You can also download Appendix 1 Data tables (XLXS 104KB)This link will download a file
Note: Certain tables are from those reported in the Self-managed super fund statistical report, June 2017.
See also
To view data from before 2009, go to:
- Self-managed super fund statistical report – June 2012
- Self-managed super fund statistical report – June 2013
- To view the methodology document for the SMSF quarterly statistics, refer to Self-managed super fund quarterly statistics methodology
- This report does not address income tax issues relating to SMSFs. However, we release annual Taxation statistics presenting an overview of income tax returns, including for superannuation funds.
Table 1: Yearly SMSF population and asset size
This table shows the:
- number of SMSFs that were established or wound up during each financial year
- overall number of SMSFs and members
- total assets in SMSFs.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data. To ensure consistency, the figures used in this table are those reported in the Self-managed super fund statistical report, June 2017.
SMSFs |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Establishments |
39,616 |
33,823 |
34,421 |
33,194 |
29,620 |
Wind-ups |
11,054 |
12,189 |
12,111 |
10,551 |
1,419 |
Net establishments |
28,562 |
21,634 |
22,310 |
22,643 |
28,201 |
Total SMSFs |
501,728 |
523,362 |
545,672 |
568,315 |
596,516 |
Total members |
949,322 |
991,006 |
1,032,990 |
1,070,796 |
1,124,453 |
Total assets ($m) |
478,348 |
537,065 |
590,398 |
634,683 |
696,728 |
Table 2: SMSF age distribution
This table shows the age distribution of SMSFs, based on years since their establishment date.
SMSF age since establishment (as at 30/06/2017) |
Proportion of SMSFs |
|---|---|
In 1st year of establishment |
4.8% |
>1–2 years |
5.3% |
>2–3 years |
5.5% |
>3–5 years |
11.3% |
>5–10 years |
19.7% |
>10 years |
53.1% |
N/A |
0.3% |
Total |
100% |
Average SMSF age |
9 years |
Median SMSF age |
9 years |
Table 3: Contribution flows
These tables show the total value of contributions to SMSFs during each financial year and the mean and median amounts over those periods, along with contributions by fund size.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data. To ensure consistency, the total contributions figures used are those reported in the Self-managed super fund statistical report, June 2017.
Total |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Member |
19,121 |
17,979 |
19,687 |
25,308 |
25,133 |
Employer |
7,486 |
5,445 |
6,043 |
6,959 |
7,129 |
Mean |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Member |
83,448 |
76,534 |
80,278 |
98,953 |
98,898 |
Employer |
29,953 |
20,412 |
22,075 |
24,633 |
25,056 |
Median |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Member |
18,563 |
18,085 |
20,000 |
25,000 |
25,000 |
Employer |
19,180 |
16,839 |
17,511 |
18,657 |
19,175 |
Fund size |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$1–$50k |
0.60% |
0.54% |
0.48% |
0.37% |
0.32% |
>$50k–$100k |
0.71% |
0.60% |
0.48% |
0.41% |
0.37% |
>$100k–$200k |
2.42% |
2.15% |
1.81% |
1.33% |
1.07% |
>$200k–$500k |
11.88% |
10.99% |
9.35% |
7.29% |
6.58% |
>$500k–$1m |
23.03% |
21.93% |
20.45% |
18.36% |
18.08% |
>$1m–$2m |
28.31% |
29.21% |
29.02% |
29.12% |
29.89% |
>$2m–$5m |
24.87% |
26.24% |
28.20% |
30.87% |
31.89% |
>$5m–$10m |
6.85% |
6.87% |
8.20% |
9.58% |
9.13% |
>$10m |
1.33% |
1.47% |
2.02% |
2.66% |
2.68% |
Fund size |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$1–$50k |
1.89% |
2.37% |
1.94% |
1.54% |
1.33% |
>$50k–$100k |
2.95% |
3.45% |
2.91% |
2.52% |
2.15% |
>$100k–$200k |
7.26% |
8.85% |
7.68% |
6.65% |
6.11% |
>$200k–$500k |
22.04% |
24.90% |
23.40% |
22.76% |
22.67% |
>$500k–$1m |
25.36% |
24.92% |
25.01% |
25.86% |
26.71% |
>$1m–$2m |
22.40% |
19.77% |
20.75% |
21.52% |
21.89% |
>$2m–$5m |
14.50% |
12.48% |
14.23% |
14.86% |
14.78% |
>$5m–$10m |
3.04% |
2.70% |
3.26% |
3.41% |
3.47% |
>$10m |
0.56% |
0.56% |
0.82% |
0.89% |
0.90% |
Additional data tables on member and employer contributions by member age can be accessed in Appendix 1 Data tables (XLXS 104KB)This link will download a file.
Table 4: Rollover flow (into and out of SMSFs)
These tables show the total value of rollovers into and out of SMSFs during each financial year and the mean and median amount over those periods, along with rollovers by fund size.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data. To ensure consistency, the total rollover figures used are those reported in the Self-managed super fund statistical report, June 2017.
