How to Set Up an SMSF Trustee Company: Step-by-Step (2026)

A special-purpose SMSF trustee company is a Pty Ltd whose constitution restricts it to acting as trustee of a superannuation fund. It qualifies for the reduced ASIC annual review fee ($70/yr instead of $342/yr) and is the trustee structure almost every SMSF property investor uses. Here is exactly how to set one up in 2026.

What you need before you start

• The proposed company name – typically “[Fund Name] Pty Ltd” or similar (we do a live ASIC availability check inside the form).
• The full name, date of birth, place of birth and residential address of each director (usually the SMSF members).
• A registered office address in Australia – your home address is fine.
• A Director ID for each director – free from abrs.gov.au. Grace period: optional at registration until 1 July 2027, mandatory before that.

The 5-minute process

1. Start the form at /company-setup/. Pick SMSF trustee company as the company type.
2. Company name – live ASIC name check runs as you type.
3. Directors and members – typically the same as your SMSF members.
4. Registered office – your home or accountant’s address.
5. Shareholders – typically the members. One share each is fine.
6. Review and pay – $60 service fee + $636 ASIC = $696.
7. ASIC lodgement – usually the same day. Your ACN, certificate and constitution appear in your dashboard as soon as ASIC confirms registration.

What you get in the $60 service fee

• ACN and ASIC Certificate of Registration
• SMSF trustee-specific constitution (special purpose) that qualifies for the reduced ASIC annual review fee
• Consent-to-act forms for each director and member
• Share certificates and register
• Direct ASIC lodgement under our registered agent number (ASIC Agent 36194)
• Free Business Legal Starter Pack – 8 Australian legal templates, valued at $2,200

After the company is registered

1. Sign the SMSF trust deed with the new company as trustee.
2. Register the SMSF with the ATO.
3. Open the SMSF bank account in the fund’s name (with the corporate trustee as account holder).
4. Roll over existing super into the fund.
5. If you plan to borrow to buy property, set up a separate bare trust trustee company before making the property offer.

Start your SMSF trustee company registration – $60 + ASIC.

This is general information about setting up an SMSF trustee company in Australia. It is not personal financial, tax or legal advice. Always consult a licensed SMSF adviser before establishing a fund.

Related reading

• Individual vs corporate trustee for an SMSF
• Corporate trustee SMSF – full cost breakdown (2026)
• SMSF bare trust for an LRBA – cost & process (2026)
• SMSF trustee company setup ($60 + ASIC)
• Bare trust trustee company for SMSF LRBAs
• ASIC fees 2026