Our Director is an accredited SMSF Specialist Adviser from SMSF Association, which is the independent, professional body representing Australia's self managed super fund sector. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant working in the Industry for the last 29 years.

SMSF Administration is much more than setting up and lodging the annual tax returns. We provide the following services on top of what a General Tax Accountant provides.

Service                                                                                          SMSF Accountant                                                              GOSMSF

Annual Financial Statements .............................................................Yes...........................................................................Yes

Annual Tax Returns ............................................................................Yes ...........................................................................Yes

Bank Account Opening .......................................................................No ...........................................................................Yes

Assistance in Rollover ........................................................................No ...........................................................................Yes

Bare Trust & Trustee Setup ........................................................Setup only ............................................................Setup with Guidance

Bank feeds & investment feed ..........................................................No ...........................................................................Yes

Transaction categorisation ...........................................................Limited .................................................................Fully managed

Client involvement ...........................................................................High ...........................................................................Low

Ongoing Advice ............................................................................Limited .........................................................................High

Responsibility Level .....................................................................Reactive ...................................................................Proactive

Timing ..........................................................................................Year end ...................................................................All year round

Focus .......................................................................................Tax lodgements ................................................Full fund operation & compliance mgmt

Pension processing ........................................................................No ..............................................................................Yes

Trustee minutes documentation ...................................................No ..............................................................................Yes

Clients should choose us for the SMSF for the same reason they choose a Cardiologist over a GP for Cardiac health.

The following services are part of our Annual Compliance management offering:

• SMSF accounting
• Access to Client portal and Mobile App to interact with the system and staff
• ESA Subscription
• Accounting Software subscription
• Preparation of an annual Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss Statement and Member Statements
• Preparation of annual Trustee Resolutions & Minutes
• Quarterly Instalment Activity Statements, where required
• Preparation for an annual Audit
• Annual Audit report and Income Tax Return lodgement
• Monthly SMSF Newsletter for Trustees
• Phone and Email Support

Some firms charge separately for each component.

We ensure your SMSF remains compliant through a structured and proactive approach aligned with the requirements of the Australian Taxation Office and the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993. Our processes include detailed compliance checklists, regular transaction reviews, and ongoing monitoring of contributions, investments, and reporting obligations. We prepare annual financial statements, lodge returns, and coordinate the independent audit.

Importantly, we guide trustees on their compliance responsibilities at every stage. We maintain an open communication policy, ensuring you can seek advice whenever needed. This helps you understand your obligations and take timely action. By combining professional oversight with continuous support and education, we ensure both the fund and trustees meet their compliance requirements effectively.

Audits must be independent. Hence, we will coordinate with an external approved SMSF auditor and manage the entire audit process for you. So, you don't have to worry about selecting auditors and getting the audit done.

Nucleus Loan Solutions, part of the Nucleus Advisory Group, is a mortgage broking firm specialising in SMSF lending. Our team manages the entire loan application process end-to-end, coordinating documentation requirements so you don't need to liaise separately between your accountant and broker.

We do not charge clients any fees for arranging loans, as we are remunerated by lenders through commissions, consistent with standard industry practice in Australia.

With a strong focus on SMSF lending, our team has extensive experience navigating the complexities associated with these structures. This specialised expertise allows us to streamline the process and provide you with clarity, efficiency, and peace of mind throughout your SMSF loan journey.

We utilise modern, cloud-based accounting software alongside an advanced CRM platform with built-in compliance capabilities to efficiently manage your SMSF. You will be provided with secure access to a client portal and mobile app, allowing you to interact with our team seamlessly.

Through this platform, you can upload and download documents, respond to requests, track tasks, and sign documents electronically. All communication, records, and compliance-related activities are centralised in one place, giving you real-time visibility and control over your SMSF. This integrated approach ensures greater efficiency, transparency, and convenience, helping you stay on top of your SMSF obligations at all times.