Total |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Inward |
16,025 |
16,595 |
15,249 |
15,384 |
15,329 |
Outward |
3,797 |
4,280 |
5,116 |
5,666 |
5,627 |
Mean |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Inward |
209,376 |
199,242 |
194,623 |
206,027 |
202,005 |
Outward |
273,333 |
291,959 |
294,402 |
329,047 |
303,338 |
Median |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Inward |
84,561 |
83,107 |
81,147 |
80,274 |
79,869 |
Outward |
58,769 |
67,377 |
84,034 |
94,694 |
86,815 |
Fund size |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$1–$50k |
0.95% |
0.75% |
0.63% |
0.52% |
0.42% |
>$50k–$100k |
1.98% |
2.04% |
1.86% |
1.48% |
1.42% |
>$100k–$200k |
6.83% |
7.63% |
7.70% |
6.60% |
6.62% |
>$200k–$500k |
20.93% |
21.85% |
21.83% |
20.76% |
22.17% |
>$500k–$1m |
25.44% |
24.12% |
23.73% |
22.79% |
23.30% |
>$1m–$2m |
22.32% |
21.02% |
21.09% |
21.10% |
21.74% |
>$2m–$5m |
14.88% |
15.25% |
16.35% |
17.30% |
16.39% |
>$5m–$10m |
4.78% |
4.27% |
4.91% |
5.60% |
5.32% |
>$10m |
1.89% |
3.07% |
1.91% |
3.85% |
2.62% |
Outward rollovers, by fund size (% per year)
Fund size |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$1–$50k |
22.81% |
14.33% |
13.96% |
13.30% |
12.78% |
>$50k–$100k |
2.05% |
1.78% |
2.38% |
1.86% |
1.71% |
>$100k–$200k |
2.41% |
2.86% |
3.09% |
2.74% |
2.62% |
>$200k–$500k |
7.54% |
8.90% |
7.88% |
8.34% |
7.53% |
>$500k–$1m |
13.39% |
13.06% |
13.65% |
13.39% |
14.24% |
>$1m–$2m |
17.60% |
17.46% |
18.58% |
17.09% |
19.99% |
>$2m–$5m |
21.20% |
23.80% |
25.33% |
25.53% |
25.50% |
>$5m–$10m |
10.36% |
11.42% |
11.43% |
10.90% |
9.06% |
>$10m |
2.64% |
6.39% |
3.70% |
6.85% |
6.57% |
Table 5: Benefit payments
This table shows the total benefit payments from SMSFs during each financial year, and average and median amounts over those periods. Benefit payments includes income stream benefits, lump sum benefits, transition-to-retirement (TRIS) and combination payments.
To ensure consistency, the estimates for total benefit payments figures used are those reported in the Self-managed super fund statistical report, June 2017.The average and median figures are based on SMSF annual return form data.
SMSF benefit payments |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total ($m) |
22,631 |
25,582 |
29,647 |
33,914 |
37,009 |
Average ($) |
101,217 |
109,390 |
121,474 |
127,454 |
127,252 |
Median ($) |
52,000 |
53,660 |
61,000 |
62,910 |
62,663 |
Type of benefit |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lump sum benefit |
9.1% |
7.3% |
6.2% |
6.1% |
5.8% |
Income stream benefit |
70.7% |
81.3% |
81.1% |
82.0% |
83.1% |
Transition to retirement benefit |
11.5% |
11.4% |
12.7% |
11.9% |
11.2% |
Combination* |
8.7%* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
- * Combination payments were for members who received both lump sum and income stream payments. Because the 2013 SMSF annual return has introduced separate benefit payment labels for lump sum and income stream benefits, this label is no longer reported.
SMSF members receiving benefit payments in 2016, by age range
Age range |
(%) members receiving benefit payments |
average member benefit payment |
average member balance** |
|---|---|---|---|
< 55 |
2.1% |
$27,504 |
$598,834 |
55–59 |
7.9% |
$42,246 |
$872,727 |
60–64 |
23.9% |
$69,613 |
$976,814 |
65–69 |
30.0% |
$81,361 |
$1,012,869 |
70–74 |
20.9% |
$78,898 |
$1,053,650 |
>74 |
15.2% |
$95,803 |
$1,074,676 |
Unknown^ |
0.0% |
$184,889 |
$971,892 |
Total |
100% |
$76,067 |
$1,002,586 |
- **Average member balance is calculated prior to benefit payment.
- ^ Unknown value indicates a value less than 0.1% but is greater than 0.
- Additional data tables on members receiving income stream benefit payments and lump sum and income stream benefit payments by benefit type can be accessed in Appendix 1 Data tables (XLXS 104KB)This link will download a file.
Table 6: SMSF trustee type
This table shows the trustee structure (either corporate or individual trustees) of the SMSF population as at 30 June 2017, plus new registrations for the years 30 June 2015 to 30 June 2017.
