ato

 
 
Show download pdf controls
Show print controls

  • Data tables

    The main source of data for these tables is 2017–18 SMSF annual returns that have been lodged.

    Where lodgments are outstanding we use statistically valid formulas to estimate results. As outstanding returns are received we revise and update results, therefore some figures may change in future releases of this statistical overview. Some tables use data reported in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019.

    You can download all the data tables in Excel format – see Data tables (XLXS 605KB)This link will download a file.

    For statistics on the taxation of SMSFs (and other entities) see Taxation statistics.

    The data tables are as follows:

    Table 1: Annual SMSF population, total gross assets and growth

    This table shows the:

    • number of SMSFs established or wound up during each financial year
    • number of SMSFs and members at year end
    • total assets held by SMSFs at year end.

    These figures are based on SMSF annual returns, and are consistent with those reported in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019.

    SMSF population and assets, 2014–15 to 2018–19

    SMSFs

    2018–19

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    Establishments

    19,945

    25,429

    30,472

    32,844

    33,767

    Wind-ups

    2,120

    22,730

    13,792

    12,467

    13,087

    Net establishments

    17,825

    2,699

    16,680

    20,377

    20,680

    Total SMSFs

    599,678

    581,853

    579,154

    562,474

    542,097

    Total members

    1,125,201

    1,091,086

    1,091,554

    1,059,791

    1,026,270

    Total assets ($m)

    $747,560

    $735,438

    $689,976

    $611,081

    $579,151
    Annual SMSF growth

    SMSFs

    2018–19

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Total SMSFs

    599,678

    581,853

    579,154

    562,474

    542,097

    521,417

    Growth

    3.1%

    0.5%

    3.1%

    3.8%

    4.0%

     –

    Table 2: Australian superannuation sector

    This table shows:

    • total assets held in APRA-regulated funds, SMSFs and other funds at 30 June 2014 and 30 June 2019
    • the percentage change from June 2014 to 2019
    • the proportion for each fund type at 30 June 2019.

    These figures are sourced from the APRA Annual Super Bulletin 2018 (reissued July 2019), table 8a and the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019.

    Assets by fund type

    Fund type

    Assets at 30 June 2019 ($b)

    Proportion at 30 June 2019

    Assets at 30 June 2014 ($b)

    Change in assets 2014 to 2019

    Corporate

    $58.6

    2.0%

    $55.5

    6%

    Industry

    $718.7

    25.0%

    $376.1

    91%

    Public sector

    $510.6

    17.8%

    $186.9

    173%

    Retail

    $625.7

    21.8%

    $485.7

    29%

    SMSFs

    $747.6

    26.0%

    $533.2

    40%

    Other(a)

    $209.5

    7.3%

    $166.7

    26%

    Total

    $2,870.7

    100%

    $1,804.1

    59%
    (a) Includes excluded public sector super schemes, balance of life office statutory funds and small APRA-regulated funds.

    Table 3: SMSF age distribution

    This table shows the age distribution of SMSFs based on years since their establishment date.

    SMSF age distribution, 30 June 2019

    SMSF age in years from establishment

    % of SMSFs

    In 1st year of establishment

    3.1%

    >1–2 years

    4.0%

    >2–3 years

    4.7%

    >3–5 years

    10.1%

    >5–10 years

    24.6%

    >10 years

    53.3%

    NA

    0.3%

    Total

    100%

    Average SMSF age

    10.6 years

    Median SMSF age

    10 years

    Table 4: Wind-ups by asset size, average and median assets and fund phase

    These tables show:

    • the approximate distribution of SMSFs wound up by fund asset size in the year before wind-up
    • average and median assets in the year before wind-up by fund phase
    • fund phase in the year of wind-up.
    Distribution of SMSFs by fund size in year before wind-up, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Fund size

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    >$0–$50k

    19.1%

    21.3%

    26.1%

    27.9%

    30.9%

    >$50k–$100k

    9.5%

    10.3%

    11.5%

    12.6%

    13.2%

    >$100k–$200k

    17.2%

    17.4%

    17.5%

    17.8%

    17.5%

    >$200k–$500k

    29.6%

    28.3%

    26.0%

    24.6%

    24.0%

    >$500k–$1m

    16.8%

    15.5%

    12.9%

    12.0%

    10.1%

    >$1m–$2m

    6.1%

    5.2%

    4.5%

    3.8%

    3.3%

    >$2m–$5m

    1.5%

    1.7%

    1.4%

    1.2%

    0.9%

    >$5m

    0.2%

    0.3%

    0.2%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%
    SMSF average assets in year before wind-up by fund phase, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Fund phase

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Accumulation

    $271,301

    $267,829

    $219,180

    $184,704

    $189,392

    Retirement

    $536,824

    $568,537

    $480,473

    $458,499

    $424,107

    All SMSFs

    $386,997

    $379,622

    $321,518

    $289,474

    $274,465
    SMSF median assets in year before wind-up by fund phase, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Fund phase

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Accumulation

    $142,442

    $133,040

    $96,336

    $79,122

    $60,609

    Retirement

    $378,544

    $369,613

    $305,171

    $300,237

    $264,584

    All SMSFs

    $227,906

    $204,247

    $162,747

    $140,996

    $115,437
    Distribution of SMSFs in year of wind up by fund phase, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Fund Phase

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Accumulation

    74.0%

    65.3%

    65.3%

    66.6%

    68.6%

    Retirement

    26.0%

    34.7%

    34.7%

    33.4%

    31.4%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    Table 5: Average and median asset sizes

    This table shows the average and median member account balances and SMSF assets at the end of each financial year. To ensure consistency, the figures used in this table are those reported in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019.

    SMSF average and median asset sizes, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Assets

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Average assets per member

    $678,621

    $636,926

    $581,355

    $569,988

    $543,556

    Median assets per member

    $408,237

    $372,316

    $342,323

    $334,663

    $318,190

    Average assets per SMSF

    $1,271,356

    $1,199,263

    $1,096,521

    $1,076,894

    $1,028,682

    Median assets per SMSF

    $719,840

    $660,993

    $610,607

    $598,557

    $568,954

    Table 6: Asset sizes in establishment year

    This table shows the average and median member account balances and SMSF assets in each financial year for SMSFs established in that year. The figures are based on SMSF annual returns for the establishment year.

    SMSF asset size in establishment year, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Assets

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Average assets per member account balance

    $214,104

    $265,101

    $193,637

    $190,346

    $178,805

    Median assets per member account balance

    $124,933

    $139,829

    $109,878

    $102,878

    $100,626

    Average assets per SMSF

    $408,750

    $496,869

    $374,308

    $375,711

    $348,150

    Median assets per SMSF

    $268,664

    $301,914

    $233,039

    $221,858

    $216,238

    Table 7: Asset ranges by fund size in year of establishment

    This table shows the approximate distribution of SMSFs by fund asset sizes in their establishment year.

    Distribution of SMSFs by asset size in establishment year, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Fund asset range

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    $0–$50k

    11.5%

    10.2%

    14.3%

    16.5%

    15.0%

    >$50k–$100k

    9.2%

    8.0%

    9.8%

    9.8%

    10.3%

    >$100k–$200k

    17.9%

    17.1%

    19.8%

    19.8%

    22.0%

    >$200k–$500k

    35.4%

    32.5%

    32.3%

    30.9%

    31.7%

    >$500k–$1m

    18.8%

    20.5%

    16.9%

    16.3%

    15.3%

    >$1m–$2m

    5.8%

    8.9%

    5.6%

    5.3%

    4.8%

    >$2m–$5m

    1.3%

    2.6%

    1.2%

    1.2%

    0.9%

    >$5m-$10m

    0.1%

    0.2%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    >$10m

    0.1%

    0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    Table 8: Contribution flows

    These tables show, for each financial year:

    • total member and employer contributions to SMSFs
    • mean and median contributions
    • contributions to SMSFs as a proportion of total super contributions.

