advisory group built for Australians who want full control of their retirement strategy.
- ATO-registered agents with SMSF experience
- No product sales. We don’t push investments
- We integrate with your licensed planner or stay within tax scope
- Class/BGL software used for scalable, audit-friendly reporting
- Transparent pricing, fixed-fee model with no commission conflicts
- Support for property investment, pension phase, and hybrid portfolios
Your SMSF deserves more than template support. We provide the structure, oversight, and reporting muscle to manage it properly.
Ready to take control of your super?
Arbour Advisory manages every step, from deed and trustee setup to investment structure, reporting, and audit prep. Whether you’re starting from scratch or transitioning from another provider, we give you confidence, clarity, and compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (SMSF Services)
What is the minimum to start an SMSF?
There’s no legal minimum, but most trustees start with $150,000+ to cover fees and diversify effectively.
Can I buy a house using my SMSF?
Only if it meets the sole purpose test and isn’t used by you or related parties. It must be an investment property.
Do I need a corporate trustee?
A corporate trustee offers better succession and compliance flexibility, and is often preferred for new SMSFs.
Can I set up an SMSF without financial advice?
You can handle the admin with a specialist like Arbour Advisory, but product suitability advice requires an AFS-licensed financial planner.
How often adoes n SMSF need auditing?
Every year by an ASIC-registered, independent auditor, Arbour Advisory coordinates this as part of our service.
Is running an SMSF expensive?
Annual costs typically range from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on asset complexity, audit needs, and platform use.
What reports does my SMSF need?
At minimum: SAR (SMSF Annual Return), TBAR, financials, trustee minutes, and asset revaluations when relevant.
Can I have both a retail super and an SMSF?
Yes, though contributions will count toward your total caps. Arbour Advisory helps you manage rollovers and reporting correctly.
What happens if I breach SMSF rules?
The ATO can issue fines or make the fund non-compliant. Arbour Advisory assists with breach rectification and reporting to limit exposure.
How does the pension phase work in an SMSF?
Once eligible, you can start drawing a retirement income. Arbour Advisory manages your transition and minimum drawdown tracking.
Resources for Arborists
Read our latest guides written specifically for tree care businesses:
- The Complete Guide to Accounting for Arborists
- EOFY Checklist for Arborist Businesses: Everything to Prepare Before June 30
- Seasonal Income Planning: How Arborists Can Use Tax to Smooth Cash Flow
Real Results: SMSF Case Studies
Case Study 1: Consolidating Retail Funds into SMSF
Client: Arborist business owner, 48 years old, $180,000 across 3 retail super funds
Challenge: Paying 1.8% average fees in retail funds. Limited investment control. Wanted to consolidate and invest in commercial property.
SMSF Setup:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Trust deed and corporate trustee | $1,800 |
| Initial compliance setup | $1,200 |
| Rollover coordination | Included |
| Total Setup | $3,000 |
Ongoing Costs vs Retail Fund:
| Cost Type | SMSF | Retail Funds |
|---|---|---|
| Annual administration | $2,200 | $2,700 |
| Annual audit | $550 | N/A |
| Total Annual | $2,750 | $3,240 |
Results (After 2 Years):
- Annual fee savings: $490
- Purchased commercial property: $420,000 using LRBA
- Rental yield: 6.2%
- Super balance growth: 18%
- Full control over investment decisions
Case Study 2: Business Property into Super
Client: Husband (arborist owner, 52) and wife (part-time, 49), combined super $320,000
Challenge: Paying $42,000/year rent for business premises. Wanted to own property and lease to own business.
Solution:
- Two-member SMSF established
- Purchased industrial unit: $485,000
- SMSF contribution: $320,000 (rolled over)
- LRBA loan: $165,000 (5-year term)
- Business leases property at market rent
Results:
- Rent now builds their retirement (not landlord’s)
- Business claims rent as tax deduction
- SMSF rental income taxed at 15% (vs up to 47% personally)
- Property capital growth retained in super
- Loan cleared before retirement age
“We were paying $3,500/month rent to someone else. Now that money goes into our super and we’ll own the property outright by retirement.”
Case Study 3: Catch-Up Contributions Before Business Sale
Client: Arborist business owner, 58, planning to sell in 5-7 years, super balance $280,000
Challenge: Behind on retirement savings. Needed to maximise contributions and prepare for business sale proceeds.
Contribution Strategy:
| Year | Concessional | Catch-up | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $27,500 | $45,000 | $72,500 |
| Years 2-5 | $27,500/yr | — | $110,000 |
| 5-Year Total | $182,500 in contributions | ||
Projected Outcomes:
- Super at 65 (before sale): $580,000+
- CGT 15-year exemption on business sale: Confirmed eligible
- Additional super contribution from sale: Up to $500,000
- Projected super at 65 (with sale): $900,000+
SMSF vs Retail Super Fund Comparison
| Factor | SMSF | Retail Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Investment control | Full control – choose any investment | Limited to fund’s options |
| Property investment | Can buy residential or commercial | Generally not available |
| Business real property | Can lease to your own business | Not possible |
| Annual fees ($200k balance) | ~$2,750 | ~$3,000-4,000 |
| Annual fees ($500k balance) | ~$2,750 | ~$5,000-7,500 |
| Setup cost | $2,500-3,500 | Free |
| Time commitment | Moderate (trustee duties) | Minimal |
| Insurance | Arrange separately (often cheaper) | Usually included |
| Best for | Balances over $200k, hands-on investors | Smaller balances, set-and-forget |
SMSF FAQs
What’s the minimum super balance for an SMSF?
There’s no legal minimum, but SMSFs become cost-effective at around $200,000+ in combined member balances. Below this, the fixed annual costs ($2,500-3,000) represent too high a percentage of your balance compared to retail fund fees.
Can I buy property in my SMSF?
Yes. SMSFs can purchase residential or commercial property, including using borrowed funds (LRBA). For business owners, you can purchase business premises and lease them to your own business at market rent – a powerful wealth-building strategy.
How much time does running an SMSF take?
With professional administration (like we provide), trustees typically spend 2-4 hours per year on SMSF matters – mainly reviewing investment strategy and signing annual documents. Day-to-day transactions and compliance are handled by your administrator.
What are the risks of an SMSF?
Key risks include: compliance penalties if rules aren’t followed, concentration risk if investments aren’t diversified, and trustee liability for decisions. Professional advice and administration significantly reduces these risks.
Complete Financial Services for Business Owners
Your SMSF is part of a broader financial strategy. Explore our related services:
- Tax Compliance – Personal and business tax obligations managed
- Outsourced Finance Function – Business bookkeeping and financial management
- Growth Advisory – Build business value alongside personal wealth
- Business Benchmarking – Understand how your business performs