Trustee type |
% of all SMSFs (at 30/06/2017) |
2015 registrations |
2016 registrations |
2017 registrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Corporate |
56.78% |
26,770 (80.02%) |
27,274 (80.82%) |
25,589 (80.84%) |
Individual |
43.22% |
6,684 (19.98%) |
6,473 (19.18%) |
6,066 (19.16%) |
Total |
100% |
33,454 (100%) |
33,747 (100%) |
31,655 (100%) |
As we have revised the methodology and data used for determining SMSF trustee type, revised data tables for the 2013–14 and 2014–15 publications can be accessed in Appendix 1 Data tables (XLXS 104KB)This link will download a file.
Table 7: SMSFs by payment phase
This table shows the payment phase of SMSFs as at 30 June 2017 for the years 30 June 2012 to 30 June 2016.
Partial pension phase refers to SMSFs where at least one member has received a pension payment and full pension phase refers to SMSFs where all members received pension payments.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data.
SMSFs by payment phase
No. of SMSFs |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
In accumulation phase |
57.3% |
56.0% |
55.0% |
53.2% |
52.9% |
In partial pension phase |
10.8% |
11.3% |
11.2% |
11.3% |
11.4% |
In full pension phase |
31.9% |
32.7% |
33.8% |
35.5% |
35.7% |
Total |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
Table 8: Audits performed by SMSF auditors
These tables show the number of SMSF auditors who performed audits in relation to each year of audit, the proportion of SMSF auditors to the number of audits they performed, and the proportion of total audits performed by SMSF auditors, for the years ended 30 June 2012 to 30 June 2016.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data.
Number of SMSF auditors performing audits, by financial year
Number of auditors |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total* |
10,165 |
6,998 |
6,545 |
6,189 |
5,814 |
- From 1 July 2013 only SMSF auditors registered with ASIC can undertake SMSF audits, resulting in a reduction of auditors performing SMSF audits.
The year column refers to the year being audited, not the year the audit took place.
Number of audits |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
<5 funds |
32.5% |
16.6% |
14.9% |
13.4% |
14.5% |
5–50 funds |
47.8% |
51.1% |
51.0% |
50.6% |
53.4% |
51–250 funds |
17.3% |
27.8% |
29.2% |
30.4% |
27.2% |
>250 funds |
2.4% |
4.5% |
5.0% |
5.6% |
4.8% |
Total |
100% |
99% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
The year columns refer to the year being audited, not the year the audit took place.
Number of audits |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
<5 funds |
1.4% |
0.5% |
0.4% |
0.4% |
0.4% |
5–50 funds |
24.3% |
17.7% |
16.5% |
15.3% |
16.7% |
51–250 funds |
40.2% |
41.1% |
39.7% |
38.2% |
37.7% |
>250 funds |
34.2% |
40.7% |
43.4% |
46.2% |
45.2% |
Total |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
The year columns refer to the year being audited, not the year the audit took place.
Table 9: SAR lodgments per tax agent
This table shows the distribution of tax agents by the number of SMSF annual returns (SAR) they lodged in the years ended 30 June 2012 to 30 June 2016.
Number of SMSF annual returns lodged per tax agent |
Tax agents in 2012 |
Tax agents in 2013 |
Tax agents in 2014 |
Tax agents in 2015 |
Tax agents in 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
2,559 |
2,409 |
2,322 |
2,239 |
2,015 |
2 |
1,249 |
1,258 |
1,245 |
1,150 |
1,157 |
3 |
862 |
820 |
826 |
836 |
775 |
4 |
623 |
650 |
652 |
640 |
603 |
5 |
543 |
550 |
528 |
504 |
528 |
6–10 |
1,794 |
1,762 |
1,844 |
1,820 |
1,698 |
11–20 |
2,019 |
2,029 |
2,031 |
2,021 |
1,924 |
21–100 |
3,774 |
3,929 |
4,040 |
4,101 |
3,828 |
101–500 |
817 |
905 |
972 |
1,001 |
875 |
>500 |
25 |
23 |
27 |
29 |
27 |
Total |
14,265 |
14,335 |
14,487 |
14,341 |
13,430 |
Table 10: Age ranges of SMSF members
This table shows the approximate age distribution of SMSF members at 30 June 2017, along with the age distribution of members of SMSFs established in each year from 2012 to 2016. This is an estimate based on Australian Business Register (ABR) data.