    To ensure consistency, the total contributions figures used are those reported in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019.

    For additional data on member and employer contributions by member age and gender, see Data tables (XLXS 605KB)This link will download a file.

    Total SMSF contributions, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Contribution type

    2017–18 ($m)

    2016–17 ($m)

    2015–16 ($m)

    2014–15 ($m)

    2013–14 ($m)

    Member

    $11,622

    $33,867

    $24,162

    $24,745

    $19,441

    Employer

    $5,733

    $7,248

    $7,121

    $6,881

    $5,996
    Mean SMSF contributions, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Contribution type

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Member

    $49,099

    $129,231

    $95,405

    $97,785

    $79,808

    Employer

    $20,066

    $24,619

    $24,675

    $24,460

    $21,997
    Median SMSF contributions, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Contribution type

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Member

    $20,000

    $28,000

    $21,000

    $23,584

    $20,000

    Employer

    $16,933

    $18,617

    $18,526

    $18,379

    $17,398
    Contributions to SMSFs as a proportion of total super contributions, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Contribution type

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Member

    37.0%

    51.7%

    52.5%

    49.9%

    49.0%

    Employer

    6.1%

    7.8%

    8.0%

    8.0%

    7.4%

    Total SMSF

    13.9%

    26.0%

    23.1%

    23.3%

    21.0%

    Table 9: Rollover flow (into and out of SMSFs)

    These tables show:

    • the total value of rollovers into and out of SMSFs during each financial year
    • the mean and median amounts in those periods
    • rollovers by fund size.

    To ensure consistency, the total rollover figures used are those reported in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019.

    Total SMSF rollovers, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Rollover type

    2017–18 ($m)

    2016–17 ($m)

    2015–16 ($m)

    2014–15 ($m)

    2013–14 ($m)

    Inward

    $15,139

    $17,947

    $14,826

    $14,944

    $15,021

    Outward

    $8,932

    $8,873

    $5,444

    $5,589

    $5,073
    Mean SMSF rollovers, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Rollover type

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Inward

    $217,519

    $240,868

    $195,182

    $204,189

    $193,896

    Outward

    $361,362

    $443,403

    $297,994

    $326,461

    $293,151
    Median SMSF rollovers, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Rollover type

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Inward

    $71,418

    $76,535

    $77,332

    $81,142

    $81,077

    Outward

    $133,372

    $120,418

    $81,071

    $92,360

    $83,424
    Distribution of total inward rollovers by fund size, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Fund size

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    $0

    0.7%

    0.5%

    0.4%

    0.4%

    0.4%

    >$0–$50k

    0.6%

    0.5%

    0.5%

    0.6%

    0.6%

    >$50k–$100k

    1.2%

    1.0%

    1.5%

    1.5%

    1.9%

    >$100k–$200k

    4.8%

    4.8%

    7.0%

    6.8%

    7.8%

    >$200k–$500k

    19.8%

    17.3%

    22.6%

    21.0%

    21.8%

    >$500k–$1m

    22.7%

    18.3%

    22.9%

    22.7%

    23.6%

    >$1m–$2m

    22.0%

    19.0%

    20.9%

    20.8%

    20.9%

    >$2m–$5m

    19.3%

    23.0%

    16.1%

    17.1%

    16.2%

    >$5m–$10m

    5.4%

    9.0%

    5.3%

    5.4%

    4.8%

    >$10m–$20m

    2.7%

    4.4%

    2.0%

    1.6%

    1.6%

    >$20m–$50m

    0.2%

    1.9%

    0.4%

    1.1%

    0.3%

    >$50m

    0.6%

    0.3%

    0.3%

    1.1%

    0.0%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%
    Distribution of total outward rollovers by fund size, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Fund size

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    $0

    33.6%

    21.4%

    26.7%

    27.2%

    26.3%

    >$0–$50k

    11.8%

    8.4%

    9.2%

    9.6%

    10.3%

    >$50k–$100k

    1.7%

    1.5%

    1.3%

    1.4%

    1.7%

    >$100k–$200k

    1.9%

    1.4%

    2.0%

    2.0%

    2.3%

    >$200k–$500k

    4.5%

    4.1%

    5.7%

    6.1%

    5.9%

    >$500k–$1m

    8.1%

    6.3%

    10.5%

    10.0%

    10.1%

    >$1m–$2m

    12.0%

    11.4%

    14.3%

    12.4%

    13.7%

    >$2m–$5m

    16.7%

    24.8%

    18.3%

    18.6%

    18.6%

    >$5m–$10m

    5.0%

    11.3%

    7.1%

    7.9%

    8.4%

    >$10m–$20m

    2.4%

    6.5%

    3.5%

    3.5%

    2.4%

    >$20m–$50m

    1.2%

    2.4%

    0.7%

    1.1%

    0.2%

    >$50m

    1.0%

    0.5%

    0.7%

    0.2%

    0.1%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    Table 10: Benefit payments

    These tables show the total benefit payments from SMSFs during each financial year, and average and median amounts. Benefit payments include income stream benefits, lump sum benefits, transition-to-retirement and combination payments.

    The figures for total benefit payments are consistent with those reported in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019. The average and median figures are based on SMSF annual returns.

    SMSF benefit payments, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    SMSF benefit payments

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Total ($m)

    $37,686

    $44,290

    $34,986

    $33,260

    $29,409

    Average ($)

    $113,169

    $145,320

    $118,535

    $119,146

    $113,155

    Median ($)

    $66,550

    $66,760

    $62,400

    $62,000

    $60,000
    Distribution of total SMSF benefit payments by type, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Type of benefit

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Lump sum

    29.7%

    13.7%

    11.5%

    12.3%

    12.6%

    Income stream

    65.8%

    78.0%

    76.6%

    75.3%

    74.3%

    Transition to retirement

    4.5%

    8.4%

    11.9%

    12.4%

    13.1%
    Distribution of SMSF members receiving benefit payments by age, 2017–18

    Age range

    % of members receiving benefit payments

    Average member benefit payment

    Average member balance(b)

    <55

    2.1%

    $26,254

    $675,654

    55–59

    4.1%

    $46,355

    $1,039,315

    60–64

    19.0%

    $68,215

    $1,100,624

    65–69

    29.1%

    $74,870

    $1,126,913

    70–74

    25.5%

    $74,339

    $1,161,484

    >74

    20.3%

    $89,806

    $1,192,211

    Unknown(c)

    <0.1%

    $101,799

    $1,025,519

    Total

    100%

    $74,329

    $1,130,960
    (b) Average member balance is calculated before benefit payment.


    (c) Unknown value indicates a value less than 0.1% but greater than 0.
     

    For additional data on members receiving income stream benefit payments and lump sum and income stream benefit payments by benefit type, see tables 10.1 and 10.2 in Data tables (XLXS 605KB)This link will download a file.

    Table 11: SMSF net fund flow

    This table shows net contributions, transfers, benefit payments, total expenses and net fund flow for SMSFs from the 2013–14 to 2017–18 financial years.

    Breakdown of SMSF fund flows, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Flow type

    2017–18 ($m)

    2016–17 ($m)

    2015–16 ($m)

    2014–15 ($m)

    2013–14 ($m)

    Total contributions

    $17,355

    $41,115

    $31,283

    $31,626

    $25,437

    Net transfers

    $6,207

    $9,074

    $9,382

    $9,355

    $9,948

    Benefit payments

    $37,686

    $44,290

    $34,986

    $33,260

    $29,409

    Total expenses

    $8,431

    $8,238

    $7,878

    $6,535

    $5,708

    Net fund flow

    $−22,555

    $−2,339

    $−2,199

    $1,186

    $268

    Table 12: SMSFs by payment phase

    This table shows the distribution of SMSFs by payment phase in each financial year.

