In 2025, SMSF software has become an essential tool for professional advisers. With increasing compliance requirements, real-time reporting expectations, and the rise of automation, software adoption is no longer optional, it’s a competitive necessity.
For advisers, SMSF software is not just about operational efficiency; it’s about delivering better outcomes for trustees. By using robust platforms, you can streamline back-office tasks, mitigate compliance risks, and provide trustees with actionable insights that build trust.
In 2019, many firms still relied on spreadsheets or generic accounting tools. By 2025, leading SMSF software integrates AI, machine learning, and advanced data analytics, enabling advisers to:
The ATO’s digital-first compliance model, mandatory electronic rollovers, and SuperStream enhancements have accelerated the need for professional-grade SMSF platforms. Automation is no longer just a cost-saver. It’s a compliance safeguard and a driver of client confidence.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) 2022–25 Digital Strategy signals a major shift: SMSF administration is moving towards full automation. For advisers and administrators, adopting the right SMSF software isn’t optional. It’s the key to staying compliant and competitive.
1. Event-Based Reporting
The ATO is phasing out annual reporting in favour of event-based compliance.
With automated SMSF software, you can:
2. Direct Integration with the ATO
Thanks to the ATO’s Digital Services Gateway (DSG) and APIs, SMSF software now allows:
3. Data Accuracy with DAPS
The Data Acquisition, Pre-fill & Sharing (DAPS) program means more ATO-verified data will feed directly into your software.
This improves:
4. Digital Identity and Security
With myGovID integration, leading SMSF software ensures:
5. Built-In Compliance Rules
The ATO’s “tax and super just happen” model is embedding compliance into digital ecosystems. Modern SMSF software can:
Bottom line: The ATO’s digital strategy isn’t just an update, it’s the future. Advisers who leverage automation and ATO-integrated SMSF software will reduce risk, save time, and deliver better client outcomes.
Platforms such as Class Super and BGL Simple Fund 360 allow advisers to manage large numbers of funds efficiently, reducing manual workloads and enabling consistent fund-level reporting.
The best SMSF software integrates seamlessly with CRMs, tax software, and document management tools, ensuring advisers can reduce double-handling and streamline workflows.
The best SMSF software integrates seamlessly with CRMs, tax software, and document management tools, ensuring advisers can reduce double-handling and streamline workflows.
Software with daily balance updates, compliance alerts, and audit-ready reporting helps advisers deliver proactive advice and maintain trustee confidence.
Cybersecurity is critical. Platforms with two-factor authentication, encrypted data storage, and direct ATO integration reduce the risk of breaches or compliance failures.
| Software Provider | Edition / Setup | Base Price | Bank Data Add-On | Share Data Add-On | Trustee Edition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class Super | Professional Adviser Licence | Quote-based | Included | Included | Via adviser subscription | Premium automation & reporting |
| BGL Simple Fund 360 | Adviser (per fund) | $130/year (from 1 Jul 2025) | $45/year | $45/year | $275 setup + $275/year | Transparent pricing |
| SMSFAI (AI tool) | Trustee-facing platform | Not disclosed | Included | Included | N/A | Predictive compliance |
| SuperMate / SuperConcepts | Specialist adviser platforms | Bespoke pricing | Varies | Varies | N/A | Niche, tailored features |
| Firm Type | Recommended Software | Key Benefits | Trustee Perspective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large firms (50+ SMSFs) | Class Super | Bulk processing, automation, compliance | Emphasize reduced audit risk |
| Mid-sized firms (10–50 SMSFs) | BGL Simple Fund 360 | Cost-effective, easy trustee access | Demonstrate value of real-time reporting |
| Boutique firms (<10 SMSFs) | BGL or AI Tools | Low-cost entry, scalable, future-ready | Explain how automation simplifies compliance |
| Specialist firms | SuperMate / SuperConcepts | Customizable for complex SMSFs | Tailored reporting for complex scenarios |
| Tech-forward firms | AI-driven tools | Predictive analytics, proactive compliance | Position as cutting-edge trustee support |
Tip for Advisers: Your software choice should match your firm’s scale and your ability to educate trustees on why technology-backed SMSF management delivers better compliance and transparency.
Automation eliminates manual processing, freeing up your team to focus on high-value strategic advice for clients.
Real-time dashboards allow advisers to present trustees with clear, data-driven insights that build trust and improve decision-making.
Although there are software costs, firms typically recover these through time savings, fewer audit queries, and improved trustee retention.
Most trustees aren’t interested in the technical features of SMSF software. They care about whether it saves them time, reduces risk, and keeps their fund compliant.
Advisers need to position software as a tool that:
When trustees see software as a compliance safety net and an empowerment tool, they are more likely to agree to its use and value the adviser who recommended it.
Advisers shouldn’t simply say, “We use Class or BGL.” Instead, they should link software features to trustee concerns. Here’s a practical framework:
Common trustee issues: Not knowing their fund’s current position, fear of ATO penalties, or the burden of paperwork.
Adviser focus: Explain how software addresses these directly:
“With this software, you won’t need to chase paperwork or worry about missing a compliance deadline. It alerts us and keeps everything audit-ready.”
Instead of saying “AI-driven compliance monitoring,” translate it into a benefit:
Feature: Automated compliance alerts
How to present it:
“If anything in your fund risks breaching ATO rules, we’ll know straight away. No surprises at audit time.”
For simple SMSFs:
Recommend low-cost or trustee-friendly options like BGL Trustee Edition or even software-lite approaches.
“Your fund is straightforward. This software will give you visibility without unnecessary cost.”
For complex SMSFs:
Recommend Class Super or BGL Simple Fund 360 Professional, emphasizing automation, audit readiness, and data integration.
“Because your fund has multiple members and pensions, this platform prevents errors and saves hours of manual processing.”
Position software as a shared tool:
“You’ll be able to see the same data we see – balances, contributions, compliance alerts – so you’ll always know your fund is on track.”
This shifts software from an “accountant’s tool” to a trustee benefit.
Finally, summarise and recommend based on their situation:
“For your fund’s size and complexity, I recommend BGL Simple Fund 360. It keeps costs low but gives you full visibility.”
OR “Given your fund’s multiple pensions and investments, Class Super will deliver the best automation and compliance oversight.”
This clarity builds trust and positions you as a strategic adviser. Not just an administrator.
Adviser Action Checklist
When discussing SMSF software with trustees, always:
Offer workshops or short sessions to demonstrate software benefits and build trustee confidence in digital reporting.
Connect SMSF software with tax, CRM, and digital signing platforms to streamline your practice.
The next stage of SMSF software will involve predictive compliance monitoring, pension optimization, and automated risk alerts. Advisers adopting these tools now will gain a competitive advantage.
At SMSF Engine, we work with both Class and BGL Simple Fund 360 every day. We streamline administration, improve compliance, and deliver clear, technology-backed reporting that trustees can rely on.
Our expertise allows firms to reduce manual work and focus on what matters: advice, strategy, and stronger client relationships.
Contact us to transform the way you manage SMSFs.
Conclusion: SMSF software in 2025 is no longer just back-office infrastructure. It’s a strategic advantage for firms that want efficiency, compliance, and deeper client engagement. Those who adopt it will set the pace for the industry.
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