Age distribution of members, by establishment year of SMSF
Age range |
Proportion of all members |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
< 25 |
0.7% |
1.6% |
1.6% |
1.4% |
1.2% |
1.2% |
25 – 34 |
3.8% |
9.8% |
10.2% |
10.4% |
11.0% |
11.1% |
35 – 44 |
12.4% |
23.2% |
27.0% |
29.5% |
29.7% |
29.8% |
45 – 49 |
10.6% |
14.3% |
15.3% |
16.5% |
16.6% |
17.1% |
50 – 54 |
11.9% |
16.4% |
16.5% |
16.2% |
15.8% |
15.5% |
55 – 59 |
13.7% |
15.6% |
13.9% |
12.7% |
12.7% |
12.7% |
60 – 64 |
13.7% |
12.0% |
9.5% |
8.4% |
7.8% |
7.9% |
65 – 69 |
13.6% |
5.1% |
4.3% |
3.6% |
3.7% |
3.5% |
70 – 74 |
10.5% |
1.5% |
1.3% |
1.2% |
1.1% |
1.0% |
75 – 84 |
8.1% |
0.6% |
0.4% |
0.3% |
0.4% |
0.4% |
85+ |
1.1% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
Unknown |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
Total |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
Average member age |
58.2 |
49.6 |
48.5 |
47.8 |
47.7 |
47.5 |
Median member age |
58.9 |
50.4 |
48.7 |
47.6 |
47.4 |
47.2 |
As we have revised the methodology used for determining member age, the figures in the table above vary slightly from previous publications.
Table 11: SMSF members and non-SMSF members
These tables show the approximate age distribution of SMSF members at 30 June 2016, along with the average and median account balances for these members as reported on the 2016 SAR. It also includes a comparison of SMSF members’ average and median taxable income to non-SMSF members’ average and median taxable income. The age ranges in these tables align with those as reported in APRA’s Annual Superannuation Bulletin.
This is an estimate based on Australian Business Register (ABR) data.
Age range |
% of All SMSF members |
Average member balance as per 2016 SAR ($) |
Median member balance as per 2016 SAR ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
< 25 |
0.8% |
50,232 |
8,255 |
25 – 34 |
3.5% |
80,165 |
43,012 |
35 – 44 |
11.3% |
149,059 |
96,112 |
45 – 49 |
9.7% |
242,642 |
149,735 |
50 – 54 |
12.0% |
363,855 |
208,418 |
55 – 59 |
14.5% |
574,409 |
335,587 |
60 – 64 |
15.3% |
782,658 |
497,888 |
65 – 69 |
15.4% |
909,823 |
563,630 |
70 – 74 |
10.2% |
977,517 |
578,080 |
75 – 84 |
6.9% |
1,014,838 |
583,866 |
85+ |
0.5% |
893,180 |
473,671 |
Unknown |
0.0% |
536,845 |
362,384 |
Total |
100% |
605,903 |
298,479 |
Age range |
Average taxable income |
Median taxable income |
|---|---|---|
< 25 |
51,356 |
36,702 |
25 – 34 |
87,269 |
70,437 |
35 – 44 |
123,875 |
83,916 |
45 – 49 |
142,023 |
84,691 |
50 – 54 |
136,479 |
80,000 |
55 – 59 |
127,583 |
74,230 |
60 – 64 |
99,356 |
49,700 |
65 – 69 |
80,450 |
35,062 |
70 – 74 |
72,933 |
29,687 |
75 – 84 |
76,017 |
32,344 |
85+ |
114,691 |
47,716 |
Unknown |
n/a |
n/a |
Total |
108,705 |
58,968 |
Age ranges |
Average taxable income |
Median taxable income |
|---|---|---|
< 25 |
30,966 |
26,515 |
25 – 34 |
54,418 |
48,856 |
35 – 44 |
70,665 |
57,522 |
45 – 49 |
75,286 |
58,027 |
50 – 54 |
72,927 |
56,260 |
55 – 59 |
69,732 |
53,755 |
60 – 64 |
57,028 |
43,781 |
65 – 69 |
46,408 |
33,281 |
70 – 74 |
38,033 |
25,550 |
75 – 84 |
36,662 |
25,135 |
85+ |
51,051 |
37,922 |
Unknown |
n/a |
n/a |
Total |
59,514 |
46,194 |
The non-SMSF member population are those individuals, excluding SMSF members, for whom we have received a 2016 member contribution statement.
Table 12: Average and median asset sizes
These tables show the average and median SMSF fund asset sizes and member account balances at the end of each financial year, the average member balance by age and gender, and the closing balance for female members by balance range.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data. To ensure consistency, the figures used in this table are those reported in the Self-managed super fund statistical report, June 2017.