    ‘Partial retirement phase’ refers to SMSFs where at least one member has received a benefit payment.

    ‘Full retirement phase’ refers to SMSFs where all members received benefit payments.

    Distribution of SMSFs by payment phase at 30 June 2019 by year

    Payment phase

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Accumulation

    57.0%

    58.4%

    56.0%

    54.1%

    55.4%

    Partial retirement phase

    9.4%

    10.6%

    11.1%

    11.1%

    11.2%

    Full retirement phase

    33.6%

    31.0%

    32.9%

    34.7%

    33.4%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    Table 13: SMSF fund size and SMSF member account balances, by phase

    These tables show:

    • the approximate distribution of SMSFs by phase and asset range
    • the approximate distribution of members’ account balances by closing balance range and phase at 30 June 2018.
    Distribution of SMSFs by phase and asset range, 2017–18

    Asset range

    Accumulation phase

    Retirement phase

    $0–$50k

    7.2%

    3.4%

    >$50k–$100k

    4.9%

    0.7%

    >$100k–$200k

    11.1%

    2.4%

    >$200k–$500k

    29.6%

    13.4%

    >$500k–$1m

    25.3%

    24.1%

    >$1m–$2m

    13.9%

    28.4%

    >$2m–$5m

    6.5%

    21.4%

    >$5m–$10m

    1.1%

    4.9%

    >$10m–$20m

    0.3%

    1.2%

    >$20m–$50m

    0.1%

    0.2%

    >$50m

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    Total

    100%

    100%
    Distribution of SMSF members by member closing balance and payment phase, 2017–18

    Member closing balance

    Accumulation phase

    Retirement phase

    $0–$50k

    22.1%

    5.9%

    >$50k–$100k

    12.8%

    2.8%

    >$100k–$200k

    19.5%

    7.2%

    >$200k–$500k

    24.7%

    23.2%

    >$500k–$1m

    12.5%

    26.6%

    >$1m–$1.4m

    3.6%

    11.7%

    >$1.4m–$1.6m

    1.0%

    4.6%

    >$1.6m–$2m

    1.3%

    5.6%

    >$2m–$5m

    2.2%

    10.2%

    >$5m

    0.4%

    2.2%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    Table 14: SMSF trustee type

    This table shows the distribution of trustee structure (either corporate or individual trustees) of the SMSF population at 30 June 2019 and for new registrations in the 2017, 2018 and 2019 financial years.

    This data is based on SMSF registrations via the Australian Business Register (ABR).

    SMSF trustee type

    Trustee type

    % of all SMSFs at 30/06/2019

    2018–19 registrations

    2017–18 registrations

    2016–17 registrations

    Corporate

    60.6%

    81.6%

    80.6%

    81.0%

    Individual

    39.4%

    18.4%

    19.4%

    19.0%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    Table 15: Audits performed by SMSF auditors

    These tables show, for the 2013–14 to 2017–18 financial years:

    • the total number of SMSF auditors performing audits
    • the distribution of SMSF auditors by number of audits performed
    • the distribution of SMSF population by their SMSF auditor's annual audit completion number
    • the distribution of SMSF assets by their SMSF auditor's annual audit completion number.

    The year columns refer to the year being audited, not the year the audit took place.

    Number of SMSF auditors performing audits, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Number of auditors

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Total

    5,294

    5,689

    5,997

    6,272

    6,604
    Distribution of SMSF auditors by number of audits carried out, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Number of audits

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    <5 funds

    15.6%

    13.7%

    13.5%

    13.4%

    14.9%

    5–50 funds

    50.7%

    48.9%

    49.3%

    50.1%

    50.7%

    51–250 funds

    28.0%

    30.8%

    31.1%

    30.7%

    29.4%

    >250 funds

    5.8%

    6.6%

    6.1%

    5.8%

    5.0%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%
    Distribution of SMSFs by total audits performed by their auditor, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Number of audits

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    <5 funds

    0.4%

    0.3%

    0.3%

    0.4%

    0.4%

    5–50 funds

    13.9%

    12.7%

    13.8%

    14.9%

    16.4%

    51–250 funds

    34.8%

    34.6%

    36.8%

    38.1%

    39.7%

    >250 funds

    50.9%

    52.4%

    49.2%

    46.7%

    43.5%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%
    Distribution of total assets audited by number of audits, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Number of audits

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    <5 funds

    0.4%

    0.3%

    0.3%

    0.3%

    0.4%

    5–50 funds

    14.0%

    12.6%

    13.5%

    14.5%

    15.6%

    51–250 funds

    35.6%

    35.3%

    37.0%

    38.2%

    40.1%

    >250 funds

    50.1%

    51.8%

    49.2%

    47.1%

    44.0%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    Table 16: SMSF auditor fees

    These tables show:

    • average and median SMSF auditor fees
    • distribution of SMSFs by audit fee range by financial year.

    These figures include reported fees above $0.

    Average and median SMSF auditor fees, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    SMSF auditor fees

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Average

    $687

    $694

    $704

    $760

    $726

    Median

    $550

    $550

    $550

    $550

    $550
    Distribution of SMSFs by audit fee range, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Audit fee range

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    >$0–$499

    38.4%

    37.5%

    36.9%

    36.5%

    36.6%

    $500–$999

    49.9%

    50.0%

    50.1%

    49.7%

    48.9%

    $1,000–$1,999

    9.7%

    10.2%

    10.6%

    11.0%

    11.5%

    $2,000 and above

    2.1%

    2.3%

    2.4%

    2.8%

    3.1%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    Table 17: SMSF annual return lodgments per tax agent

    This table shows the distribution of tax agents by the number of SMSF annual returns they lodged each financial year.

    Distribution of SMSF annual return lodgments by number of tax agents, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Number of SMSF annual returns lodged per tax agent

    No. tax agents 2017–18

    No. tax agents 2016–17

    No. tax agents 2015–16

    No. tax agents 2014–15

    No. tax agents 2013–14

    1

    2,142

    2,185

    2,302

    2,466

    2,546

    2

    1,129

    1,213

    1,235

    1,228

    1,276

    3

    899

    871

    906

    905

    932

    4

    617

    680

    686

    664

    642

    5

    512

    565

    575

    556

    563

    6–10

    1,809

    1,856

    1,854

    1,887

    1,893

    11–20

    1,978

    2,042

    2,100

    2,075

    2,048

    21–100

    3,982

    4,236

    4,139

    4,132

    4,005

    101–500

    1,000

    1,045

    1,011

    953

    904

    >500

    33

    31

    28

    28

    23

    Total

    14,101

    14,724

    14,836

    14,894

    14,832

    Table 18: Contraventions reported to the ATO by type

    This table shows the types of contraventions that have been reported to the ATO in auditor contravention reports lodged by SMSF auditors since the start of contravention reporting in 2004 (up to 30 June 2019).

    Distribution of SMSF contraventions by type, to 30 June 2019

    Contravention type

    % of total contraventions

    % of value of contraventions

    Acquisition of assets from related parties

    1.2%

    2.1%

    Administrative type contraventions

    10.8%

    4.0%

    Borrowings

    8.1%

    8.2%

    In-house assets

    18.5%

    28.2%

    Investments at arm's length

    7.5%

    9.2%

    Loan to member/financial assistance

    21.1%

    14.2%

    Operating standard type contraventions

    7.4%

    5.8%

    Other

    4.1%

    1.0%

    Separation of assets

    12.7%

    23.5%

    Sole purpose

    8.6%

    3.8%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    Table 19: Age ranges of SMSF members

    This table shows:

    • the approximate age distribution of SMSF members at 30 June 2019
    • the age distribution of members of SMSFs established in each financial year from 2013–14 to 2017–18.

