Winding Up an SMSF in Pakenham | Plan4wealth

Winding up an SMSF · Pakenham

Your SMSF, wound up without the hassle.

If running your self-managed super fund has become more trouble than it's worth, you're not stuck with it. We plan the exit, coordinate the wind-up, and handle the moving parts — so it's done properly, and off your plate.

5.0 from 40+ Google reviews SMSF wind-ups handled end to end Pakenham & South-East Melbourne 40+ years in financial services

Sound familiar?

When an SMSF stops being worth it

A self-managed fund can be a great thing — until it isn't. These are the moments people come to us.

“It's more hassle than it's worth”

The admin, the annual audit, the compliance, the deadlines — it's wearing thin, and you'd rather be doing something else.

“The fees don't stack up”

Accounting, audit and ASIC costs can take a real bite — especially as the balance gets smaller.

“I'm thinking ahead”

What happens to the fund if your health changes, or something happens to you? Simpler is often safer as you get older.

“Our circumstances have changed”

A trustee has passed away, or is moving into aged care, and the fund needs to change or close.

“The rules feel heavy”

The obligations are real and the penalties for getting them wrong are off-putting. You'd like someone to take the weight.

“It's holding up my pension”

Once you're on the Age Pension, an SMSF makes Centrelink harder: they want the fund's financials every year, and those often aren't ready until months after year-end — delaying your entitlement and complicating it each time.

What we do

How we help you wind up your SMSF

Decide if it's the right move

An honest look at whether winding up actually suits you — sometimes the answer is to keep it, and we'll say so.

Plan the exit tax-effectively

We sequence how and when assets are sold or transferred, with capital gains tax in mind, so there are no nasty surprises.

Find the right home for your money

We help you roll your balance into a simpler super or pension that keeps your income going, without the trustee load.

Coordinate with your accountant

We work alongside your accountant and the fund's auditor, so the final accounts, audit and ATO steps are done properly.

Handle the moving parts

Rollovers, paperwork, notifications and closing the fund — we manage the sequence so nothing falls through the cracks.

Keep the big picture intact

We make sure your Centrelink, your income and your estate plan all still line up once the fund is gone.

One less bill every year. Winding up a fund you no longer need can also stop the ongoing accounting, audit and admin costs of running it — which, on a smaller balance, can be a meaningful saving year after year.

How we work

Simple, and at your pace

1

A no-obligation chat

A phone chat to understand your fund and what you'd like to happen. We'll quote any fees up front, so there are no surprises.

2

We map out the wind-up

If it's the right move, we set out the plan — in plain english, in writing — including where your money goes and the order things happen in.

3

We coordinate, roll over & close it off

We work with your accountant, handle the rollovers and paperwork, and see the fund through to properly closed.

Good questions

Winding up an SMSF: FAQs

Why would I wind up my SMSF?

Common reasons: the admin and cost outweigh the benefit, you're simplifying as you get older, a trustee has died or is moving into aged care, or the balance no longer justifies running it. We'll help you weigh it up honestly.

Will winding up trigger a big tax bill?

It can have capital gains tax consequences, depending on the fund's assets and the timing — which is exactly why the exit is worth planning rather than rushing. We sequence it with tax in mind.

Do you do the accounting and audit?

No — we coordinate the wind-up with your accountant and the fund's auditor, who handle the final accounts, audit and ATO lodgement. We manage the strategy and the moving parts so it all happens properly.

Where does my money go afterwards?

Usually into a simpler super or pension account that keeps your income going without the trustee responsibilities. We help you choose one that suits and set it up.

What if a trustee has died or lost capacity?

There are specific steps and timeframes to follow. We help you and your accountant navigate them correctly, and as sensitively as the situation deserves.

Is this financial advice?

This page is general information only. Personal advice — recommendations for your specific circumstances — is provided separately and in writing.

Ready to hand back the hassle?

Book a complimentary, no-obligation 15-minute phone chat. We'll talk through your fund, what you'd like to happen, and how we can help — and we'll quote any fees up front, so you know exactly where you stand. (It's general information, not personal advice.)

Book your chat

Or call us on (03) 5941 5955 · Mon–Thu, 8:30am–5:00pm

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Elaine Dickson
1 month ago
Very happy with how everything is followed thru
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Dale Jamieson
3 months ago
Best advice we have had in regards to our personal finances.
Recommended to lots of friends who have all been equally impressed with the knowledge and personal attention they have received.
Well done to you all and thanks again
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Karly Theodore
4 months ago
Mary was so lovely and great to chat to. She gave me all the information I needed to plan accordingly. Highly recommend the team at Plan4Wealth.
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Roslyn Smith
8 months ago
I am so pleased that a friend put me on to plan4wealth in Longwarry,
Mary and Aiza are amazing with fantastic financial guidance, thanks to them I’m living my best life,
Thank you very much
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Carole Davis
9 months ago
Mary and her staff are always attentive and wonderful to deal with...
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Tracey Tabinor
11 months ago
I had my 15 minute (40mins) free chat with Mary, and I have to say, she was very approachable, spoke in language that was easy to understand, no finance jargon, and gave me some tips to put into place straight away, without any obligations. However, I went back to them with about 4 questions, and didn’t get a response. I followed up a week later and still no response. 🤷🏼‍♀️
Response from the owner 10 months ago
Sorry Tracey, mums in palliative care. I’ll reply when I can x
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Darren Hnatiw
11 months ago
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Outstanding support and guidance