Assets |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Average assets per member |
475,044 |
508,620 |
547,291 |
577,620 |
599,265 |
Median assets per member |
274,635 |
297,760 |
321,576 |
341,349 |
362,280 |
Average assets per SMSF |
901,597 |
965,038 |
1,036,278 |
1,092,004 |
1,126,863 |
Median assets per SMSF |
492,116 |
532,456 |
574,840 |
610,527 |
641,983 |
Age range |
Female |
Male |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
< 25 |
47,677 |
40,063 |
43,769 |
25 – 34 |
62,607 |
79,710 |
71,263 |
35 – 44 |
118,653 |
160,453 |
139,323 |
45 – 49 |
199,534 |
263,180 |
230,966 |
50 – 54 |
307,799 |
390,137 |
349,030 |
55 – 59 |
485,159 |
618,431 |
552,644 |
60 – 64 |
671,324 |
827,330 |
751,156 |
65 – 69 |
805,047 |
922,955 |
867,558 |
70 – 74 |
855,571 |
989,165 |
930,419 |
75 – 84 |
890,875 |
984,859 |
948,295 |
85+ |
693,463 |
793,521 |
761,157 |
Unknown |
375,520 |
517,964 |
545,214 |
Additional data tables on historical data from 2012 to 2015 can be accessed in Appendix 1 Data tables (XLXS 104KB)This link will download a file.
Member balance range |
Female members |
% of female members |
|---|---|---|
$0 |
24,299 |
6.0% |
>$0–$50k |
63,816 |
15.9% |
>$50k–$100k |
44,816 |
11.1% |
>$100k–$200k |
58,351 |
14.5% |
>$200k–$500k |
89,076 |
22.2% |
>$500k–$1m |
65,322 |
16.2% |
>$1m–$2m |
38,196 |
9.5% |
>$2m–$5m |
16,117 |
4.0% |
>$5m–$10m |
1,737 |
0.4% |
>$10m |
288 |
0.1% |
Total |
402,018 |
100% |
Additional data tables on historical data from 2012 to 2015 can be accessed in Appendix 1 Data tables (XLXS 104KB)This link will download a file.
Table 13: Asset sizes in establishment year
This table shows the average and median SMSF asset sizes and member account balances in each establishment year from 30 June 2012 to 30 June 2016.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data.
From annual return for establishment year |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Average assets per member |
180,833 |
181,994 |
180,238 |
194,910 |
203,530 |
Median assets per member |
91,153 |
95,405 |
101,270 |
105,560 |
114,779 |
Average assets per SMSF |
325,388 |
338,194 |
351,051 |
385,403 |
390,398 |
Median assets per SMSF |
192,825 |
204,829 |
219,177 |
229,579 |
245,433 |
Table 14: Asset ranges, by fund and member size
These tables show the approximate distribution of SMSFs by fund asset sizes and by members’ account balances at the end of each financial year.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data. To ensure consistency, the percentages used in this table are those reported in the Self-managed super fund statistical report, June 2017.
Asset range by fund size
Fund asset range |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$1–$50k |
7.5% |
7.4% |
6.9% |
6.4% |
5.6% |
>$50k–$100k |
6.0% |
5.5% |
4.9% |
4.4% |
3.7% |
>$100k–$200k |
11.7% |
10.9% |
10.2% |
9.3% |
8.6% |
>$200k–$500k |
25.5% |
24.8% |
24.2% |
23.9% |
24.0% |
>$500k–$1m |
22.6% |
22.7% |
23.2% |
23.9% |
24.8% |
>$1m–$2m |
16.2% |
17.0% |
17.7% |
18.3% |
19.0% |
>$2m–$5m |
8.7% |
9.6% |
10.4% |
11.1% |
11.5% |
>$5m–$10m |
1.5% |
1.8% |
2.0% |
2.2% |
2.3% |
>$10m |
0.3% |
0.4% |
0.5% |
0.5% |
0.5% |
Total |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
Asset range by members' account balance
Member asset range |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
>$0–$50k |
12.6% |
11.1% |
9.6% |
8.5% |
7.1% |
>$50k–$100k |
11.5% |
11.0% |
10.2% |
9.3% |
8.5% |
>$100k–$200k |
17.9% |
17.6% |
17.1% |
16.6% |
16.4% |
>$200k–$500k |
29.4% |
29.6% |
30.1% |
30.9% |
31.9% |
>$500k–$1m |
17.0% |
17.8% |
18.6% |
19.2% |
20.1% |
>$1m–$2m |
8.4% |
9.2% |
10.0% |
10.6% |
11.0% |
>$2m–$5m |
2.9% |
3.4% |
4.0% |
4.3% |
4.5% |
>$5m–$10m |
0.3% |
0.3% |
0.4% |
0.5% |
0.5% |
>$10m |
0.1% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
Total |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
Additional data tables on the distribution of SMSFs by fund asset size in establishment year can be accessed in Appendix 1 Data tables (XLXS 104KB)This link will download a file.
Table 15: SMSF asset allocations (2016)
This table shows the value and proportion of assets held by the SMSF population for each type of asset listed on the 2016 SMSF annual return, as well as the mean and median value. It follows that SMSFs will have different asset allocations in individual cases.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data. To ensure consistency, the total monetary amounts used in this table are those reported in the Self-managed super fund statistical report, June 2017.
