South Melbourne SMSF accountants

Strategic SMSF advice for confident retirement planning

Liston Newton Advisory is rated 4.8 from 32 reviews
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An award-winning Australian accounting firm

SMSF multi service firm of the year awardSMSF customer service firm of the year awardIfa innovator of the year awardIfa holistic adviser of the year award

SMSF specialists trusted by South Melbourne clients

Setting up and managing a self-managed super fund (SMSF) requires the right structure, the right advice, and a long-term view. At Liston Newton, we help South Melbourne clients use SMSFs as a smart, flexible tool for retirement and wealth planning with expert advice tailored to their goals.

Unlike many public offer superannuation funds, SMSFs offer direct control and broader investment opportunities. But they also come with more responsibility. We guide you through your obligations as a trustee, help you stay compliant with evolving legislation, and provide strategic insight to ensure your fund supports both your lifestyle and legacy.

If you’re considering setting up an SMSF — or want to improve how yours is managed — drop by our offices on Palmerston Crescent for a free consultation.

Contact us

Call us on

03 9069 2605
Business hours

Monday to Friday

8am to 5pm

Parking

On-street parking on Palmerston Crescent

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Contact us

Call us on

Business hours

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SMSF specialists trusted by South Melbourne clients

Setting up and managing a self-managed super fund (SMSF) requires the right structure, the right advice, and a long-term view. At Liston Newton, we help South Melbourne clients use SMSFs as a smart, flexible tool for retirement and wealth planning with expert advice tailored to their goals.

Unlike many public offer superannuation funds, SMSFs offer direct control and broader investment opportunities. But they also come with more responsibility. We guide you through your obligations as a trustee, help you stay compliant with evolving legislation, and provide strategic insight to ensure your fund supports both your lifestyle and legacy.

If you’re considering setting up an SMSF — or want to improve how yours is managed — drop by our offices on Palmerston Crescent for a free consultation.

Contact us

Call us on

03 9069 2605
Business hours

Monday to Friday

8am to 5pm

Parking

On-street parking on Palmerston Crescent

Tailored super fund services for full control

We provide comprehensive SMSF support, from initial setup and structuring to ongoing compliance, reporting and strategic investment advice. Whether you're looking to take control of your super, restructure your fund, or plan for succession, our local SMSF accountants deliver expert insight tailored to your financial goals.

We shifted both our personal income tax affairs and the administration of our SMSF to Liston Newton after the retirement of our prior long term tax accountant. 

Their attention to our customer needs and focus on providing the best tax advice covering our relatively complex needs (including accounting for foreign earned income, foreign pension entitlements, local investment portfolio, real estate interests and estate planning) has been second to none. 

Very happy to date.

Ian Crawford

Our family have been clients of Liston Newton Advisory for a very long time. Their professionalism is outstanding while being very personable.

This makes it very comfortable to contact them with any issue that arises. We have just retired and Liston Newtons’ advice and assistance in setting up our SMSF has been invaluable and very helpful during the planning of this process.

We have trust and confidence in their service and would recommend them highly.

Julie & Ron Overall

Liston Newton helped us move our accounting over to Xero. Their Accountant managed the set up and training so we felt comfortable with the software. We now have all our processes streamlined which gives us improved visibility of our business performance. This has allowed us to open 2 more stores without a significant increase in administration effort.
Peter Luskan
Pandora
Set up an SMSF with South Melbourne's finest
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Why South Melbourne trusts us with their SMSFs

Our local SMSF advisors combine deep technical expertise with a clear understanding of your personal and financial goals. We’ve supported hundreds of clients across South Melbourne to create more control, flexibility and tax-effective outcomes through the right SMSF structures.

We stay across every detail, from evolving super legislation to auditing, trust deeds, and succession planning, so you don’t have to. Whether you’re setting up a fund or reviewing your current structure, we deliver advice that’s both strategic and practical.

What we can help you with

  • Setting up a self-managed super fund with the right structure, deed and compliance plan.
  • Reviewing your SMSF strategy to align with your long-term goals.
  • Managing SMSF administration, accounting, tax and trustee obligations.
  • Providing tailored investment strategies and advice on asset allocation.
  • Supporting estate planning, succession and intergenerational transfer of wealth.
  • Collaborating with auditors and tax specialists to ensure full compliance. tht offer specifics of the service we’re offering on this page.

