SMSF Accountant
Self-Managed Super Fund accounting, compliance, and strategic advice to grow your retirement wealth in Melbourne
A Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) gives you control over how your retirement savings are invested — but with control comes significant legal and compliance responsibility. As SMSF trustee, you are personally responsible for ensuring the fund operates within the strict rules set by the ATO and the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993.
At Elite Accounting Solutions, we provide end-to-end SMSF accounting and advisory services to trustees across Melbourne and Victoria. From setting up your fund to managing annual compliance and developing long-term investment strategies — our specialist team is with you at every step.
Why Choose an SMSF?
- Control over your investment strategy and asset selection
- Invest in direct property — including your own business premises
- Tax rate of 15% in accumulation, 0% in pension phase
- CGT discount of one-third on assets held over 12 months
- Up to 6 members can pool their super in one fund
- Estate planning flexibility — binding death benefit nominations
- Ability to borrow to invest via LRBA arrangements
- Potential for significant cost savings at higher balances
SMSF Tax Rates at a Glance
Accumulation Phase
Income Tax Rate
15%
CGT Rate
10% (after 1/3 discount)
Pension Phase
Income Tax Rate
0%
CGT Rate
0%
Compare to personal marginal rates of up to 47% — the tax savings inside an SMSF are substantial.
Our SMSF Services
End-to-end SMSF accounting, compliance, and strategic advice for Melbourne trustees.
SMSF Establishment
We handle the complete SMSF setup — trust deed preparation, ATO registration, TFN and ABN application, trustee advice, and investment strategy documentation.
Annual Financial Statements
We prepare the SMSF's annual financial statements, member statements, and trustee minutes — ensuring your fund's records are accurate and compliant with SIS Act requirements.
SMSF Tax Return
We prepare and lodge the SMSF annual return with the ATO — including income tax, CGT on fund assets, and member contribution reporting.
Independent Audit Coordination
Every SMSF must be audited annually by an independent SMSF auditor. We coordinate the audit process, prepare all required documentation, and liaise with the auditor on your behalf.
Investment Strategy
Your SMSF must have a documented investment strategy that reflects the fund's objectives and members' circumstances. We help you develop, document, and review your strategy annually.
SMSF Property & LRBA
We guide trustees through SMSF property investment — including Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBAs), bare trust structures, and the strict compliance requirements that apply.
Pension Commencement
When you're ready to start drawing from your SMSF, we advise on account-based pension setup, minimum pension requirements, and the tax-free treatment of pension income in retirement phase.
Contribution Strategies
We advise on concessional and non-concessional contributions, carry-forward rules, the bring-forward rule, downsizer contributions, and the most tax-effective way to build your SMSF balance.
SMSF Property Investment
One of the most popular reasons people establish an SMSF is to purchase investment property — either commercial premises (which can be leased from a related party at market rent) or residential investment property. The rules around property in SMSF are complex, especially when borrowing is involved.
Commercial Property
Your SMSF can purchase your business premises and lease it back to your business at market rent — a powerful strategy for business owners building retirement wealth.
Residential Property
SMSFs can invest in residential property, but it cannot be leased to related parties. The property must be managed at arm's length.
LRBA Borrowing
SMSFs can borrow to purchase property via a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement. The asset is held in a bare trust until the loan is repaid.
Tax Benefits
Rental income inside the SMSF is taxed at 15% in accumulation phase and 0% in pension phase — significantly lower than personal tax rates.
Key SMSF Compliance Obligations
As SMSF trustee, you are personally responsible for compliance. Here are the key obligations we help you manage:
Sole Purpose Test
The SMSF must be maintained solely for the purpose of providing retirement benefits to members. Breaching this can result in the fund being made non-complying — losing its tax concessions.
In-House Asset Rules
No more than 5% of the fund's assets can be invested in in-house assets (assets related to a member or employer-sponsor). We monitor this limit annually.
Related Party Transactions
Transactions between the SMSF and related parties must be at arm's length and on commercial terms. We advise on what's permitted and what's prohibited.
Annual Audit Requirement
Every SMSF must be audited annually by an approved SMSF auditor. We coordinate this process and ensure your fund is audit-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from SMSF trustees and those considering setting up a self-managed super fund.
How much super do I need to set up an SMSF?
Can my SMSF buy property?
What is a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA)?
What are the tax rates inside an SMSF?
What happens if my SMSF breaches the rules?
Can I wind up my SMSF and roll over to an APRA fund?
Related Specialisations
SMSF strategies work best when integrated with your broader financial picture. We also specialise in:
Medical Practitioners
High-income doctors and specialists have the most to gain from SMSF strategies, including purchasing practice premises.
Property Investment
SMSFs can invest in direct property — including residential and commercial — via Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements.
Professional Services
Lawyers, consultants, and engineers often use SMSFs as part of a broader wealth-building strategy.
Are you retirement ready?
Book a free SMSF consultation with our specialist team today. Whether you're considering setting up an SMSF, need help with compliance, or want to explore SMSF property investment — we're here to help.
Related Articles & Guides
Superannuation Contribution Strategies for 2025–26: Caps, Carry-Forward Rules & Tax Savings
Concessional and non-concessional caps, carry-forward rules, downsizer contributions, and the key strategies to maximise your super before 30 June.
Buying Property with SMSF: The Ultimate Guide to LRBAs and Bare Trusts
How to use your SMSF to purchase investment property through a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement — the complete structure and compliance guide.
Capital Gains Tax & Negative Gearing: The Complete Property Investor's Guide
50% CGT discount, cost base, negative gearing deductions, depreciation, and timing strategies for Australian property investors.
Why Choose Elite Accounting Solutions
Industry Expertise
Over 40 years of niche industry experience means we understand the unique tax, compliance, and business pressures your industry faces.
Personalised Service
We get to know your business personally. No call centres, no juniors — you deal directly with experienced accountants who care about your outcomes.
Proactive Guidance
We don't just do compliance — we proactively identify tax-saving opportunities and strategies specific to your industry throughout the year.
Clear Communication
We explain everything in plain English. No jargon, no surprises — just clear advice so you can make confident, informed financial decisions.
Ready to work with an accountant who truly gets your industry?
Book a free one-hour introductory consultation and see the difference specialist advice makes.