($m) |
Proportion of total SMSF assets |
Proportion of SMSF population holding those assets |
Mean* ($) |
Median* ($) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Listed trusts |
29,410 |
4.63% |
30.26% |
172,586 |
70,248 |
Unlisted trusts |
63,191 |
9.96% |
22.02% |
509,465 |
201,641 |
Insurance policy |
139 |
0.02% |
0.10% |
249,048 |
116,260 |
Other managed investments |
31,995 |
5.04% |
11.26% |
504,713 |
209,084 |
Cash and term deposits |
157,100 |
24.75% |
97.23% |
286,882 |
101,268 |
Debt securities |
9,726 |
1.53% |
8.06% |
214,369 |
96,543 |
Loans |
4,235 |
0.67% |
2.70% |
278,117 |
75,000 |
Listed shares |
187,331 |
29.52% |
61.63% |
539,672 |
254,851 |
Unlisted shares |
6,649 |
1.05% |
6.80% |
173,673 |
28,500 |
Limited recourse borrowing arrangements |
25,355 |
3.99% |
6.92% |
650,295 |
435,000 |
Non-residential real property |
66,267 |
10.44% |
13.53% |
869,459 |
535,000 |
Residential real property |
28,148 |
4.44% |
8.72% |
573,411 |
432,509 |
Collectables and personal use assets |
300 |
0.05% |
0.54% |
98,432 |
34,599 |
Other assets |
17,400 |
2.74% |
80.89% |
38,193 |
7,864 |
Overseas shares |
3,858 |
0.61% |
4.68% |
146,529 |
30,855 |
Overseas non-residential real property |
105 |
0.02% |
0.05% |
406,705 |
181,115 |
Overseas residential real property |
230 |
0.04% |
0.16% |
258,559 |
153,936 |
Overseas managed investments |
694 |
0.11% |
0.47% |
261,151 |
96,778 |
Other overseas assets |
2,550 |
0.40% |
2.91% |
155,377 |
42,374 |
Total Australian and overseas Assets |
634,683 |
100.00% |
|
1,149,382 |
641,983 |
Borrowings |
19,481 |
3.07% |
9.29% |
372,234 |
266,000 |
Other liabilities |
5,165 |
0.81% |
58.33% |
15,721 |
2,848 |
Net Australian and overseas assets |
610,037 |
96.12% |
|
1,104,749 |
594,940 |
- Mean and median values are only applicable to the funds that held those types of assets.
LRBA investment by asset type |
($m) |
Proportion of total SMSF assets |
Proportion of SMSF population holding those assets |
Mean* ($) |
Median* ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Australian residential real property |
12,212 |
1.92% |
4.18% |
516,403 |
430,000 |
Australian non-residential real property |
11,483 |
1.81% |
1.79% |
1,139,462 |
650,275 |
Overseas real property |
43 |
0.01% |
0.02% |
483,662 |
226,823 |
Australian shares |
548 |
0.09% |
0.43% |
228,834 |
113,220 |
Overseas shares |
256 |
0.04% |
0.40% |
123,699 |
18,872 |
Other |
814 |
0.13% |
0.30% |
489,011 |
100,000 |
Total |
25,355 |
3.99% |
^6.92% |
650,295 |
435,000 |
- Mean and median values are only applicable to the funds that held those types of assets.
^The total represents the proportion of total SMSFs holding all LRBA assets. There is a small proportion of SMSFs who hold more than one type of LRBA asset.
Table 16: Asset allocations by fund phase (2016)
This table shows the proportion of assets held by accumulation and pension phase SMSFs, for each type of asset listed on the 2016 SMSF annual return.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data.
Asset allocation |
Accumulation phase |
Pension phase |
|---|---|---|
Listed trusts |
3.8% |
5.0% |
Unlisted trusts |
9.1% |
10.4% |
Insurance policy |
0.0% |
0.0% |
Other managed investments |
4.5% |
5.3% |
Cash and term deposits |
25.3% |
24.5% |
Debt securities |
0.7% |
1.9% |
Loans |
0.6% |
0.7% |
Listed shares |
22.6% |
32.7% |
Unlisted shares |
1.2% |
1.0% |
Limited recourse borrowing arrangements |
9.4% |
1.5% |
Non-residential real property |
11.6% |
9.9% |
Residential real property |
6.8% |
3.4% |
Collectables and personal use assets |
0.1% |
0.0% |
Other assets |
2.9% |
2.7% |
Overseas shares |
0.7% |
0.6% |
Overseas non-residential real property |
0.0% |
0.0% |
Overseas residential real property |
0.1% |
0.0% |
Overseas managed investments |
0.1% |
0.1% |
Other overseas assets |
0.5% |
0.4% |
Total Australian and overseas assets |
100% |
100% |
Table 17: 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, in 2014, 45% of SMSFs held 80% of their assets in one particular asset class, representing 30% of total SMSF assets.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data.
