The ATO is the regulator of SMSFs. A key element of our role is to collect and publish data about the health and performance of the SMSF sector.
The main source of data is 2020–21 SMSF annual returns that have been lodged.
Where SMSF annual returns 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.
In addition to 2020–21 annual return data, we have included 2021–22 information for the following:
- registrations
- wind-ups
- total populations (SMSFs and members) and demographic data relating to those populations, such as age and management structure
- estimated total SMSF assets and asset allocation
- auditor contravention reports (ACRs).
To ensure consistency, where figures have been used in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2022, those same figures are used in this report.
Where appropriate, we refer to Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) data for comparisons between the SMSF sector and APRA-regulated funds.
In this report, we calculate SMSF investment performance (return on assets (ROA)), for the entire sector with an approach based on the recommendations made by an independent research provider. The methodology can be found in the glossary.
You can:
- access SMSF overview data tables on data.gov.auExternal Link
- comment or enquire about this report by emailing us at SPR_smsfstats@ato.gov.au
You can download SMSF infographics for 2020–21:
- SMSF annual statistical overview 2020–21 (PDF, 991KB)This link will download a file
- SMSF member statistics by gender 2020–21 (PDF, 754KB)This link will download a file
For previous annual overviews and quarterly reports, go to SMSF statistics.