Through your portal and mobile app, you can send emails, messages and book an appointment with our team. You can also speak to the team and Director during business hours on the number provided to you.

We send regular communications through the app or emails to keep you informed about the latest changes in the SMSF Compliance space and keep you informed about tax developments related to SMSF.

We have a simple fee structure as follows:

• Setup with Corporate Trustee: $1,489 (including GST)
• Annual Compliance Fee (First 3 months free):

– $129 (including GST) per month on Direct Debit (For 0–2 properties in SMSF)

– $149 (including GST) per month on Direct Debit (For 3+ properties in SMSF)

Other Services (as and when required) — fee is listed on our website.

Accountants can provide compliance and tax advice. We are not Financial Advisers, hence we cannot provide any Financial Advice. However, we are happy to refer you to Financial Advisers if you need their services.

We guide and provide tax advice (within legal limits) on the following:

• Contribution strategies
• Pension phase planning
• Capital gains timing

You can book an appointment through the app to seek any advice on the above matters.

We have established robust systems and controls to minimise the risk of compliance issues and proactively guide trustees on their obligations. Our team is available to address any questions or uncertainties to help prevent issues from arising in the first place.

However, as trustees retain ultimate responsibility and we may not have visibility over every transaction in real time, compliance issues can occasionally occur, often due to unintentional oversights. In such cases, we work closely with you to identify the issue, provide clear guidance on the appropriate rectification steps, and, where necessary, liaise with the Australian Taxation Office to resolve the matter efficiently and minimise any potential impact.

We manage a large number of SMSF clients, hence we are across all complications and scenarios to provide the best advice on the accounting and tax matters.

We offer a fully integrated professional services group that includes in-house accounting and tax specialists for individuals and businesses, mortgage broking services, and property buyer agents. In addition, we maintain established referral relationships with external insurance and financial advisory professionals to provide clients with access to a broader range of specialist services when required.

While clients are free to engage any service providers of their choice, utilising our integrated team can help improve coordination, streamline communication, and enhance efficiency by reducing the need to manage multiple external parties independently.

We take a proactive approach to ensure timely completion of your SMSF obligations. Our process typically begins from mid-July each year, allowing sufficient time to prepare financial statements and complete compliance requirements. The overall timeline depends on how promptly required documents and information are provided. However, we aim to finalise and lodge all returns well ahead of the due date, minimising the risk of delays, penalties, and last-minute pressure.

We stay up to date with changing SMSF regulations through continuous professional development, industry engagement, and structured internal processes. Our team regularly undertakes training and monitors updates from the Australian Taxation Office and legislative changes under the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993. We also maintain active involvement with professional bodies and industry publications to stay informed of emerging developments. Internally, we review and update our processes and systems to reflect regulatory changes and ensure compliance. Importantly, we proactively communicate relevant updates and practical implications to our clients, helping trustees understand their obligations and take timely action.

As a trustee, you are legally responsible for the management and compliance of your SMSF. Your involvement includes making key decisions, providing information, and approving transactions. We simplify this by guiding you on your obligations and keeping you informed of what is required at each stage. Through our secure portal and app, you can easily review updates, respond to requests, and access documents in one place. Our team manages the day-to-day administration, compliance, and reporting, while remaining available for support and advice. This ensures you stay in control without being burdened by complex administrative tasks.

We take data security and confidentiality seriously by implementing robust systems and controls. All client information is stored using secure, cloud-based platforms with encryption and restricted access protocols. Our client portal and mobile app provide a safe environment to share documents, communicate, and sign electronically. We follow strict internal policies to ensure only authorised personnel can access sensitive information. In addition, our processes align with Australian privacy requirements under the Privacy Act 1988. Regular system updates, monitoring, and staff training further help safeguard your data, ensuring your personal and financial information always remains protected.