Asset concentration |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
100% |
14.2% |
13.0% |
12.2% |
11.4% |
10.5% |
>=90% |
32.0% |
32.3% |
32.1% |
31.2% |
30.3% |
>=80% |
45.0% |
45.4% |
45.4% |
44.8% |
43.8% |
>=70% |
57.8% |
58.2% |
58.3% |
57.5% |
56.6% |
>=60% |
71.6% |
71.7% |
71.6% |
70.8% |
69.9% |
>=50% |
86.8% |
86.9% |
86.6% |
85.7% |
84.8% |
- An asset concentration of 100% indicates all assets are held within a particular asset class.
Asset concentration |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
100% |
6.3% |
5.8% |
5.3% |
4.9% |
4.7% |
>=90% |
19.8% |
19.8% |
19.8% |
19.2% |
19.1% |
>=80% |
30.1% |
30.2% |
30.2% |
29.6% |
29.3% |
>=70% |
40.0% |
40.0% |
40.1% |
39.3% |
38.9% |
>=60% |
50.0% |
49.9% |
49.8% |
48.8% |
48.3% |
>=50% |
59.9% |
59.8% |
59.5% |
58.5% |
57.9% |
- An asset concentration of 100% indicates all assets are held within a particular asset class.
Table 18: Asset concentration, by fund size (2016)
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.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data.
Fund size |
100% |
>=90% |
>=80% |
>=70% |
>=60% |
>=50% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$1–$50k |
41.7% |
64.3% |
74.9% |
83.6% |
90.7% |
97.9% |
>$50k–$100k |
24.5% |
51.7% |
64.8% |
75.3% |
85.2% |
95.8% |
>$100k–$200k |
19.9% |
44.6% |
58.5% |
71.0% |
82.4% |
93.7% |
>$200k–$500k |
12.1% |
36.5% |
52.4% |
65.2% |
77.1% |
89.6% |
>$500k–$1m |
7.6% |
27.4% |
41.7% |
55.4% |
69.5% |
85.0% |
>$1m–$2m |
5.3% |
20.7% |
32.8% |
45.7% |
60.5% |
78.6% |
>$2m–$5m |
2.9% |
15.3% |
26.2% |
39.3% |
54.8% |
73.7% |
>$5m–$10m |
1.5% |
13.1% |
23.3% |
35.3% |
50.5% |
70.2% |
>$10m |
1.4% |
14.6% |
25.9% |
38.2% |
51.9% |
69.1% |
Table 19: Asset concentration, by type (2016)
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.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data.
Asset type |
100% |
>=90% |
>=80% |
>=70% |
>=60% |
>=50% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Listed trusts |
0.0% |
0.3% |
0.6% |
0.9% |
1.2% |
1.7% |
Unlisted trusts |
0.1% |
1.5% |
2.6% |
3.6% |
4.8% |
6.2% |
Insurance policy |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
Other managed investments |
0.1% |
1.2% |
1.9% |
2.5% |
3.1% |
3.8% |
Cash and term deposits |
9.1% |
13.3% |
15.6% |
18.2% |
21.2% |
25.0% |
Debt securities |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
0.2% |
Loans |
0.0% |
0.2% |
0.3% |
0.3% |
0.4% |
0.5% |
Listed shares |
0.2% |
5.9% |
10.6% |
15.4% |
20.3% |
25.8% |
Unlisted shares |
0.0% |
0.2% |
0.4% |
0.5% |
0.6% |
0.7% |
Limited recourse borrowing arrangements |
0.1% |
2.6% |
3.9% |
4.6% |
5.1% |
5.5% |
Non-residential real property |
0.2% |
2.5% |
4.1% |
5.5% |
6.8% |
8.1% |
Residential real property |
0.1% |
1.6% |
2.5% |
3.3% |
4.1% |
4.8% |
Collectables and personal use assets |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
Other assets |
0.4% |
0.9% |
1.1% |
1.4% |
1.6% |
1.9% |
Overseas shares |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
0.2% |
Overseas non-residential real property |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
Overseas residential real property |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
Overseas managed investments |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
Other overseas assets |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
0.2% |
Total |
10.5% |
30.3% |
43.8% |
56.6% |
69.9% |
84.8% |
Table 20: Asset concentration, by phase (2016)
This table shows the distribution of SMSFs in accumulation or pension phase, which have 50% or more of their assets by value invested in one particular asset class.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data.
Asset concentration |
Proportion of SMSFs in |
Proportion of SMSFs in |
|---|---|---|
100% |
13.7% |
6.9% |
>=90% |
37.2% |
22.6% |
>=80% |
52.0% |
34.8% |
>=70% |
64.6% |
47.7% |
>=60% |
76.7% |
62.3% |
>=50% |
89.5% |
79.5% |
Table 21: Average ROA, by fund size
This table shows the average return on assets (ROA) of SMSFs by asset size. The ROA is calculated by determining the net earnings, and comparing this to average assets during the financial year to determine the percentage return on assets.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data.