    This is based on ABR data.

    Age distribution of SMSF members by establishment year of SMSF

    Age range

    All members
    at June 2019

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    <25

    0.5%

    1.3%

    1.4%

    1.5%

    1.5%

    1.7%

    25–34

    3.2%

    12.8%

    10.7%

    11.3%

    11.1%

    10.6%

    35–44

    11.2%

    31.8%

    28.7%

    29.9%

    29.6%

    29.4%

    45–49

    10.1%

    17.8%

    17.3%

    16.9%

    16.4%

    16.2%

    50–54

    11.3%

    14.4%

    15.2%

    15.3%

    15.7%

    16.0%

    55–59

    13.2%

    11.3%

    12.7%

    12.6%

    12.6%

    12.6%

    60–64

    13.3%

    6.2%

    8.0%

    7.8%

    7.9%

    8.4%

    65–69

    13.1%

    2.9%

    3.9%

    3.5%

    3.8%

    3.6%

    70–74

    11.8%

    1.2%

    1.7%

    1.0%

    1.1%

    1.2%

    75–84

    10.4%

    0.3%

    0.6%

    0.4%

    0.4%

    0.4%

    85+

    1.8%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    Average member age

    59.4

    46.5

    47.9

    47.4

    47.6

    47.6

    Median member age

    60.0

    46.1

    47.6

    47.1

    47.3

    47.5

    Table 20: SMSF members and non-SMSF members

    These tables show:

    • the approximate age distribution of SMSF members and non-SMSF members
    • average and median taxable income and average and median member account balances for SMSF members, by age
    • non-SMSF members’ average and median taxable income.

    The age ranges in these tables align with those reported in APRA’s Annual Superannuation Bulletin.

    This is based on ABR and SMSF annual return (SAR) data.

    Age distribution of SMSF members and non-SMSF members, 30 June 2018

    Age range

    All SMSF members at 30 June 2018

    All non-SMSF members at 30 June 2018

    <25

    0.8%

    11.0%

    25–34

    3.2%

    22.8%

    35–44

    11.0%

    22.3%

    45–49

    10.0%

    11.0%

    50–54

    11.5%

    9.3%

    55–59

    14.2%

    8.4%

    60–64

    14.5%

    6.6%

    65–69

    14.2%

    4.1%

    70–74

    11.6%

    2.4%

    75–84

    8.4%

    1.7%

    85+

    0.8%

    0.4%

    Unknown

    <0.1%

    0.3%

    Total

    100%

    100%
    SMSF member taxable income and member balance by age range, 30 June 2018

    Age range

    Average taxable income

    Median taxable income

    Average member balance per 2018 SAR

    Median member balance per 2018 SAR

    <25

    $55,803

    $38,877

    $57,241

    $7,199

    25–34

    $90,882

    $72,744

    $90,395

    $41,729

    35–44

    $129,625

    $87,301

    $161,558

    $102,313

    45–49

    $148,750

    $89,243

    $261,753

    $160,199

    50–54

    $145,467

    $85,723

    $389,115

    $219,096

    55–59

    $139,022

    $77,696

    $606,029

    $334,794

    60–64

    $111,732

    $54,166

    $849,109

    $522,567

    65–69

    $90,017

    $36,228

    $979,506

    $592,884

    70–74

    $80,495

    $29,684

    $1,047,911

    $594,855

    75–84

    $81,889

    $31,007

    $1,081,840

    $592,266

    85+

    $174,041

    $44,510

    $937,092

    $453,020

    Unknown

    $18,736

    $18,736

    $661,650

    $452,016

    Total (all ages)

    $117,477

    $63,545

    $655,469

    $301,237
    Non-SMSF member(d) taxable income by age range, 2017–18

    Age range

    Average taxable income

    Median taxable income

    <25

    $31,846

    $27,329

    25–34

    $56,193

    $50,525

    35–44

    $73,649

    $59,624

    45–49

    $79,915

    $60,872

    50–54

    $77,328

    $58,825

    55–59

    $72,750

    $55,581

    60–64

    $60,452

    $45,223

    65–69

    $48,721

    $33,110

    70–74

    $39,537

    $24,183

    75–84

    $34,873

    $20,797

    85+

    $50,841

    $29,247

    Unknown

    $47,277

    $42,781

    Total

    $62,028

    $48,395
    (d) The non-SMSF member population are those individuals, excluding SMSF members, for whom a 2018 member contribution was received.

    Table 21: Gender statistics

    These tables show:

    • the average SMSF member account balances by gender and phase
    • the average SMSF member account balance by age and gender at 30 June 2018
    • the distribution of member account balances by gender and closing account balance range at 30 June 2018.

    To ensure consistency, where applicable the figures used in this table are those reported in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019.

    Average SMSF member balance (female), 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Phase

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Accumulation

    $319,497

    $285,761

    $244,032

    $225,025

    $205,447

    Retirement

    $4,659,259

    $4,393,916

    $3,960,294

    $3,875,348

    $3,641,920

    All SMSFs

    $623,799

    $582,141

    $524,396

    $513,376

    $488,481
    Average SMSF member balance (male), 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Phase

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Accumulation

    $414,824

    $372,789

    $326,422

    $304,676

    $282,283

    Retirement

    $5,336,754

    $5,063,221

    $4,651,139

    $4,604,730

    $4,388,017

    All SMSFs

    $754,139

    $708,901

    $652,133

    $645,590

    $622,977
    Average SMSF member balance by age and gender, 30 June 2018

    Age range

    Female

    Male

    Overall

    <25

    $65,124

    $61,017

    $63,056

    25–34

    $93,696

    $107,591

    $100,881

    35–44

    $151,361

    $193,254

    $172,484

    45–49

    $243,103

    $306,579

    $275,058

    50–54

    $364,090

    $446,985

    $405,938

    55–59

    $568,833

    $686,113

    $629,268

    60–64

    $806,851

    $954,427

    $883,009

    65–69

    $965,896

    $1,080,981

    $1,026,201

    70–74

    $1,019,118

    $1,165,297

    $1,099,128

    75–84

    $1,074,685

    $1,203,812

    $1,151,291

    85+

    $1,041,947

    $1,109,822

    $1,086,839

    Unknown

    $751,142

    $935,747

    $683,047

    For additional historical data for 2013–14 to 2016–17, see Data tables (XLXS 605KB)This link will download a file.

    Distribution of SMSF members by gender and closing balance range, 30 June 2018

    Member balance range

    % of female members

    % of male members

    >$0–$50k

    19.6%

    12.3%

    >$50k–$100k

    10.4%

    7.5%

    >$100k–$200k

    14.4%

    14.8%

    >$200k–$500k

    21.9%

    26.1%

    >$500k–$1m

    16.9%

    19.1%

    >$1m–$2m

    11.2%

    13.1%

    >$2m–$5m

    4.8%

    5.8%

    >$5m

    0.8%

    1.3%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    For additional historical data for 2013–14 to 2016–17, see Data tables (XLXS 605KB)This link will download a file.

    Table 22: Asset ranges, by fund size and member account balance

    These tables show for each financial year:

    • the approximate distribution of member account balances by account balance range
    • the approximate distribution, by asset range, of SMSFs and value of assets.

    These figures are based on SMSF annual returns, and where applicable are consistent with those reported in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019. The top fund asset range category is now > $50m to better align to our Top 100 SMSF compliance program.