We combine specialist SMSF expertise with a fully integrated service offering, ensuring your fund is managed efficiently and compliantly. Our structured processes, technology-driven approach, and secure client portal provide transparency and ease of interaction. We take a proactive approach to compliance, aligned with the requirements of the Australian Taxation Office, while guiding you through your trustee responsibilities at every stage. With in-house accounting, tax, and lending expertise, along with access to trusted referral partners, we deliver a coordinated and seamless experience. Our focus is on providing reliable, responsive, and personalised support to help you achieve your long-term financial objectives.

As a trustee, you must:

• Ensure compliance with super laws and the trust deed

• Act in the best interests of members

• Maintain records and documentation

• Lodge annual returns with the Australian Taxation Office

Once you start filling-up the form, keep these handy:

1. Passport/Birth Certificate of all members

2. TFN of all members

3. Director Id of all members, if opting for Corporate Trustee

We guide you through each step to ensure nothing is missed. See the following link for creating Director id, if you don’t have one:

https://www.abrs.gov.au/apply-your-director-id-online

An SMSF must have a separate bank account in the name of the fund. This account is used to receive contributions, rollovers, investment income, and to pay expenses. It must not be mixed with personal accounts.

You are free to choose the bank from the following list (as these banks can be connected with data feed to our accounting software) and get your bank account open. We provide a service for opening ANZ V2 Cash Management Account.

We don’t receive any commission or benefit from ANZ Bank for opening these accounts, but we only provide as a service to our clients so they don’t have to spend time and effort on this task. Please refer to the following link for their current interest rates and fee structure:

https://www.anz.com.au/personal/adviser-services/our-products/cash-account/

List of Banks which can be connected to our accounting software:

o Adelaide Bank

o ANZ

o Bank of Melbourne

o Bank of Queensland

o Bank of South Australia

o Bendigo Bank

o Commonwealth Bank

o DDH Graham

o HSBC

o Hume Bank

o Macquarie Bank

o National Australia Bank

o Rabobank

o Sandhurst Trustees

o St George

The cost of establishing an SMSF is typically paid by the members upfront. Once the fund is set up, a bank account is opened, and funds are received through contributions or rollovers, the member may reimburse themselves for the setup costs from the SMSF.

If the amount is not reimbursed, it can be treated as a contribution to the fund, and the member may be eligible to claim a personal tax deduction for that contribution, subject to eligibility rules.

Please note that the SMSF must be established with the initial fee paid upfront. In practice, many clients pay this fee via credit card and reimburse themselves once the fund receives transferred super balances.

On average, setting up an SMSF takes around two weeks. The establishment of the fund structure, including the trust deed, trustee arrangements, and related documentation is usually completed quickly, typically within 1–2 business days.

The most time-consuming step is the SMSF registration approval with the Australian Taxation Office, which can vary significantly. Approval times generally range from a few business days up to 56 days (approximately two months) but average is 2 weeks.

To help avoid unnecessary delays, we recommend ensuring:

• All personal and business tax lodgements and payments are up to date

• The SMSF name is unique and not already listed on Super Fund Lookup

• You have provided all the required information in the form

Delays can also occur during the superannuation rollover process. It is important to confirm the identity and verification requirements of your existing super fund in advance. Many retail and industry funds require certified identification and proof of the SMSF bank account before processing transfers, and some may request original certified documents. Preparing these in advance can help speed up the process.

We assist clients throughout the setup and rollover process, including guidance on documentation and identity verification requirements, to ensure a smooth transition into your SMSF.

The set-up fees for a new SMSF are as follows:

• $599 with individual trustees;

• $1489 with a company trustee

No, SMSF setup costs are generally not tax deductible, as they are treated as capital or establishment expenses under ATO rules.

Typically, these costs are initially paid by the members personally. Once the SMSF is established, the bank account is opened, and funds are received through contributions or rollovers, the member may be reimbursed from the SMSF for the establishment costs.

If the expenses are not reimbursed, they may be treated as a contribution to the fund. In such cases, the member may be eligible to claim a personal tax deduction for the contribution, subject to applicable superannuation contribution rules and caps.

