Transferring an SMSF to a new accountant means appointing a new SMSF tax agent with the ATO and providing your fund’s permanent and annual compliance documents. The process is usually smoother than most trustees expect, especially when moving to a specialist SMSF accounting service.
Many trustees switch due to high or unpredictable fees, slow communication or a need for more specialised SMSF expertise, and the transfer itself is straightforward when each step is followed carefully.
When you have the support of SMSF specialist accountants, your experience tends to be more accurate, compliant and personalised, giving you greater confidence in your fund’s stability. Take a look at what you need to do to switch to a new SMSF accountant:
In short:
- Switching SMSF accountants is usually quick and straightforward once you have the right documents to hand.
- Trustees often switch due to high fees, slow communication, late lodgements, or lack of SMSF expertise.
- Online Super Fund’s transfer steps include application, ID checks, myGov agent linking, engagement letters, and supplying permanent/annual records.
- A proper SMSF accounting service covers annual compliance: financials, annual return, audit coordination, ESA setup, and reporting.
- You’ll need key documents like recent signed financials, tax return, audit report, trust deed, trustee/members forms, and investment strategy.
How to change SMSF accountant, step by step
At Online Super Fund, we make the transfer process as efficient and straightforward as possible. Once you have connected with us and decided to move ahead, your SMSF can usually be transferred to our care within days.
Here is how it works:
- Submit an application form through our website.
- Receive a welcome email outlining the full instructions for your transfer.
- Complete online ID verification to confirm your identity.
- Appoint Online Super Fund as your SMSF tax agent via myGov (a necessary ATO requirement introduced to prevent unauthorised agent changes).
- Sign electronic engagement letters and arrange payment of your annual fee.
- Provide your SMSF prior year and permanent documents using our transfer checklist, including:
- signed financial statements, tax return and audit report for the last year lodged
- trust deed
- member and trustee consents
- SMSF investment strategy
- Submit annual information for any outstanding tax returns, following our yearly information checklist.
- We add your SMSF to our tax agent list and set up your fund in our system, allowing us to take over ongoing compliance.
Our goal is to make your transition smooth, transparent, and fully supported, especially if you are unfamiliar with the newer ATO client-to-agent linking requirement. If trustees find the myGov process difficult, we can guide you step by step or help arrange the update over the phone with the ATO.
For more details about how we work, visit our SMSF tax return services page.
Why switch SMSF accountants?
You may decide to move your SMSF to a new accountant because:
- Your current SMSF accounting fees are too high or unpredictable
- Communication from your current provider is slow or unclear
- Lodgements are late, which can lead to ATO penalties
- Customer service from your current provider does not meet expectations
- Your accountant lacks SMSF-specific expertise
- You want your personal information stored and managed in Australia rather than processed offshore
With more than 1.2 million Australians now members of SMSFs, and around 653,000 registered SMSFs nationwide, the demand for reliable, specialised support continues to grow. Trustees expect transparency, efficiency and accuracy, something a specialist firm like Online Super Fund is designed to deliver.
What a proper SMSF accounting service should include
A high-quality SMSF accounting service should provide:
- Preparation of financial statements
- Completion and lodgement of your annual tax-related information
- Supporting documents for pensions, contributions, lump sum payments and resolutions
- Coordination of the independent audit, which is included in our annual fee
- Electronic Service Address (ESA) registration and SuperStream processing to manage contributions and rollovers
- Transfer Balance Cap reporting
Documents you will need when switching SMSF accountants
To transfer your SMSF to a new accountant, you will need to provide your latest:
- Signed financial statements including CGT register or unrealised capital gains report
- Signed tax return
- Signed audit report
And also submit:
- SMSF trust deed
- Member application forms
- Trustee appointment consents and declarations
- ATO trustee declarations for trustees appointed after 1 July 2007
- SMSF investment strategy
Having these documents ready helps minimise delays and ensures your new accountant can comply with regulatory requirements from day one.
How a new accountant takes over your SMSF compliance work
Before a new accountant can act on your behalf, you must appoint them as your tax agent through myGov or by calling the ATO if you do not use myGov. This client-to-agent linking requirement is relatively new and was introduced to reduce fraud.
When you switch to Online Super Fund, we provide clear guidance so you can complete it quickly. Once linked, we can take over the fund on our end and begin managing your compliance obligations.
Benefits of using a specialist SMSF accounting service
Working with an SMSF-focused firm like Online Super Fund offers advantages including:
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- SMSF-specific expertise, ensuring your fund meets evolving regulatory requirements
- Best practice processes for documentation, record keeping and lodgements
- Personal service, with an emphasis on communication, clarity and customer care
You will have peace of mind knowing your SMSF annual compliance is handled by a team that specialises exclusively in self-managed super funds.
Ready to appoint a new SMSF accountant?
If you are looking for a smoother, more transparent and more reliable SMSF accounting service, we are here to help.
Reach out today to start your transfer or learn more about how we can support your fund.
Note: Our services focus solely on annual compliance. We do not provide financial or tax advice, nor do we accept SMSFs with cryptocurrency, overseas assets or unlisted private investments.
Switching SMSF Accountant FAQs
How long does it take to transfer an SMSF to a new accountant?
With a specialist service and your documents ready, the transfer can often be completed within days. Timing mainly depends on how quickly you provide the required records and complete the ATO agent-linking step.
What documents do I need to change SMSF accountants?
You’ll need your latest signed financial statements (including the unrealised capital gains report), signed tax return, signed audit report, plus documents like the trust deed, trustee and member consents/declarations and ATO trustee declarations (if applicable). Your SMSF accountant will provide an itemised checklist so you don’t miss anything.
Do I have to use myGov to appoint a new SMSF accountant?
You need to complete the ATO’s client-to-agent linking requirement, which is usually done through myGov. If you don’t use myGov, you can call the ATO instead, and Online Super Fund can guide you through either option.
Disclaimer: This article contains general information only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is not a substitute for financial, taxation, or legal advice. While care has been taken to ensure the information is accurate at the time of publication, superannuation and tax laws are complex, can change, and apply differently depending on individual circumstances. SMSFs are subject to strict compliance requirements, and mistakes can result in penalties or additional tax. You should seek advice from a suitably qualified and registered professional before acting on this information.