    Distribution of members by account balance range, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Member account balance range

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    $0–$50k

    15.9%

    17.0%

    18.1%

    19.1%

    20.0%

    >$50k–$100k

    9.0%

    9.7%

    10.4%

    10.5%

    10.7%

    >$100k–$200k

    14.7%

    15.1%

    15.5%

    15.2%

    15.1%

    >$200k–$500k

    24.1%

    23.6%

    23.8%

    23.4%

    23.4%

    >$500k–$1m

    17.9%

    17.4%

    16.8%

    16.6%

    16.3%

    >$1m–$1.6m

    9.1%

    8.7%

    7.7%

    7.6%

    7.3%

    >$1.6m-$2m

    3.0%

    2.6%

    2.5%

    2.4%

    2.3%

    >$2m–$5m

    5.3%

    4.9%

    4.5%

    4.5%

    4.3%

    >$5m

    1.1%

    0.9%

    0.7%

    0.7%

    0.6%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%
    Distribution of funds by asset range, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Fund asset range

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    $0–$50k

    5.6%

    5.8%

    6.1%

    6.7%

    7.1%

    >$50k–$100k

    2.9%

    3.6%

    4.2%

    4.5%

    5.0%

    >$100k–$200k

    7.1%

    8.2%

    9.2%

    9.5%

    10.2%

    >$200k–$500k

    22.4%

    23.3%

    24.3%

    24.0%

    24.2%

    >$500k–$1m

    25.0%

    24.4%

    24.2%

    23.6%

    23.1%

    >$1m–$2m

    20.4%

    19.2%

    18.3%

    18.0%

    17.6%

    >$2m–$5m

    13.1%

    12.1%

    11.0%

    10.9%

    10.3%

    >$5m–$10m

    2.7%

    2.5%

    2.2%

    2.2%

    2.0%

    >$10m – $20m

    0.7%

    0.6%

    0.4%

    0.4%

    0.4%

    >$20m – $50m

    0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    >$50m

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%
    Distribution of total fund assets by asset range, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Fund asset range

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    $0–$50k

    0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    >$50k–$100k

    0.2%

    0.2%

    0.3%

    0.3%

    0.4%

    >$100k–$200k

    0.8%

    1.0%

    1.3%

    1.3%

    1.5%

    >$200k–$500k

    6.2%

    6.8%

    7.7%

    7.7%

    8.1%

    >$500k–$1m

    14.1%

    14.6%

    15.9%

    15.8%

    16.1%

    >$1m–$2m

    22.6%

    22.5%

    23.3%

    23.5%

    23.9%

    >$2m–$5m

    30.9%

    30.2

    29.9%

    30.1%

    29.9%

    >$5m–$10m

    14.4%

    14.2%

    13.4%

    13.5%

    13.1%

    >$10m–$20m

    6.7%

    6.4%

    5.3%

    5.1%

    4.8%

    >$20m–$50m

    2.8%

    2.8%

    2.3%

    2.0%

    1.7%

    >$50m

    1.2%

    1.2%

    0.7%

    0.6%

    0.5%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    Table 23: Average returns for SMSFs and APRA-regulated funds

    This table shows the average return on assets (ROA) made by SMSFs and the average rate of return made by APRA-regulated funds of more than four members by financial year.

    The ROA for SMSFs is based on SMSF annual return form data.

    The rate of return for APRA-regulated funds is sourced from the APRA Annual Superannuation Bulletin 2018, Table 9a (reissued 3 July 2019).

    Average returns for SMSFs and APRA-regulated funds, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Fund type

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    SMSFs

    7.5%

    10.2%

    3.1%

    6.0%

    9.7%

    APRA funds

    8.5%

    9.1%

    2.9%

    8.9%

    11.7%

    Table 24: Average return on assets by fund size and age

    These tables show:

    • the average ROA of SMSFs by asset size
    • the average ROA by fund age
    • the distribution of SMSFs by ROA.

    ROA is calculated by comparing net earnings and average assets during the financial year to determine the percentage return on assets.

    SMSF average ROA by fund size, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Fund size

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    $1–$50k

    -15.0%

    -15.4%

    -17.2%

    -17.4%

    -12.5%

    >$50k–$100k

    -4.7%

    -5.8%

    -7.3%

    -6.8%

    -2.9%

    >$100k–$200k

    -0.8%

    -0.9%

    -3.5%

    -1.1%

    1.5%

    >$200–$500k

    3.8%

    4.5%

    0.00%

    2.4%

    5.9%

    >$500k–$1m

    6.0%

    6.9%

    1.5%

    4.6%

    8.3%

    >$1m–$2m

    8.4%

    8.4%

    2.4%

    5.7%

    9.6%

    >$2m

    8.1%

    13.1%

    4.7%

    7.5%

    11.3%
    SMSF average ROA by fund age, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Fund age

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    <2 years

    5.0%

    4.8%

    1.7%

    3.9%

    5.6%

    2–3 years

    6.1%

    8.0%

    2.5%

    4.8%

    6.8%

    4–5 years

    6.2%

    7.8%

    2.5%

    5.2%

    8.0%

    >5 years

    7.7%

    10.6%

    3.2%

    6.2%

    10.1%
    Distribution of SMSFs by ROA, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    ROA

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    <–20%

    2.7%

    3.1%

    3.8%

    3.8%

    3.1%

    –20% to <–15%

    1.0%

    1.2%

    1.7%

    1.3%

    1.0%

    –15% to <–10%

    1.8%

    2.2%

    3.9%

    2.4%

    1.7%

    –10% to <–5%

    4.2%

    4.5%

    10.4%

    5.3%

    3.6%

    –5% to 0%

    13.9%

    13.1%

    28.4%

    15.4%

    10.7%

    >0% to 5%

    32.1%

    25.7%

    34.2%

    35.6%

    24.0%

    >5% to 10%

    25.8%

    24.9%

    9.0%

    24.0%

    23.4%

    >10%

    18.6%

    25.4%

    8.5%

    12.2%

    32.6%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    Table 25: Expenses

    These tables show:

    • average and median total expenses for the 2014 to 2018 financial years
    • average and median total expenses by SMSF asset range for the 2014 to 2018 financial years
    • average and median operating expenses for the 2014 to 2018 financial years
    • average and median expenses by expense type for the 2014 to 2018 financial years
    • average and median expenses by expense type and asset range for the 2018 financial year, including the number of SMSFs reporting at that label.

    The averages and medians in these tables are based on only those SMSFs that report an expense at the relevant label and are therefore a subset of the total population. These figures cannot be compared to averages or medians calculated at the total population level (other than when all expenses are included, which means the total population is included).

    Total expenses – average and median(e)

    Total expenses

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Average

    $14,879

    $14,166

    $13,935

    $12,387

    $11,301

    Median

    $7,710

    $7,285

    $7,100

    $6,152

    $5,557
    (e) Total expenses includes deductible and non-deductible expenses reported at the following SMSF annual return labels: interest expenses within Australia, interest expenses overseas, insurance premiums – members, SMSF auditor fee, investment expenses, management and administration expenses, forestry managed investment scheme expense and other amounts, and SMSF supervisory levy.
    Average total expenses by SMSF asset range

    Asset range

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    >$0–$50k

    $3,842

    $3,598

    $3,545

    $3,284

    $3,164

    >$50k–$100k

    $5,583

    $5,514

    $5,637

    $5,017

    $4,635

    >$100k–$200k

    $10,153

    $9,912

    $9,763

    $8,638

    $7,425

    >$200k–$500k

    $12,356

    $11,794

    $11,408

    $10,067

    $8,853

    >$500k–$1m

    $12,120

    $11,889

    $11,846

    $10,766

    $9,997

    >$1m–$2m

    $14,451

    $14,679

    $15,308

    $13,824

    $13,075

    >$2m

    $29,472

    $28,739

    $28,861

    $25,943

    $25,475

    All funds

    $14,879

    $14,166

    $13,935

    $12,387

    $11,301
    Median total expenses by SMSF asset range

    Asset range

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    >$0–$50k

    $1,871

    $1,811

    $1,888

    $1,802

    $1,862

    >$50k–$100k

    $2,645

    $2,708

    $2,898

    $2,627

    $2,585

    >$100k–$200k

    $4,613

    $4,670

    $4,781

    $4,068

    $3,684

    >$200k–$500k

    $6,855

    $6,652

    $6,590

    $5,628

    $5,073

    >$500k–$1m

    $7,787

    $7,657

    $7,745

    $6,832

    $6,319

    >$1m–$2m

    $9,588

    $9,444

    $9,590

    $8,569

    $8,017

    >$2m

    $15,814

    $15,427

    $15,021

    $13,475

    $12,700

    all funds

    $7,710

    $7,285

    $7,100

    $6,152

    $5,557
    Operating expenses – average and median(f)

    Operating expenses

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Average

    $6,152

    $5,978

    $6,219

    $5,518

    $5,301

    Median

    $3,923

    $3,840

    $3,925

    $3,620

    $3,514
    (f) Operating expenses include deductible and non-deductible expenses reported at the following SMSF annual return labels: approved auditor fee, management and administration expenses, other amounts and SMSF supervisory levy.
     