It is important to ensure all treatment is appropriately recorded in accordance with SMSF compliance requirements and guidance from the Australian Taxation Office.

A corporate trustee is not mandatory but is generally recommended as it:<

• Simplifies administration

• Provides better asset separation

• Is required for borrowing (LRBA)

Yes, you can transfer (roll over) your existing superannuation balances into your SMSF once it has been properly established and registered with the Australian Taxation Office.

The process generally involves:

• Setting up the SMSF structure and bank account

• Obtaining the fund’s ABN and compliance status

• Submitting rollover requests to your existing super funds

Most funds now process rollovers electronically; however, some may require identity verification or certified documents. It is important to ensure your details match across funds to avoid delays.

We assist with the rollover process to ensure it is completed smoothly and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Yes, an SMSF can invest in both residential and commercial property, provided it complies with the rules under the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993.<

Key considerations include:

• The property must meet the sole purpose test (i.e. for retirement benefits only)

• Residential property cannot be lived in or rented by related parties

• Commercial property may be leased to a related business on market terms

• All transactions must be conducted on an arm’s length basis

Property investment through an SMSF can be complex, so it is important to structure it correctly from the outset.

An LRBA is a borrowing structure that allows an SMSF to acquire a single asset using borrowed funds, where the lender’s recourse is limited to that asset only.

Although the property is held in the bare trust, the SMSF is the beneficial owner.

This means:

• Rental income is declared in the SMSF and credited to SMSF’s bank account

• Expenses and interest are paid and claimed in the tax return by the SMSF

• Tax obligations are handled through the SMSF

Yes, an SMSF can acquire both:

• Residential property (with strict related party restrictions)

• Commercial property (can be leased to a related business on arm’s length terms)

❌ No.

Each property must be held in a separate bare trust, as an LRBA is limited to a single acquirable asset.

Common mistakes include:

• Signing property contracts in the wrong name or dating the bare trust incorrectly. This is why it is very important to seek professional advice during this process. Seek our help before you commit to any purchase.

• Incorrect trustee structure

• Mixing assets in one trust

• Failing to meet arm’s length requirements

• Poor loan structuring. We are experts in SMSF loan structures and guide you to

These errors can result in compliance breaches and significant costs.

Yes, in some Australian states and territories, a bare trust deed must be stamped with the relevant state revenue authority.

Stamp duty requirements vary by jurisdiction:

• Some states charge nominal duty on the trust deed

• Others may impose additional duty if documentation is incorrect or delayed

Importantly, timely stamping is critical. Failure to stamp within the prescribed timeframe can result in:

• Penalties and interest

• Potential complications when transferring legal title later

It is essential to ensure the deed is correctly drafted and stamped in accordance with state laws at the time of establishment.

The bare trustee is the legal owner of the property on behalf of the SMSF. It can be:

• A special purpose company (recommended), or

• An individual trustee (less preferred)

A corporate bare trustee is generally preferred because it:

• Provides clear separation of legal ownership

• Simplifies administration and future transfer of title

• Reduces risk in case of changes to individuals

❌ No, they must be separate legal entities.

The SMSF trustee represents the beneficial owner, while the bare trustee holds the legal title. Keeping them separate is essential to comply with LRBA requirements and to maintain the limited recourse nature of the loan.

❌ No.

SMSF assets must comply with the sole purpose test, meaning they can only be used to provide retirement benefits.

For residential property:

• Members and related parties cannot live in the property

• It cannot be rented to related parties

Breaching this rule can lead to serious penalties under the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993.

There is an important distinction:

• ✅ Repairs and maintenance (e.g. fixing a roof, repainting) are allowed

• ❌ Improvements that change the nature of the asset (e.g. adding rooms, subdivision) are not allowed under LRBA rules

The property must remain the same single acquirable asset. Any significant change could breach compliance rules.