Learn more about your business with our comprehensive guides

At Liston Newton Advisory, we take pride in helping business owners get more out of their hard work. Our downloadable guides can give you an in-depth look at strategies and technologies that will help your business grow.

  • Discover tax strategies and business structures available to you
  • Understand and apply new business management technology
  • Get in touch with us for information tailored to your business

Download our CFO guide

Want to pay less tax and grow your business profits faster? Our free guide shows you how to take control of your finances, improve cash flow, and make better strategic decisions with help from a virtual CFO.

  • Learn practical ways to reduce tax and increase profitability.
  • Get tips on forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
  • Understand how a virtual CFO helps you scale sustainably.
Get our guide

Download our CFO guide

Want to pay less tax and grow your business profits faster? Our free guide shows you how to take control of your finances, improve cash flow, and make better strategic decisions with help from a virtual CFO.

  • Learn practical ways to reduce tax and increase profitability.
  • Get tips on forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
  • Understand how a virtual CFO helps you scale sustainably.
Get our guide

Meet our South Melbourne SMSF advisory team

Expertise you can trust

Accreditations

Liston Newton is an award-winning SMSF advisory firm and a trusted name across South Melbourne. We hold appropriate licenses, meet rigorous compliance standards, and are recognised for our expertise in complex superannuation and tax matters.

Australia’s most experienced and professional accountants — with industry leading qualifications and accreditations to show for it. Learn more from a specialised business accountant.

Why choose Liston Newton

Setting South Melbourne's highest standard in SMSF support

When you manage your own super, the stakes are high. You need advice you can trust, systems that don’t fail, and a team that understands what’s at risk and what’s possible.

At Liston Newton, we take that responsibility seriously. Our SMSF service is built on rigour, detail and clarity because your financial future deserves nothing less.

From day one, we focus on providing a service that’s accountable, proactive and always tailored to your goals.

Our methodology

We will plan every step towards your financial freedom

How we get you set

The first phase is all about establishing the fundamentals of your business and creating a strong foundation to build from. You also need to establish your long-term goals so you have a clear idea of what you're working towards.

  • Plan your goals
  • Structure your business and assets
  • Online accounting
  • People and HR
  • Protect your business and personal risk
  • Business and personal will

How we get you moving

The second phase is about gaining a deeper understanding of your business; how to make it more efficient and experience sustainable growth. This is where you transition from working in your business to working on your business.

  • Understand your numbers
  • Delegate bookkeeping
  • Systematise and automate tasks
  • Minimise tax
  • Forecast cashflow and capital needs
  • Quarterly coaching and accountability

How we get you free

The final phase is when all your hard work really starts to pay off. This is when you start using your profits to build your personal worth to a point that give you financial freedom—the freedom to work only if you want to.

  • Understand wealth creation
  • Investment portfolio
  • Investment property
  • Superannuation
  • Succession and exit planning
  • Your legacy

A South Melbourne success story

Supporting the South Melbourne community

We believe that strong businesses and strong communities go hand in hand. That’s why our South Melbourne team is committed to giving back, not just with donations, but with our time, expertise and support for causes that matter locally.

We focus on initiatives that promote health, education, and opportunity. It’s our way of staying connected to the people and organisations shaping South Melbourne’s future.

  • Providing expert advice through the Cancer Council's Small Business Advisory Service
  • Partnering with the Type 1 Foundation to raise awareness about juvenile diabetes
  • Supporting grassroots sporting clubs across St Kilda, Richmond and Wantirna to keep kids active and involved

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

What should South Melbourne high-income earners know before setting up an SMSF?

High-income earners in South Melbourne (particularly professionals and business owners) are often drawn to SMSFs for their control and tax effectiveness. But before establishing a fund, it’s important to weigh the administrative responsibilities against the potential benefits.

An SMSF may allow you to tailor your investment strategy and optimise contributions, but it also comes with ATO reporting obligations and trustee duties that require time and expertise.

  • Know your eligibility and contribution caps based on income level.
  • Understand your responsibilities as a trustee under Australian law.
  • Work with a fund specialist to evaluate whether an SMSF aligns with your goals.

