See each step from your application to the first investment, and the details you will need along the way.
Eight clear steps, with the work shared between you, ESUPERFUND, the ATO and your chosen providers.
Register, then use the secure Client Portal to submit your online application.
About 5 minutes
You register through the application website and gain secure Client Portal access to submit your details.
Your SMSF Establishment Documentation is normally generated within minutes. Review it, sign and upload the required signature pages and trustee identification.
Within one month
The pack includes the trust deed, investment strategy, bank and broker applications. Full supporting documents are available in the Client Portal. A rare manual review may delay the pack and ESUPERFUND will send a text when it is ready. You have one month to return the documents and can cancel at no cost if you change your mind. Keep signed documents as proof of the fund’s existence.
After you return the signed documents, we lodge registrations, arrange any selected accounts and prepare your final package. The ATO, bank and broker control their own processing times.
ESUPERFUND lodges the ABN, TFN and GST applications after receiving signed documents and identification.
A few days; exceptions longer
The ABN is usually issued instantly, but manual review may take up to 28 days. The ATO’s SMSF registration checks can take from a few days to 56 days. The ATO may contact you directly for further information. Its decision and timing are outside ESUPERFUND’s control.
If you choose the ANZ V2 Plus account, ESUPERFUND arranges the application after ATO prerequisites are met.
About 1–2 weeks after processing
The application is forwarded only after the ATO issues the ABN and TFN and the fund is shown as “Registered” or “Complying” on Super Fund Lookup. The bank then sends account details directly. You may choose another bank, but you will need to source and provide its transaction data annually. With the integrated account, ESUPERFUND receives an electronic annual transaction file; it cannot log in to or operate your bank account. Account fees may apply.
If selected, ESUPERFUND arranges EBROKING after ATO registration and the ANZ account are in place.
About 1–2 weeks after processing
EBROKING supports CHESS sponsored Australian shares. The broker sends account details and HIN directly. It is optional: you can use another Australian share trading provider, though you will need to source and provide its transaction data annually if ESUPERFUND cannot access it. Approved optional brokers may be added later for other trading options. ESUPERFUND receives electronic transaction files from integrated brokers and cannot log in to or operate your account. Broker and investment fees may apply.
ESUPERFUND places the final package in your Client Portal inbox when setup is complete.
Approximately 4 weeks after signed documents
The package includes the fund’s ABN and TFN, ANZ and EBROKING details where selected, rollover instructions, and a prepopulated Employee Standard Choice Form for employer contributions.
Once established, request the transfer of your existing super through the Client Portal.
Up to 28 days after rollover request
Use the instructions in your Final Establishment Package. The existing super fund is legally required to transfer your benefit within 28 days of your application, though it may do so sooner. An ATO registration status still being processed can prevent other funds from making rollovers.
After your super benefit arrives, you can begin investing in assets permitted for your SMSF.
Approximately 5–8 weeks from starting
The live page estimates this timeframe from initiating setup. Actual timing depends on signed documents, ATO registration, bank and broker processing, and the rollover. Review permitted investments and your obligations before acting.
Starting an SMSF involves decisions from you and work across ESUPERFUND, the ATO and account providers. Here is where each part begins.
The ATO reviews registration and may contact you directly. Bank, broker and rollover processing times are set by the relevant provider.
The details most likely to affect your decision or timeframe.
Yes. After the SMSF Establishment Documentation is generated, you have one month to review and return it, and can cancel at no cost if you change your mind.
Yes. ANZ V2 Plus and EBROKING are optional. If you choose a provider whose transaction data ESUPERFUND cannot access, you will need to source and provide that data annually. Account and investment fees may apply.
The typical setup timeframe is 2–4 weeks after signed documentation is received. The final package is usually sent around four weeks after receipt. ATO review can take from a few days up to 56 days, and provider processing can add time.
After your SMSF is established, you can request a rollover through the Client Portal. Your existing super fund is legally required to transfer the benefit within 28 days of your application, though it may do so sooner.
ESUPERFUND describes establishing a new SMSF with its service as FREE*. Other costs can apply. Review the current fee schedule and seek independent advice before deciding.
FREE* to establish a new SMSF with ESUPERFUND, subject to the published offer and fee terms.
An additional statutory cost to consider when setting up and operating an SMSF.
A company trustee setup fee may apply if you choose or need a corporate trustee.
Investment fees and bank or broker account fees may apply according to your choices.
The asterisk and current amounts are explained in the New SMSF Fee Schedule ↗. ESUPERFUND’s service is a no advice model; trustees remain responsible for their fund decisions.
Review your establishment documents before committing. You have one month to sign and return them, and can cancel at no cost if you change your mind.