According to statistics released by the ATO on 17 December 2014, the number of self-managed super funds (SMSFs) has increased by 29% to 534,000 in 5 years and with total assets growing to $557bn. The statistics are featured in the ATO’s report entitled, Self-Managed Superannuation Funds: A Statistical Overview 2012-13.
“SMSFs account for 99 per cent of the total number of superannuation funds and 30 per cent of the $1.9 trillion total super assets in Australia,” Assistant Commissioner Matthew Bambrick said.
In 2012-13 SMSFs experienced a positive return on assets of 10.5 per cent, the highest over five years and the fourth consecutive year of positive returns.
It showed that over 5 years to 2012-13, contributions to SMSFs averaged $24.9bn a year on behalf of 64% of SMSF members. Notably, member contributions increased by 5% and exceeded employer contributions by approximately 3 to 1 in 2013. The ATO also reported that it continues to see the proportion of SMSFs with borrowings increase from 1.5% in 2009 to 5% in 2013. At June 2013, SMSF borrowings were equivalent to 1.9% of total SMSF assets. The next publication, based on data for the 2013-14 financial year, is anticipated to be released in December 2015.