    This year we have provided more detail in our expense data by showing average and median expenses by each expense type as reported on the SMSF annual return.

    Average expenses by expense type, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Expense type

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Interest expense within Australia

    $16,574

    $16,108

    $16,437

    $14,789

    $13,932

    Interest expense overseas

    $13,706

    $14,552

    $17,098

    $10,137

    $10,158

    Insurance premiums

    $6,711

    $6,560

    $6,391

    $6,138

    $5,881

    SMSF auditor fee

    $679

    $688

    $699

    $756

    $722

    Investment Expenses

    $10,024

    $9,518

    $9,067

    $9,156

    $8,583

    Management and admin expenses

    $4,503

    $4,279

    $4,257

    $4,145

    $3,983

    Forestry managed investment scheme

    $5,464

    $5,677

    $7,917

    $5,317

    $5,657

    Supervisory levy

    $259

    $259

    $259

    $259

    $388

    Other deductions

    $2,512

    $2,646

    $3,116

    $2,766

    $2,770

    Total expenses

    $14,879

    $14,166

    $13,935

    $12,387

    $11,301
    Median expense by expense type, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Expense type

    2017-18

    2016-17

    2015-16

    2014-15

    2013-14

    Interest expense within Australia

    $ 12,881

    $ 11,945

    $ 11,445

    $ 10,133

    $ 8,101

    Interest expense overseas

    $ 9,453

    $ 8,522

    $ 9,247

    $ 5,040

    $ 2,699

    Insurance premiums

    $ 4,532

    $ 4,394

    $ 4,215

    $ 4,011

    $ 3,834

    SMSF auditor fee

    $ 550

    $ 550

    $ 550

    $ 550

    $ 550

    Investment expenses

    $ 5,311

    $ 4,947

    $ 4,506

    $ 4,645

    $ 4,150

    Management and admin expenses

    $ 2,808

    $ 2,720

    $ 2,674

    $ 2,689

    $ 2,565

    Forestry managed investment scheme

    $ 2,538

    $ 2,304

    $ 2,233

    $ 2,366

    $ 2,097

    Supervisory levy

    $ 259

    $ 259

    $ 259

    $ 259

    $ 388

    Other deductions

    $ 317

    $ 364

    $ 518

    $ 420

    $ 322

    Total expenses

    $ 7,710

    $ 7,285

    $ 7,100

    $ 6,152

    $ 5,557

    The following two tables provide further granularity, breaking down the average and the median expense for each expense type into fund size ranges. They also include the number of funds who reported an amount against each of these expense labels on the SMSF annual return.

    Average expenses by expense type and range, year ended 30 June 2018

    Expense type

    $1-$50k

    >$50k-$100k

    >$100k-$200k

    >$200k-$500k

    >$500k-$1m

    >$1m-$2m

    >$2m

    All funds

    No. of funds reporting this expense

    Interest expense within Australia

    $7,549

    $10,078

    $12,335

    $14,405

    $16,578

    $19,270

    $33,591

    $16,574

    61,652

    Interest expense overseas

    $3,393

    $6,892

    $11,075

    $13,588

    $15,424

    $9,181

    $21,956

    $13,706

    351

    Insurance premiums

    $5,886

    $4,521

    $4,648

    $5,640

    $7,259

    $9,225

    $12,274

    $6,711

    98,821

    SMSF auditor fee

    $549

    $566

    $576

    $614

    $645

    $702

    $868

    $679

    347,739

    Investment expenses

    $2,663

    $3,473

    $5,610

    $6,176

    $6,907

    $9,312

    $21,485

    $10,024

    240,691

    Management and admin expenses

    $1,457

    $1,723

    $2,220

    $2,944

    $3,899

    $5,128

    $9,152

    $4,503

    444,961

    Forestry managed investment scheme

    $2,556

    $4,341

    $3,850

    $4,038

    $4,300

    $5,525

    $11,093

    $5,464

    353

    Supervisory levy

    $259

    $259

    $259

    $259

    $259

    $259

    $259

    $259

    470,415

    Other deductions

    $1,036

    $1,334

    $1,494

    $1,904

    $2,083

    $2,351

    $4,873

    $2,512

    217,770

    Total expenses

    $3,842

    $5,583

    $10,153

    $12,356

    $12,120

    $14,451

    $29,472

    $14,879

    470,415
    Median expenses by expense type and range, year ended 30 June 2018

     

    $1-$50k

    >$50k-$100k

    >$100k-$200k

    >$200k-$500k

    >$500k-$1m

    >$1m-$2m

    >$2m

    All funds

    No. of funds reporting this expense

    Interest expense within Australia

    $764

    $10,459

    $12,515

    $13,401

    $13,403

    $12,406

    $7,394

    $12,881

    61,652

    Interest expense overseas

    $48

    $4,717

    $11,794

    $12,407

    $9,048

    $3,059

    $818

    $9,453

    351

    Insurance premiums

    $3,271

    $3,001

    $3,363

    $4,175

    $5,252

    $6,413

    $7,909

    $4,532

    98,821

    SMSF auditor fee

    $450

    $473

    $495

    $548

    $550

    $574

    $659

    $550

    347,739

    Investment expenses

    $149

    $711

    $3,877

    $4,399

    $4,880

    $6,371

    $10,734

    $5,311

    240,691

    Management and admin expenses

    $1,107

    $1,331

    $1,804

    $2,341

    $2,824

    $3,437

    $5,048

    $2,808

    444,961

    Forestry managed investment scheme

    $633

    $2,309

    $1,848

    $2,869

    $2,238

    $2,889

    $3,467

    $2,538

    353

    Supervisory levy

    $259

    $259

    $259

    $259

    $259

    $259

    $259

    $259

    470,415

    Other deductions

    $285

    $386

    $513

    $473

    $277

    $259

    $259

    $317

    217,770

    Total expenses

    $1,871

    $2,645

    $4,613

    $6,855

    $7,787

    $9,588

    $15,814

    $7,710

    470,415

    Table 26: Average expense ratios

    These tables show:

    • SMSF average expense ratios for each financial year
    • distribution of SMSFs by average expense ratio range at 30 June 2018.