How can SMSF accountants help South Melbourne clients manage their investment decisions?

Many South Melbourne clients use SMSFs to gain more control over their retirement savings — especially those interested in property, direct shares, or ethical investments. But managing these assets compliantly requires technical knowledge.

SMSF accountants provide guidance on how to structure your investments, meet the sole purpose test, and avoid in-house asset breaches — all while aligning with your broader wealth goals.

  • Collaborate with our South Melbourne financial advisors to ensure SMSF strategies support your long-term planning.
  • Receive tailored advice on investment allocations and risk management.
  • Stay compliant with Superannuation Industry (Supervision) (SIS) regulations.

Can SMSFs help South Melbourne families pass down wealth effectively?

Families in South Melbourne often use SMSFs not just to fund retirement, but also to support intergenerational wealth planning. SMSFs can be structured to hold assets (like inner-suburb investment properties or business interests) with a long-term view.

A well-managed fund can support estate planning needs by allowing you to control asset transfers, nominate dependants, and minimise tax liabilities.

  • Create a succession plan with clear trustee arrangements.
  • Use binding death benefit nominations for certainty.
  • Align SMSF decisions with your broader estate plan and retirement planning goals.

What common SMSF mistakes do South Melbourne trustees make?

Without the right guidance, it’s easy to fall foul of SMSF rules, especially if you’re trying to manage everything yourself. We frequently help South Melbourne clients correct issues that could have been avoided with early professional support.

  • Poor record-keeping leading to compliance breaches.
  • Non-compliant investments (e.g. holiday homes, related party loans).
  • Delays in annual returns or audits due to admin backlogs.

Working with Liston Newton’s SMSF accountants helps trustees stay ahead of these risks.

How do SMSF fund specialists give South Melbourne clients peace of mind?

With so many moving parts (from tax obligations to investment strategy), managing your own super can feel overwhelming. That’s why South Melbourne professionals turn to SMSF specialists who can simplify the process.

Our team ensures your fund stays compliant, your strategy remains tax-effective, and your retirement goals are always front of mind.

  • Guidance tailored for high-income earners and business owners.
  • Full-service management of tax returns, audits, and reporting.
  • Strategic financial advice that integrates with your broader portfolio.

What support do South Melbourne clients receive during SMSF setup?

South Melbourne clients receive end-to-end support to structure their fund correctly, meet ATO obligations, and choose investments that suit their goals.

  • Guidance on choosing individual vs corporate trustees.
  • Support registering the fund and obtaining an ABN.
  • Education for new trustees to understand their responsibilities.

We’ll also connect you with a South Melbourne tax accountant to ensure your setup is tax-effective from day one.

What role does an SMSF play in a comprehensive financial plan?

An SMSF is one piece of your broader financial puzzle, especially for South Melbourne clients with complex assets or high incomes. It should be coordinated with your lending, insurance, estate, and investment strategies.

Our SMSF team works closely with financial advisors to ensure your fund supports (not competes with) your other financial goals.

  • Use SMSFs to diversify income streams and reduce tax liabilities.
  • Align contributions and withdrawals with your personal and business cash flow.
  • Support financial planning goals like early retirement or intergenerational wealth.

What ongoing services do South Melbourne SMSF clients typically need?

Ongoing compliance and strategic oversight are key to running a successful SMSF. South Melbourne trustees often rely on ongoing support to stay compliant and responsive to market changes.

  • Annual tax returns, audits, and actuarial certifications.
  • Regular investment reviews and strategy updates.
  • Coordination with other advisors for insurance, estate, and lending matters.

We offer a comprehensive service to keep your SMSF efficient, compliant, and aligned with your evolving needs.

Tech is a tool, not a magic lamp

‘Artificial intelligence’ seems poised to revolutionise how we live and work. Every day, AI tools find new ways to shock and awe us with their capabilities. But, as with the emergence of every epoch-defining technology, there is a strong stink of hype in the air. Businesses who do not understand the technology, including SMSF accountants, are quite ready to turn it into the very core of their business. Not us.

Liston Newton believes in using technology, including AI, to optimise and streamline our processes. But it is a tool to be used by experienced specialists, not a magic lamp with which to wish up quick-fix solutions. We will always offer you strategies conceived of, researched and approved by accredited specialist accountants.