SMSF vs Retail or Industry Fund Fee Comparison
Wondering if an SMSF actually saves you money? Pop in your balance and the fees each option charges, and we'll project the difference over time so you can see where the lines cross.
- SMSF fees, year one$0
- Fund fees, year one$0
- SMSF fees over the period$0
- Fund fees over the period$0
- Total saving over the period$0
Enter your balance and the fees for each option to see the comparison.
Want a straight answer on whether an SMSF stacks up for you? We will model it properly.
Get an SMSF review →General information only, current for the 2025-26 financial year. This compares fees only. It does not account for investment returns differing between options, insurance held inside super, tax inside the fund, contributions, or your personal circumstances, and it is not personal or financial advice. SMSFs carry trustee duties and compliance obligations. For a position tailored to you, talk to us.
A Few Things This Calculator Assumes
When does an SMSF become cost-effective?
As a rough rule of thumb, SMSFs tend to become competitive on fees once the balance is somewhere around $200,000 to $250,000, because the fixed annual costs (accounting, audit, ASIC and the ATO levy) are spread across a larger pool. Below that, a percentage-based industry or retail fund is often cheaper. This is general guidance only. The right number for you depends on your investments, how hands-on you want to be, and the value of an SMSF's extra control, not fees alone.
Why are SMSF costs mostly fixed?
An SMSF pays largely flat yearly costs regardless of balance: preparing the financials and tax return, an independent audit, the ASIC company fee if you use a corporate trustee, and the ATO supervisory levy. We default the fixed cost to $2,500, but yours may differ. Because it does not grow with your balance, the bigger the fund, the smaller that fee is as a percentage.
What does the percentage growth assumption do?
Because most fund fees are charged as a percentage of your balance, a growing balance means growing percentage fees. We grow the balance by your assumed net return each year (5% by default) and apply each option's percentage fee to that year's balance, then add fixed costs. It is a simplified projection, not a guarantee of returns.
Is cheaper fees the whole story?
No. Fees are one factor. An SMSF gives you control over investments (including direct property and shares) and tax strategy, but it also brings trustee responsibilities, compliance work and time. A cheaper APRA fund may suit you better, or a more expensive option may be worth it for the features. We weigh all of this with you rather than deciding on fees alone.
Not Sure If An SMSF Is Right For You?
Book a 30-minute call and we'll model your numbers properly, weigh the control and compliance, and tell you honestly whether an SMSF is worth it for your situation.
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