Set Up An SMSF
Your SMSF. Set up properly from the start.
Thinking about establishing a self-managed super fund (SMSF)? An SMSF comes with important decisions, responsibilities and legal requirements. This page provides general information about how SMSFs operate and explains how we can help with the establishment process if you decide to proceed. At Freedom Financial Partners, our role is to make the practical side of setting up your SMSF as straightforward as possible. We coordinate the establishment process, prepare the required documentation, keep things moving and let you know what’s happening along the way.
What is an SMSF?
An SMSF is a private superannuation fund managed by its trustees. The trustees are responsible for the operation of the fund and for ensuring it complies with superannuation and taxation laws. Subject to superannuation law, an SMSF may invest in a range of permitted investments, including shares, property, precious metals and other asset classes. With an SMSF, the trustees also take on important legal, administrative and compliance responsibilities.
Important: This website contains general information only. It is not personal financial advice and should not be relied upon as a recommendation to establish an SMSF. Before deciding whether an SMSF is appropriate for your circumstances, you should consider obtaining advice from an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licensee.
What we do.
If you decide to establish an SMSF, we can assist with the administrative process of getting your fund established. This includes:
- completing the SMSF establishment paperwork
- establishing a corporate trustee, if required
- obtaining an ABN and TFN
- assisting with the establishment of an SMSF bank account
- preparing rollover documentation
- guiding you through the establishment process
Our team coordinates the process, keeps things moving and lets you know what’s required from you at each stage.
How long does it take?
Provided all requested information is supplied promptly, you should generally allow:
- 1–2 days for the required AML/CTF onboarding process before we can accept your order.
- 4–6 weeks from receipt of your completed order until your superannuation funds are received into the SMSF bank account.
Some stages of the process involve external organisations, so actual timeframes can vary.
What does it cost?
We believe in being upfront about fees, so you know the costs involved before you proceed.
One-off establishment
- SMSF establishment: $2,900 + GST
- ASIC company registration: $636 (if a corporate trustee is required; ASIC fee charged at cost)
Ongoing annual fees
Ongoing accounting, compliance and audit services are provided by our referral partner.
- Accounting & compliance: $1,990 / $2,495 / $3,495 (depending on assets and complexity)
- Audit: $575–$1,100 (depending on complexity)
- ASIC annual review fee: $70 (2026 fee, no GST)
- ASIC registered agent service: $440 (optional)
Establishment and ongoing fees may generally be paid by the SMSF, subject to superannuation law.
There’s a lot to understand before establishing an SMSF. Our SMSF Setup FAQs cover the questions we’re most often asked about trustees, structures, costs, investments, rollovers, bank accounts, responsibilities and what happens after your fund is established.
Questions about setting up an SMSF?
Want more information? Get our SMSF Setup Guide.
Our SMSF Setup Guide brings together practical information about the establishment process, costs, timeframes, trustee responsibilities and what to expect along the way.
Ready to proceed?
Ready to set up your SMSF? If you’ve considered your circumstances and decided to establish an SMSF, our team can help with the administrative process of getting your fund established.
Have questions about the process?
Every SMSF is a little different, and it’s normal to have questions before you get started. If you’d like to talk it through with our team first, book a free setup consult and we’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions and help you understand what’s involved.