Your Questions, Answered.

Clarity and confidence start here.

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Whether you’re setting up or running an SMSF, clear answers are key. Below, we’ve compiled frequently asked questions about setup, rollovers, property, and ongoing management so you can take charge of your SMSF journey. 

Getting Started: SMSF Setup Essentials

It’s our firm policy to establish SMSFs with a minimum balance of $250,000. This reflects industry requirements and ensures the benefits outweigh the costs of managing your fund.

Our setup fee covers legal costs, trustee company setup, and associated ASIC fees. For additional services such as rollovers, discuss with our team.

A corporate trustee offers greater liability protection, simplifies member changes, and is required by lenders when purchasing property.

An Electronic Service Address (ESA) is used to receive SuperStream data like employer contributions and rollovers. Once set up, it runs seamlessly.

On average, setup takes 6–8 weeks, depending on information and third-party approvals.

Moving Funds & Managing Contributions

You will process the rollover, but we’ll prepare the necessary forms for you to complete and send to your current super fund.

Yes, ensure you check any insurance policies tied to your existing super. You may need to leave a balance to keep them active.

This depends on your provider. Speak with a financial advisor to explore options.

Yes, you can maintain your insurance policies by leaving enough funds in your current super to pay the premiums.

Use the ATO form to notify your employer and provide your SMSF details.

Investing Through Your SMSF

Speak with a broker to assess borrowing power. Once a property is identified, we can help set up the Bare Trust and Trustee Company required for the purchase.

You or your financial advisor will handle SMSF investments. While we can’t provide financial advice, we’re here to guide you through the setup process.

Managing Your SMSF With Confidence

Each member’s balance is tracked separately, with earnings prorated based on balances.

Only costs directly related to the fund—such as setup, audit, and accounting fees—can be reimbursed. Keep copies of all invoices for compliance.

Yes. Maintain a minimum of $5,000 annually to cover fees (accounting, audit, ASIC, and ATO)

SMSF earnings are taxed at 15% in the accumulation phase and 0% in the pension phase.

A Binding Death Benefit Nomination (BDBN) ensures your SMSF benefits go to specific beneficiaries. Wills do not cover SMSF benefits unless directed to your estate.

Beneficiaries include legal representatives and dependents such as a spouse, children, or those in interdependent relationships.

The SIS Act does not allow for members to pay the SMSF expense or tax personally. Please note that all expenses that is part of maintaining your SMSF must be paid from the SMSF bank account. The benefit to pay the expense that are incurred by the SMSF in the SMSF is that it reduces the taxable income of the fund. The tax benefit of an SMSF is that a flat 15% tax is charged on the fund’s taxable income. Please note that the SMSF is a separate legal entity and should not be mixed up with your personal tax affairs.
The notice from the ATO referring to pay PAYG Instalments refers to the upfront tax that has been calculated based on your previously lodged tax return. The amount is payable by the SMSF only. The payment needs to be made from the SMSF bank account.

Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk.

If your question isn’t answered here, reach out to our team. Whether it’s a quick query or a deeper dive, we’re here to help you navigate the details.