SMSF first-year deadline
Bought property in your SMSF this year? Your first return may be due 31 October.
If your fund was set up in 2025–26, there's still time to get it sorted. Book a free 20-minute call and I'll tell you what's due for your fund, and when, in plain English.
Your first year
You've got a property in your SMSF, and a lot of questions
You're not alone. Most new SMSF owners know property far better than super law. That's normal, and it's what we're here for.
Key dates
The dates that matter in your first year
Generally due for funds set up in 2025–26.
Usual due date if a registered tax agent adds your fund to their client list by 31 October.
Paid with your first return: $259 for the setup year plus $259 in advance.
Before the return can be lodged, your fund needs its accounts prepared and an independent audit. Your ATO registration letter states your fund's due date. Some new funds are told they must lodge by 31 October even with a tax agent, so the letter is the thing to check.
Why talk to us before 31 October
A registered tax agent can usually give you more time
Lodging without a tax agent
Accounts, audit and return all need to be done in the next few weeks.
Fund added to our client list by 31 October
Time to set up your books, sort out the paperwork and coordinate the audit properly.
Real Accounting is a registered tax agent. In your free call, we'll work out whether this applies to your fund and what needs to happen next.
Already behind?
It's not too late
Maybe the due date has already passed, there's an ATO letter you're not sure about, or no one has mentioned an auditor. Don't panic. Most first-year issues can be fixed, especially when they're picked up early. We can start now and catch up on what's been missed.
What happens on the call
Your free 20-minute call with Ruby
You tell me about your fund: when it was set up, the property, the loan, and who's been looking after it.
I explain what's due for your fund and when, in plain English.
We go through anything you're unsure about.
If it sounds like a good fit, I'll explain how we can look after your fund and what it costs. There's no pressure to sign anything.
Helpful to have ready
- When the fund was set up
- Whether there's a loan
- Who prepares the accounts now, and who the auditor is
- Whether the first return has been lodged
Don't worry if you can't find everything. Working out what's missing is part of the call.
How we look after your fund
You don't have to keep it compliant on your own
Onboard
We send you an engagement letter and explain what we'll do through the year and what it costs.
Set up the books
We set your fund up in Class Super and connect your bank feed.
Keep the books every month
We reconcile the fund's bank account and watch what's coming in and going out.
Prepare the year-end paperwork
Financial statements, member statements, minutes and the investment strategy review.
Coordinate the audit and lodge
We work with the auditor and lodge your return on time.
Then we start straight away on the next year. Compliance is ongoing, not a once-a-year job.
About Ruby
Hi, I'm Ruby
I'm a CPA with 20 years' accounting experience, including time as a financial controller in real estate and mortgage broking businesses. In those roles I kept seeing people buy property through their super without an accountant who understood both the property and the SMSF rules. So I started Real Accounting to focus on exactly that.
My team and I have set up more than 300 SMSFs, and we look after funds that hold property every day. When you work with us, you talk to the founders, not a call centre.
Tax Agent 26262739Reviews
What our clients say
5.0 on Google
"They made the setup of my SMSF buttery smooth, guiding me through the entire process and educating me along the way. Highly recommend them!"
Jai"They helped me with my SMSF and explained everything clearly throughout the process."
Sarj A."The team at Real Accounting have been exceptionally helpful with the settling of our SMSF. We would highly recommend them to anyone thinking about going with a SMSF."
Peta S.Questions
Questions people ask before the call
The people who set up my fund have moved on. Can you take over?
Yes. With your OK, we contact whoever has the fund's records and get what we need, so you don't have to chase anyone. If you already have an accountant you're happy with, the call can still help you know what to ask them before 31 October.
I don't have an auditor yet. Is that a problem before 31 October?
It's common for new funds. The auditor needs to be appointed at least 45 days before the return is due, so if your due date is 31 October, time is already tight. That's one more reason to get a registered tax agent involved now. We can arrange an auditor for you.
We've already missed 31 October. What now?
Book a call anyway. We'll work out what's outstanding, prepare the overdue accounts, arrange the audit and lodge as soon as everything is ready. A late return can usually be sorted out, and the sooner it's lodged, the sooner the fund is back on track.
How much will the first year cost?
We'll give you a fixed fee for your fund's first year on the call, so you know the full amount before you sign anything. The independent auditor's fee and the $518 ATO levy are paid separately.
Can you tell me if my property or loan was a good idea?
No. We look after the fund's accounts, tax and compliance. Whether a property or a loan suits you is a question for a licensed financial adviser or mortgage broker.
Let's get your first year sorted
A free 20-minute call with Ruby. You'll know what's due, by when, and what to do next.
Not ready to talk? Download the free SMSF first-year handbook