    The average expense ratios of an SMSF are calculated by:

    • summing various deductible and non-deductible expense labels from the SMSF’s annual return
    • comparing this total to the SMSF’s average assets to determine a ratio of expenses to assets.
    SMSF average expense ratios, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Expense type

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Operating

    0.5%

    0.5%

    0.6%

    0.5%

    0.5%

    Total

    1.2%

    1.2%

    1.3%

    1.2%

    1.1%
    Distribution of SMSFs by average expense ratio range, 2017–18

    Ratio range

    SMSFs with operating expenses in range

    SMSFs with total expenses in range

    <=0.25%

    22.4%

    12.3%

    >0.25–0.5%

    20.6%

    13.2%

    >0.5–0.75%

    13.3%

    10.3%

    >0.75–1%

    9.4%

    8.7%

    >1–1.5%

    12.6%

    13.7%

    >1.5–2%

    7.4%

    9.1%

    >2–3%

    7.0%

    9.8%

    >3–5%

    4.1%

    8.1%

    >5%

    3.2%

    14.8%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    For additional historical data for 2014 to 2017, see Data tables (XLXS 605KB)This link will download a file.

    Table 27: Average expense ratios by fund size

    This table shows average SMSF expense ratios by fund size for total expenses and operating expenses at 30 June 2018.

    SMSF average expense ratios by fund size, 2017–18

    Fund size

    Operating expenses

    Total expenses

    $1–$50k

    8.2%

    15.4%

    >$50k–$100k

    3.4%

    7.3%

    >$100k–$200k

    2.2%

    6.7%

    >$200k–$500k

    1.3%

    3.7%

    >$500k–$1m

    0.8%

    1.7%

    >$1m–$2m

    0.5%

    1.0%

    >$2m

    0.3%

    0.7%

    For additional historical data for 2014 to 2017, see Data tables (XLXS 605KB)This link will download a file.

    Table 28: Asset allocations

    These tables show:

    • the value and proportion of assets held by the SMSF population for each type of asset listed on the 2018 SMSF annual return
    • the mean and median value for each of those asset types
    • a breakdown of assets reported at limited recourse borrowing arrangement labels by asset type.

    SMSFs will have different asset allocations in individual cases.

    To ensure consistency, the total monetary amounts used in this table are those reported in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019.

    SMSF asset allocations, 30 June 2018

    Asset type

    All ($m)

    % of total SMSF assets

    % of SMSF population holding these assets

    Mean ($)(h)

    Median ($)(i)

    Listed trusts

    $36,943

    5.0%

    31.7%

    $198,305

    $81,406

    Unlisted trusts

    $84,609

    11.5%

    23.1%

    $642,692

    $263,078

    Insurance policy

    $124

    <0.1%

    0.1%

    $294,965

    $140,781

    Other managed investments

    $36,583

    5.0%

    11.3%

    $558,104

    $237,076

    Cash and term deposits

    $158,984

    21.6%

    96.9%

    $280,891

    $93,249

    Debt securities

    $11,675

    1.6%

    8.7%

    $227,400

    $100,000

    Loans

    $5,062

    0.7%

    3.0%

    $303,834

    $95,000

    Listed shares

    $214,101

    29.1%

    59.8%

    $603,834

    $282,349

    Unlisted shares

    $8,369

    1.1%

    6.8%

    $219,498

    $37,634

    Limited recourse borrowing arrangements

    $43,393

    5.9%

    10.2%

    $767,941

    $499,192

    Non-residential real property

    $67,252

    9.1%

    11.6%

    $1,017,512

    $600,000

    Residential real property

    $36,233

    4.9%

    9.9%

    $645,297

    $456,348

    Collectables and personal use assets

    $342

    0.1%

    0.6%

    $115,158

    $43,613

    Other assets

    $19,814

    2.7%

    82.4%

    $40,985

    $8,583

    Overseas shares

    $7,836

    1.1%

    6.2%

    $224,626

    $52,011

    Overseas non-residential real property

    $119

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    $468,482

    $153,089

    Overseas residential real property

    $266

    <0.1%

    0.2%

    $300,232

    $161,316

    Overseas managed investments

    $1,064

    0.1%

    0.7%

    $266,646

    $98,810

    Other overseas assets

    $2,666

    0.4%

    2.6%

    $182,119

    $55,190

    Total Australian and overseas Assets

    $735,438

    100%

    Na

    $1,298,124

    $709,984

    Borrowings

    $22,759

    3.1%

    11.4%

    $361,715

    $267,192

    Other liabilities

    $5,978

    0.8%

    62.6%

    $17,069

    $3,202

    Net Australian and overseas assets

    $706,701

    96.1%

    Na

    $1,244,913

    $652,322
    (h) (i) Mean and median values are only applicable to the funds that held those types of assets.
    SMSF limited recourse borrowing arrangement asset allocations, 30 June 2018

    LRBA investment by asset type

    Total ($m)

    % of total SMSF assets

    % of SMSFs holding these assets

    Mean ($)(j)

    Median ($)(k)

    Australian residential real property

    $21,768

    3.0%

    7.0%

    $567,943

    $460,894

    Australian non-residential real property

    $19,809

    2.7%

    2.9%

    $1,241,594

    $710,000

    Overseas real property

    $32

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    $549,892

    $296,696

    Australian shares

    $511

    0.1%

    0.3%

    $295,121

    $163,903

    Overseas shares

    $11

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    $208,595

    $90,369

    Other

    $1,263

    0.2%

    0.3%

    $801,958

    $265,000

    Total(l)

    $43,393

    5.9%

    10.2%

    $767,941

    $499,192
    Notes:(j) (k) Mean and median values are only applicable to the funds that held those types of assets.


    (l) The total represents the proportion of total SMSFs holding all LRBA assets. There is a small proportion of SMSFs that hold more than one type of LRBA asset.
    Total LRBA assets and proportion of SMSFs reporting LRBAs, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    LRBA assets

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Total LRBA assets ($m)

    $43,393

    $41,562

    $27,023

    $21,414

    $15,530

    Proportion of SMSFs reporting LRBAs (%)

    10.2%

    9.5%

    7.3%

    6.3%

    5.7%
    SMSF investment in real property and borrowings, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Investment type

    2017–18 ($m)

    2016–17 ($m)

    2015–16 ($m)

    2014–15 ($m)

    2013–14 ($m)

    Non-residential real property

    $67,252

    $67,795

    $67,174

    $64,269

    $60,262

    LRBA non-residential real property

    $19,809

    $18,943

    $12,164

    $9,513

    $6,737

    Residential real property

    $36,233

    $35,206

    $29,048

    $23,443

    $19,997

    LRBA residential real property

    $21,768

    $20,530

    $13,071

    $9,976

    $6,658

    Total SMSF investment in property

    $145,062

    $142,474

    $121,457

    $107,201

    $93,654

    Total borrowings

    $22,759

    $23,500

    $21,196

    $18,186

    $13,771

    Table 29: SMSF population holding assets

    These tables show the:

    • distribution of the SMSF population holding certain assets
    • distribution of total SMSF assets by asset type.
    SMSF population holding assets, by asset type

    Asset type

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Listed trusts

    31.6%

    29.1%

    28.6%

    27.7%

    27.3%

    Unlisted trusts

    23.1%

    22.5%

    21.8%

    20.3%

    19.9%

    Other managed investments

    11.3%

    10.6%

    10.8%

    11.2%

    11.0%

    Cash and term deposits

    96.9%

    97.0%

    97.2%

    97.0%

    97.0%

    Listed shares

    59.8%

    58.9%

    59.7%

    59.8%

    59.4%

    Non-residential real property

    11.6%

    11.9%

    13.8%

    14.5%

    14.7%

    Residential real property

    9.9%

    9.8%

    9.1%

    8.1%

    7.4%

    Limited recourse borrowing arrangements

    10.2%

    9.5%

    7.3%

    6.3%

    5.7%

    All other assets

    111.3%

    108.7%

    107.4%

    104.1%

    101.7%
    Distribution of SMSF asset holdings by asset type

    Asset type

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    Listed trusts

    5.0%

    4.3%

    4.4%

    4.1%

    3.8%

    Unlisted trusts

    11.5%

    11.1%

    10.4%

    9.6%

    9.1%

    Other managed investments

    5.0%

    4.6%

    4.9%

    5.0%

    4.6%

    Cash and term deposits

    21.6%

    24.0%

    24.4%

    25.3%

    27.1%

    Listed shares

    29.1%

    27.4%

    28.1%

    29.8%

    30.7%

    Non-residential real property

    9.1%

    9.8%

    11.0%

    11.1%

    11.3%

    Residential real property

    4.9%

    5.1%

    4.8%

    4.1%

    3.8%

    Limited recourse borrowing arrangements

    5.9%

    6.0%

    4.4%

    3.7%

    2.9%

    All other assets

    7.9%

    7.7%

    7.6%

    7.3%

    6.7%

    Total

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    100%

    For additional tables on changes in distribution of SMSF asset holdings from 2014 to 2018, see Data tables (XLXS 605KB)This link will download a file.

