Your SMSF Handbook – everything you need to know about self-managed superannuation.
What’s inside
A clear, plain-English walkthrough of self-managed super.
Written by the SMSF specialists who help administer thousands of funds across Australia.
01
SMSF Basics
A self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) is a super fund where you’re in control. You’re not only a member but also a trustee – you choose the investment strategy and manage the investments.
- What is an SMSF?
- Is an SMSF right for you? (with a balance-vs-cost-effectiveness table)
- How much does an SMSF cost to run?
- Key considerations – eligibility and responsibilities
02
SMSF Structures
An SMSF is a trust so it must have trustees – either a corporate trustee or at least two individual trustees. Trustees make sure the fund operates as required by its governing rules and superannuation legislation.
- Types of trustees – individual vs. corporate
- Succession, ownership of fund assets, asset protection, penalties and costs compared
03
Investments
SMSF trustees decide the fund’s investment strategy and choose the individual investments to implement that strategy. Investments are normally divided into asset classes.
- Types of investments – fixed interest, cash, equities, property and other assets
- Hedge funds, commodities, currencies, artworks and collectables
- Digital assets including cryptocurrency
- Precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum
04
Contributions, Benefits + Tax
Superannuation is a tax-advantaged arrangement – concessions are available when contributions are made, the income on the fund’s investments is taxed concessionally, and lump sums or pensions can be taxed at low rates or tax-free.
- Accepting contributions – who, how, and the rules trustees need to check
- Paying lump sums and pensions – including transition to retirement and binding death benefit nominations
- Taxation matters – income tax, earnings tax, and accessing your SMSF
05
Professional support from SuperConcepts
SuperConcepts provides the support you need to run your SMSF. We take away the burden of paperwork and let you focus on the important job of investing and preparing for the retirement you want.
- We’ll help you get set up – fund establishment, government registrations, investment providers
- We’ll keep you up to date – 24/7 dashboard access and alerts when there’s something you need to do
- We’ll take care of the paperwork – reconciliation, tax returns and compliance reporting
- Ongoing fund administration, dedicated client service manager, and monthly trustee webinars
SMSF market snapshot
Australian’s are taking control of their super in record numbers – and they’re starting earlier than ever
Establishing and running a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) is an important financial decision. At SuperConcepts we provide the education, tools and support you need to establish and maintain your fund.
Sources: ATO SMSF quarterly statistical reports; SuperConcepts internal data. (Compliance to confirm exact figures before publishing.)
Why listen to us
We’ve been simplifying
SMSFs for over 40 years.
Today we administer around 8,000 funds – making us one of Australia’s largest SMSF administrators – and we’re the company that other SMSF specialists, accountants and advisers trust to power their own practices.
260+ data-fed institutions
24/7 online dashboard
Dedicated client service manager
Monthly trustee webinars