Self Managed Superannuation Fund Accountants Sydney & Sutherland Shire

Why Would You Want a Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF)?

For many people, super feels distant and out of their control. You get a statement once or twice a year, the numbers go up and down, and you’re not always sure why.

A Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is for people who:

• Want more control over where their retirement savings are invested
• Prefer to choose their own investments (like property, specific shares, or term deposits)
• Like transparency and want to clearly see what they own and how it’s performing
• Want to pool super with a spouse or family to create a larger investment balance
• Care about tax planning and long‑term wealth transfer to their family

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could use my super to buy a property,” or “I’d like to be more hands-on with my investments,” an SMSF might be worth considering.

We help everyday people across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire decide whether an SMSF is right for them and, if it is, set it up and keep it compliant.

SMSF Investment Strategy

We assist clients across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire establish their own Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) which allows clients to have direct control over their retirement investment strategy.

Our team of Financial Advisors can assist with ongoing advice, management and compliance services for your Self-Managed Super Fund. We can also structure your plan to have other estate planning requirements with your insurances, business and personal life cycle, and your preference for a suitable balance between “tax effective” outcomes and the need for control of outcomes.

What is a Self Managed Super Fund?

Self Managed Super Fund’s are funds usually established by an individual or family as a means to managing their own super savings. This involves actively getting involved with the fund, research and monitoring the funds normally with the assistance of your Financial Advisor.

Many people choose to manage their superannuation through this platform which sees all trustees responsible for the selection and management of the funds investment strategy.

As trustees (all members are trustees), you’re responsible for:

• Investment decisions
• Research and monitoring (with advisor support)
• Compliance with superannuation and tax laws (governed by the ATO)
• Unlike industry or retail funds, SMSFs give you hands-on control over your retirement future.

Benefits of a Self Managed Super Fund?

1. Investment choice

Self Managed Super Funds provide a wide range of different investment options. Trustees can choose shares, cash accounts, term deposits, income investment options, property and other investment opportunities.

Another flexible option that SMSF provide is the ability to borrow from your own fund for investment purposes.

2. Flexibility

Having your own SMSF allows you to actively adjust your investment portfolio as market conditions change or your personal circumstances change.

3. Transparency

SMSF platforms have real time reporting and analysis that you can access from your own personal log in details. You can review your investment and monitor in your own time and have complete visibility on where your money is invested and the performance of your fund.

4. Pooling Options

Having a SMSF allows you as a trustee to combine your partners superannuation into the one fund to consolidate multiple funds to create a larger investment pool with only one set of fees.

5. Tax Strategy

Whilst all superannuation plans all have concessional tax rates, there are advantages in planning and structuring your SMSF to maximise your earning capacity whilst minimising your taxation obligations. Our Financial Planning team are experts in helping you grow your superannuation portfolio and reduce tax payments as you transition to retirement.

Whatever your SMSF structure and strategy, there are laws and regulations that you will have to comply to. Our team are here to help you navigate your way to establishing a SMSF which looks at long term wealth creation and ongoing compliance.

As with all investments, it is important you carefully consider your options and review the Product Disclosure Statements and Financial Services Guide of the product you are considering before making any decisions on one of the most important assets you have for the future. We are here to help you through this process.

Our Investment Approach

A Self Managed Superannuation Fund can act as a “tax effective” vehicle for both family wealth protection and for inter-generational wealth transfer. We seek to tie in your superannuation and other estate planning requirements with your insurances, business and personal life cycle, and your preference for a suitable balance between “tax effective” outcomes and the need for control of outcomes.

Many clients seek to be more engaged in the Superannuation platforms and choices. Self Managed Super Funds allow clients to have control with the choices of their investment strategies. After all, it is your money and one of your most important assets. We work with you to ensure we collaborate on the balance of your investment mix and also manage the compliance and running of the fund. We partner with you to ensure it is about you – not us.

Superannuation Fund Audit Services

SMSFs must be audited annually by an independent, ASIC-registered SMSF auditor. The audit includes a review of:

• Trust deed
• Investment strategy
• Compliance documents
• Financial reports
• Tax return
• Supporting records

We prepare pre-audit work, coordinate with the independent auditor, and help resolve issues quickly.

SMSF Trust Deeds

An SMSF is established using a specialist legal deed that sets trustee powers and how the fund operates. The deed must satisfy the SIS Act and should be reviewed periodically to stay current with superannuation law. As part of our annual service, we can coordinate deed reviews and updates with our legal partners to keep your fund running smoothly.

If you’re unsure whether your deed is current, contact our team for a review alongside our ongoing SMSF administration services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I purchase property in my SMSF?

Yes, subject to strict rules:

• Your investment strategy must permit it
• No present-day benefit to members or relatives (you can’t live in it or let relatives live in it)
• Related-party commercial property is permitted only at market rates and with proper zoning
• Expect additional record-keeping, independent valuations/reports, and property management
• Consider liquidity for pension phase and minimum drawdowns

Can my SMSF borrow money?

Yes, via a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) in limited circumstances. Major banks exited SMSF lending following the Royal Commission; specialist lenders remain, typically with higher rates and fees than standard home loans. Property may still be viable, but costs and risks must be assessed. FPBiz ensures compliance and tax efficiency. Investment advice must be provided by an AFSL holder so we can work with your planner.