SMSF Calculator Australia โ Is Self-Managed Super Worth It?
Compare SMSF costs against industry fund fees, project long-term outcomes, and assess whether self-managed super suits your situation.
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How to Use This Calculator
Tab "Cost Comparison"
Enter your current super balance, industry fund fee (as a percentage โ check your annual statement), and your estimated SMSF annual costs (typically $2,000-$5,000). The calculator compares annual fees, shows the break-even balance where SMSF becomes cheaper, and projects 10-year cumulative costs for both options.
Tab "SMSF Projection"
Enter your balance, annual contributions, expected return, SMSF costs, and years to retirement. The calculator projects your SMSF balance vs an equivalent industry fund (at 1% annual fee), showing the net advantage or disadvantage over your investment horizon.
Tab "Should You SMSF?"
Enter your balance, investment knowledge level, time available per month, and whether you want direct property investment. The calculator assesses your readiness across cost, capability, and flexibility dimensions and provides a verdict on whether SMSF suits your situation.
The Formulas
Industry fees = Balance x Fee rate (%)
SMSF annual costs:
Total = Admin + Audit + Tax return + ATO supervisory levy ($259)
Break-even balance:
Break-even = Total SMSF costs / Industry fund fee rate
Projection (each year):
Balance = (Balance + Contributions) x (1 + Return) - Earnings tax (15%) - Fees
Cost drag = Cumulative fees over the period
Typical SMSF cost breakdown:
Administration: $1,500-$3,000/year
Annual audit (mandatory): $500-$1,500
Tax return: $500-$1,000
ATO supervisory levy: $259
Setup (one-off): $1,000-$3,000
SMSF costs are mostly fixed, while industry fund fees scale with your balance. This means SMSFs become more cost-effective as your balance grows. The crossover typically occurs around $200K-$500K depending on your fund's fee structure.
Example
Sarah โ IT Manager in Melbourne, Super Balance $600,000
Current industry fund fee: 0.9% per year. Estimated SMSF costs: $3,500/year (admin $2,000 + audit $800 + tax return $700). ATO levy $259.
At $600K, Sarah's balance is well above the break-even point. She saves $1,641/year with SMSF, and the gap widens as her balance grows because industry fund fees are percentage-based while SMSF costs are mostly fixed.
SMSF Key Facts โ FY 2025-26
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum members | 6 (all must be trustees) |
| ATO supervisory levy | $259/year |
| Annual audit | Mandatory โ $500-$1,500 |
| Earnings tax (accumulation) | 15% |
| Earnings tax (pension phase) | 0% |
| CGT discount (12+ months) | 1/3 discount (effective 10%) |
| Typical annual costs | $2,000-$5,000 |
| Setup costs | $1,000-$3,000 |
| Minimum practical balance | ~$200K-$500K |
| Investment restrictions | Sole purpose test, arm's length dealings |
| Insurance | Must consider, but not mandatory to hold |