Tax time can be overwhelming for SMSF trustees. Between lodging annual returns, tracking contributions, and staying ATO-compliant, it’s easy to make costly mistakes.
But do you really need an SMSF accountant, or can you DIY?
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✅ When an SMSF accountant is essential
✅ Cost vs. savings of hiring a professional
✅ How the right accountant maximizes your super
Struggling with SMSF tax? Get Expert Help Now.
1. When You Definitely Need an SMSF Accountant
You Have a Complex SMSF Structure
- If your fund has:
✔ Property investments (especially with LRBAs)
✔ Shares or crypto assets
✔ Pension members (TRIS, account-based pensions) - An accountant ensures:
✓ Correct capital gains tax (CGT) calculations
✓ Actuarial certificates are filed correctly
✓ No ATO red flags from unusual transactions
You’re Short on Time (Or Hate Paperwork)
SMSF tax returns take 15+ hours for beginners. An accountant:
✔ Lodges your return accurately (due 15 May 2025)
✔ Tracks member contributions (due 31 July 2025)
✔ Handles PAYG instalments (quarterly deadlines)
Pro Tip: Late lodgment penalties cost $222 per 28 days – often more than an accountant’s fee!
You Want to Maximize Tax Savings
A specialist SMSF accountant can:
✔ Claim all deductions (e.g., admin fees, insurance)
✔ Optimize pension strategies to reduce tax
✔ Advise on contribution caps (avoid excess tax)
Example: A Brisbane client saved $6,500/year by restructuring contributions with our SMSF accountants.
2. When You Might DIY (But Still Risk Mistakes)
Your SMSF Is Very Simple
Maybe DIY if:
- You only hold cash or ASX-listed shares
- No pensions or LRBAs
- Under $200K in assets
But you still risk:
- Missing CGT discounts
- Errors in taxable income calculations
- Forgetting annual audit requirements
3. How Much Does an SMSF Accountant Cost?
| Service | Average Sydney Cost | Aone’s Fixed Fee |
| Annual tax return | $1,500–3,000 | Enquiry Now |
| Full SMSF accounting | $2,500–5,000 | Enquiry Now |
| Emergency late lodgement | $400+ | Enquiry Now |
💡 Most clients save 2-5x their accountant’s fee in optimized tax/penalties.
4. How to Choose the Right SMSF Accountant
Look for These 5 Things
- SMSF-Specialist Credentials (CPA/SPAA registered)
- Local Experience (e.g., Sydney property rules)
- Fixed-Fee Pricing (no hidden costs)
- ATO Compliance Guarantee (they cover fines if wrong)
- Proactive Advice (not just tax returns)
5. Key Takeaways
✔ Essential for complex SMSFs (property, pensions, LRBAs)
✔ Saves time & stress (15+ hours of paperwork gone)
✔ Pays for itself in tax savings & penalty avoidance
