Top 8 SMSF Accountants in Sydney

OzLedger sets up SMSFs from the trust deed and trustee structure through to the fund’s ABN, TFN and ATO registration, then prepares the annual financial statements, member statements and SMSF annual return. It monitors contribution caps during the year, documents and reviews the investment strategy, and handles pension commencement, minimum drawdowns and transfer balance reporting. Each year it coordinates with the fund’s independent auditor, preparing the audit file and answering queries, and its site says it does not carry out the audit itself. Founder Sri Pathmanathan is a Chartered Accountant.

Sydney Tax & Accountancy Services runs SMSF setup online: trustees complete a form through a secure portal and sign the trust deed electronically, and the firm applies for the fund’s TFN and ABN, submits the cash management account application once the ATO approves the fund and sends rollovers through SuperStream. After setup it helps with reporting, tax returns and investment compliance, and it guides trustees through ATO rules on buying residential or commercial property in a fund. Principal Surendra Gauchan CPA describes himself as an SMSF Specialist Advisor.

Clarity Tax Consulting establishes and administers SMSFs, prepares their annual accounts and tax returns, and coordinates the audit. Its tax dispute background shows in its SMSF work, as it prepares private ruling applications on SMSF issues, including matters involving foreign superannuation funds. Director Jessica Jiang is a CPA and Chartered Tax Adviser whose 20 years of tax experience include private rulings and objections. That suits trustees with an unusual question for the ATO or money coming from an overseas super fund. Meetings are held at its Bond Street office.

Chan & Naylor sets up SMSFs, covering the trust deed, registrations and trustee structure, then manages the fund’s financials, tax returns and ATO compliance. At audit time the firm prepares the fund and liaises with independent auditors. Given its long focus on property investors, it also gives guidance on property investment within a fund, along with strategy reviews and contribution planning. Trustees who want broader help can use the firm’s wealth and financial planning and finance and loans services. Its Sydney office is in Pymble.

Trinity Accounting Practice runs a full SMSF service from Beverly Hills: establishment, annual financial statements and tax return, and an audit coordinated with an independent auditor. It also sets up and reports on pension phase, manages compliance for funds that borrow under a limited recourse borrowing arrangement, winds up funds that are closing and offers an SMSF health check of structure, compliance history and strategy. Principal Ramy Hanna is a Fellow of the IPA, the Tax Institute and the NTAA. A free consultation is offered.

Reliance Accounting sets up and registers SMSFs, then handles annual administration, investment record-keeping and SMSF tax return preparation, and liaises with the fund’s auditor. Senior tax consultant Elham Alizadeh CPA is the firm’s SMSF specialist, working alongside director Soheb Surani CPA. Because the Toongabbie firm also handles personal and business tax, trustees can keep their fund, household returns and business with one practice. SMSF trustees are one of its listed client groups, and financial advisers and brokers are available through partner firms.

Sullivan Dewing helps trustees set up their own self-managed super fund and then meet its compliance obligations, including preparing the annual accounts and income tax returns. Director Heather Locker holds the CA SMSF specialisation, and the Caringbah team includes an SMSF Manager, Janelle Boyling. Two of the directors also hold a Diploma of Financial Planning, while financial planning itself is provided through the firm’s network of associates. It suits Sutherland Shire business owners who want their company and their fund looked after by the same team.

Tax Focus lists the establishment of an SMSF and the preparation of annual SMSF tax returns among its superannuation services, together with help managing the fund’s reports and financial statements. Its website also has guides for trustees on trust deeds, investment strategy, the sole purpose test, contributions, transition to retirement and borrowing in a fund. The Bondi Junction practice is led by managing director Marcel Filip CPA, and the firm says it many of its clients keep in touch by phone and email.