Now that SUPERCentral has attained age 20, what are the top 5 reasons SMSF trustees use the SUPERCentral governing rules updating service?

While operating an SMSF is like operating a company: costs and compliance are as important as having control over the Fund’s operation.

These are the five top reasons (it seems):

• SMSFs remain popular: take a 30 year view (i.e. retirement) of costs.

• Governing Rules updated for Div. 296 and the cashing out of legacy pensions.

• Low ongoing cost of governing rules updating.

• Set and forget for governing rules updating.

• SUPERCentral Digital Vault: safe online storage of significant SMSF documents.

Number One: SMSFs remain popular

As at 30 June 2026. the total number of SMSFs has now climbed to a record 680,300, with 1,246,000 members and with $1,107b in assets. SMSFs hold approximately 23% of total super assets of $4,767b.

Yes, people want control of their retirement and believe they can maximise returns, but are they ready for the responsibilities that go with directing their own super?

Number Two: Div 296 & Legacy Pension cashing out already in place for SUPERCentral clients

Division 296 legislation is now in force. The necessary provision to comply with Division 296 has already been updated on all governing rules maintained by SUPERCentral. Division 296 introduces an additional tax on earnings derived in 2026/27 and later income years for members with total super balances between $3m and $10m (15% rate) and for total super balances in excess of $10m (25% rate). Consequently, the effective rates are 30% (for the portion of investment earnings attributable to the total super balance in excess of $3m and less than $10m) and 40% (for the portion of investment earnings attributable to the total super balance in excess of $10m).

The window to cash out legacy pensions will close in December 2029.  The necessary provisions to authorise the trustee to cash out legacy pensions (such as lifetime, flexi and market linked pensions) have already been included in the governing rules.

Number Three: Low ongoing cost of governing rules updating

With an annual fee of $137.50 (which has not been increased for 20 years!!) for the second and subsequent years, SUPERCentral saves money with regular governing rules updates to comply with ever changing regulations and to accommodate developments in the SMSF world.  There is no management time cost for trustees using the SUPERCentral services, as the governing rules update automatically.

The initial fee for new funds is $412.50 and the initial fee to convert an existing fund is $319.50 (no legal review) or $619.50 (with a legal review).

For trustees requiring a one-off update to their trust deeds, it can cost over $550 per update by a solicitor to an SMSF trust deed.  With an update every five years to stay minimally compliant, it can be a significant cost to a retirement strategy over 30-40 years.

All prices are GST inclusive and current as at September 2026.

Number Four: Set and forget - only area in DIY where you can do this, as SUPERCentral taking responsibility for your governing rules

When the governing rules of SMSFs are covered by SUPERCentral’s updating service, SUPERCentral takes responsibility for the governing rules. It is about the only element for trustees to be able to set and forget and concentrate on the important roles of contribution management, investment selection and the enjoyment of your retirement income.

Number Five:  SUPERCentral Digital Vault: safe online storage of SMSF documents

SMSF trustees using the SUPERCentral service can provide to SUPERCentral for storage digital copies of their important documents which relate to their participating SMSFs. This means that valuable documents which guide/control the Fund can’t be misplaced or lost. Safer than sitting in a filing cabinet or drawer and overlooked or misplaced during the life of the SMSF.