Fund size |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$1–$50k |
-18.73% |
-17.28% |
-12.51% |
-17.38% |
-16.70% |
>$50k–$100k |
-9.93% |
-5.17% |
-2.78% |
-6.84% |
-7.28% |
>$100k–$200k |
-5.90% |
0.83% |
1.55% |
-1.02% |
-3.28% |
>$200–$500k |
-2.52% |
6.36% |
5.88% |
2.45% |
-0.02% |
>$500k–$1m |
-0.41% |
9.31% |
8.33% |
4.60% |
1.37% |
>$1m–$2m |
0.67% |
10.64% |
9.59% |
5.70% |
2.15% |
>$2m |
1.49% |
11.59% |
11.29% |
7.52% |
4.27% |
Table 22: Expense ratios
These tables show the distribution of SMSFs across various ranges of expense ratios.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data.
Expense ratios |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Administration and operating |
0.32% |
0.51% |
0.52% |
0.51% |
0.56% |
Investment |
0.35% |
0.55% |
0.59% |
0.63% |
0.65% |
Total |
0.67% |
1.06% |
1.11% |
1.15% |
1.21% |
Ratio range |
Administration and operating expenses |
Investment expenses |
Total expenses |
|---|---|---|---|
<=0.25% |
20.1% |
26.9% |
12.0% |
>0.25–0.5% |
19.1% |
10.3% |
12.7% |
>0.5–0.75% |
12.8% |
9.3% |
10.2% |
>0.75–1% |
9.3% |
7.9% |
8.4% |
>1–1.5% |
12.9% |
11.5% |
13.7% |
>1.5–2% |
8.1% |
6.4% |
9.6% |
>2–3% |
8.2% |
6.8% |
10.6% |
>3–5% |
5.5% |
6.5% |
8.7% |
>5% |
4.1% |
14.3% |
14.1% |
Total |
100% |
100% |
100% |
Additional data tables on historical data from 2012 to 2015 can be accessed in Appendix 1 Data tables (XLXS 104KB)This link will download a file.
Table 23: Average expense ratios, by fund size
This table shows average SMSF expense ratios by fund size. The expenses of an SMSF are calculated by summing various deductible and non-deductible expense labels from its income tax return. The total is then compared to its average assets to get a ratio of expenses to assets.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data.
Fund size |
Administration and operating expenses |
Investment expenses |
Total expenses |
|---|---|---|---|
$1–$50k |
8.72% |
5.33% |
14.05% |
>$50k–$100k |
3.79% |
3.56% |
7.35% |
>$100k–$200k |
2.43% |
3.97% |
6.41% |
>$200k–$500k |
1.38% |
1.88% |
3.26% |
>$500k–$1m |
0.80% |
0.78% |
1.58% |
>$1m–$2m |
0.57% |
0.49% |
1.06% |
>$2m |
0.29% |
0.40% |
0.69% |
Additional data tables on historical data from 2012 to 2015 can be accessed in Appendix 1 Data Tables (XLXS 104KB).
Table 24: Average and median SMSF auditor fees
This table shows average and median SMSF auditor fees reported on the SMSF annual return. From 2013 non-deductible SMSF auditor fee expenses are included.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data
SMSF auditor fees |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Average auditor fee |
$ 571 |
$ 737 |
$ 725 |
$ 759 |
$ 694 |
Median auditor fee |
$ 462 |
$ 550 |
$ 550 |
$ 550 |
$ 550 |
The data for this table excludes those SMSFs that did not report an audit fee greater than $0 in their SMSF annual return.
Table 25: SMSF audit fee, by ranges
This table shows the proportion of SMSFs that are within certain audit fee ranges for the years ended 30 June 2012 to 30 June 2016. The estimates are based on reported fees above $0.
These figures are estimates based on SMSF annual return form data.
Audit fee range |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
>$0–$499 |
54.9% |
36.8% |
36.6% |
36.5% |
37.2% |
$500–$999 |
33.7% |
47.8% |
48.9% |
49.8% |
50.6% |
$1,000–$1,999 |
8.9% |
12.0% |
11.4% |
10.9% |
10.0% |
$2,000 and above |
2.6% |
3.4% |
3.1% |
2.7% |
2.2% |
Total |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
Table 26: Types of contraventions reported to the ATO
This table shows the general type of contraventions that have been reported to us since the start of contravention reporting in 2004 (up to 30 June 2017) by SMSF auditors.
Contravention type |
As proportion of number of contraventions |
As proportion of value of contraventions |
|---|---|---|
Loan to member/financial assistance |
21.4% |
14.9% |
In-house assets |
19.1% |
28.2% |
Administrative type contraventions |
10.3% |
2.2% |
Separation of assets |
12.8% |
24.5% |
Operating standard type contraventions |
7.5% |
6.2% |
Borrowings |
8.0% |
8.6% |
Sole purpose |
8.3% |
4.4% |
Investments at arm's length |
7.6% |
7.8% |
Other |
3.7% |
1.0% |
Acquisition of assets from related parties |
1.2% |
2.3% |
Total |
100% |
100% |