    Table 30: SMSF asset allocations, by fund phase

    This table shows the distribution of assets held by SMSFs in accumulation and retirement phases, for each type of asset listed on the 2018 SMSF annual return.

    SMSF asset allocation by fund phase, 30 June 2018

    Asset type

    Accumulation phase

    Retirement phase

    Listed trusts

    4.1%

    5.4%

    Unlisted trusts

    11.0%

    12.2%

    Insurance policy

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    Other managed investments

    4.5%

    5.3%

    Cash and term deposits

    21.5%

    21.5%

    Debt securities

    0.9%

    2.0%

    Loans

    0.7%

    0.7%

    Listed shares

    20.9%

    32.8%

    Unlisted shares

    1.5%

    1.0%

    Limited recourse borrowing arrangements

    14.3%

    1.5%

    Non-residential real property

    9.5%

    9.2%

    Residential real property

    6.5%

    4.2%

    Collectables and personal use assets

    0.1%

    <0.1%

    Other assets

    2.8%

    2.6%

    Overseas shares

    1.2%

    1.1%

    Overseas non-residential real property

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    Overseas residential real property

    0.1%

    <0.1%

    Overseas managed investments

    0.2%

    0.1%

    Other overseas assets

    0.4%

    0.4%

    Total Australian and overseas assets

    100%

    100%

    Table 31: Asset concentrations

    These tables show the distribution of SMSFs that have 50% or more of their assets by value invested in one particular asset class.

    For example, at 30 June 2018, 44% of SMSFs held 80% or more of their assets in one particular asset class, representing 29% of total SMSF assets.

    An asset concentration of 100% indicates all assets are held within a single asset class.

    Distribution of SMSFs by asset concentration, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Asset concentration

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    100%

    9.2%

    10.4%

    10.8%

    11.6%

    12.3%

    >=90%

    30.1%

    30.6%

    31.1%

    31.6%

    32.3%

    >=80%

    44.0%

    44.4%

    44.8%

    45.1%

    45.6%

    >=70%

    56.7%

    57.1%

    57.4%

    57.8%

    58.4%

    >=60%

    69.8%

    70.2%

    70.5%

    71.0%

    71.7%

    >=50%

    84.5%

    84.8%

    85.2%

    85.8%

    86.6%
    Distribution of SMSF assets by asset concentration, 2013–14 to 2017–18

    Asset concentration

    2017–18

    2016–17

    2015–16

    2014–15

    2013–14

    100%

    4.0%

    4.6%

    4.7%

    4.9%

    5.3%

    >=90%

    18.8%

    18.8%

    19.3%

    19.3%

    19.8%

    >=80%

    29.1%

    29.0%

    29.6%

    29.8%

    30.2%

    >=70%

    38.5%

    38.5%

    39.1%

    39.4%

    40.1%

    >=60%

    47.9%

    47.8%

    48.5%

    48.9%

    49.8%

    >=50%

    57.3%

    57.3%

    58.0%

    58.6%

    59.6%

    Table 32: Asset concentration by fund size

    This table shows, by fund size, the distribution of SMSFs that have 50% or more of their assets by value invested in one particular asset class.

    SMSF asset concentration by fund size, 30 June 2018

    Fund size

    % of SMSFs with 100% concentration

    >=90%

    >=80%

    >=70%

    >=60%

    >=50%

    $1–$50k

    41.4%

    64.7%

    75.7%

    83.8%

    91.2%

    98.0%

    >$50k–$100k

    23.3%

    52.5%

    66.1%

    76.1%

    86.0%

    96.0%

    >$100k–$200k

    19.2%

    46.1%

    60.0%

    72.0%

    83.0%

    93.6%

    >$200k–$500k

    11.2%

    38.0%

    54.4%

    67.1%

    78.5%

    90.2%

    >$500k–$1m

    6.6%

    28.5%

    43.7%

    57.4%

    71.2%

    85.9%

    >$1m–$2m

    4.7%

    21.0%

    33.5%

    46.4%

    61.2%

    79.1%

    >$2m–$5m

    2.7%

    15.5%

    26.6%

    39.4%

    54.5%

    73.3%

    >$5m–$10m

    1.5%

    12.8%

    23.3%

    36.0%

    51.0%

    68.9%

    >$10m

    1.5%

    13.8%

    24.5%

    36.6%

    50.7%

    67.3%

    Table 33: Asset concentration by asset type

    This table shows, by asset class, the distribution of SMSFs that have 50%or more of their assets by value invested in that asset class.

    SMSF asset concentration by type, 30 June 2018

    Asset type

    % of SMSFs with 100% of asset class

    >=90%

    >=80%

    >=70%

    >=60%

    >=50%

    Listed trusts

    <0.1%

    0.4%

    0.6%

    1.0%

    1.5%

    2.2%

    Unlisted trusts

    0.2%

    1.8%

    3.1%

    4.3%

    5.7%

    7.3%

    Insurance policy

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    Other managed investments

    0.1%

    1.3%

    1.9%

    2.5%

    3.1%

    3.8%

    Cash and term deposits

    7.6%

    11.4%

    13.3%

    15.4%

    17.9%

    21.2%

    Debt securities

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    0.2%

    Loans

    0.0%

    0.2%

    0.4%

    0.4%

    0.5%

    0.6%

    Listed shares

    0.2%

    5.8%

    10.4%

    14.9%

    19.6%

    24.6%

    Unlisted shares

    <0.1%

    0.2%

    0.4%

    0.5%

    0.6%

    0.8%

    Limited recourse borrowing arrangements

    0.2%

    4.3%

    6.5%

    7.8%

    8.6%

    9.2%

    Non-residential real property

    0.2%

    1.9%

    3.2%

    4.4%

    5.5%

    6.7%

    Residential real property

    0.1%

    1.5%

    2.5%

    3.4%

    4.3%

    5.1%

    Collectables and personal use assets

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    Other assets

    0.4%

    0.9%

    1.2%

    1.5%

    1.7%

    2.0%

    Overseas shares

    <0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    0.2%

    0.2%

    0.3%

    Overseas non-residential real property

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    Overseas residential real property

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    Overseas managed investments

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    Other overseas assets

    <0.1%

    <0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    0.1%

    Total

    9.2%

    30.1%

    44.0%

    56.7%

    69.8%

    84.5%

    Table 34: Asset concentration by phase

    This table shows the distribution of SMSFs in accumulation or retirement phase that have 50% or more of their assets by value invested in one particular asset class.

    SMSF asset concentration by phase, 30 June 2018

    Asset concentration

    % of SMSFs in accumulation phase

    % of SMSFs in retirement phase

    100%

    11.3%

    6.5%

    >=90%

    35.7%

    22.8%

    >=80%

    50.8%

    35.2%

    >=70%

    63.4%

    48.0%

    >=60%

    75.6%

    62.4%

    >=50%

    88.2%

    79.6%
      Last modified: 22 Jun 2020QC 62894