Mary from Plan4Wealth went above and beyond to help me understand exactly what I should be doing and why. She explained everything clearly and made the entire process easy to follow. I truly felt supported and informed every step of the way. Highly recommend Mary at Plan4Wealth to anyone looking for trusted financial guidance!
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Sam B
12 months ago
Spoke with Mary to get a sense of our hopes for retirement in a couple of years and if we were on track. I’ve been avoiding researching retirement as it was confusing, scary and contradictory when I did look online. Mary was lovely to talk with, extremely knowledgeable, explained in a way I understood, and took all the confusing parts out, leaving me with the utmost confidence in our retirement plans. We will definitely reconnect with Mary when we are ready. Highly recommend! Thank you Mary 😊 Sam & Dean
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ashlee dow
12 months ago
Mary was excellent to talk to about our finances and investments. She had great advice and was very down to earth without being pushy. We will definitely be back in touch with her when we are nearing retirement to help us manage our retirement portfolio. Highly recommend getting in touch with her if you are wanting honest advice around your finances.
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Sharon Bowman
1 year ago
What can I say, Mary is so easy to talk with she listens to my wishes then plans to make them happen. The whole team at Plan 4 Wealth are just amazing.
Thank you so much
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Katherine Henry
1 year ago
Mary Benton gave me the time I needed to explain my circumstances and guidance where needed. I felt confident and capable of following her recommendations and reassured about some things I already had in place. Highly recommend Mary, she was great to talk to
Mary is PHENOMENAL. In one short meeting she has helped to guide me through the set up of my business, what to prioritise with my goals and also forward planning out the next steps in my financial journey. Thank you! So excited to work with you.
Over many years we have enjoyed an excellent relationship with Mary, Azia, Cathy and the team at Plan for Wealth both on a business and personal level. Our catch ups, be they by telephone, video or face to face, continue to be very professional, informative relaxed and enjoyable. The advice and support given by Mary and her team has always been second to none.
We have complete faith in their level of expertise and ability in this field and would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending them as the go to professional and sound advisory consultancy.
Michael and Glenda Milligan
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Hiran Rathnayaka
2 years ago
Initial consultation with Mary re:our finances were a huge success. She was able to advise us on things (at no cost)we can do to accomplish our finance goals and guide us on our retirement plans. Looking forward to working with Mary and her team soon again. Highly recommended.
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Narelle Burdett
2 years ago
Fantastic chatting with Mary. Very easy to relate too and most helpful for my requirements and put me on the right track. Highly recommended from me. Thank you.
Karen Lucas profile picture
Karen Lucas
2 years ago
I was feeling very nervous about my upcoming retirement, but after speaking with Mary and implementing her advice, lm now looking forward to my future
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G Tamilan
2 years ago
Had a chat with Mary about my finances. She is wonderful explaining each and every option I have. And her guidance/ assistance is crystal clear, lovely to chat with her. I'm looking forward to working with her in the future.
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Sophie Leete
3 years ago
I can not speak highly enough of Mary and Plan4Wealth. During my initial (free) consultation with Mary, she provided advice which I could action straight away and did not require her services. In addition, Mary was very knowledgable on other more complicated matters and I will have no hesitation in utilising her services to progressing those investment options down the track. I highly recommend.
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Lucon Foster
3 years ago
We have benefited greatly from the advise Mary gave us. She listened to our views and our plans for retirement and understood with compassion and empathy. She has laid out a simple yet effective plan we are now following in order to meet our financial goals for retirement. There's still loads for us to do but Mary has set us on our way with some clear and achievable milestones to reach these goals.
Very professional.
Very understanding.
Very clear with the direction given.
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Karen Dart
3 years ago
Im very happy with Plan For Wealth, Mary was able to help me sort through how to best secure/use my assets and made me feel comfortable enough to ask questions 😊
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Bec Potalej
3 years ago
I received such helpful advice and offered insight into options I didn’t know were accessible for me. I’m super grateful for my call! Thank you!
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Lara Murray
3 years ago
Had a 1 hr session, received property financial advice for the present and for the future that made sense and I liked how personable Mary was. Easy to talk to. Have already highly recommended her to others!
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Daniel Fowler
3 years ago
Had a 30 minute chat with Mary this afternoon about my finances. Im looking forward to working with her in the future.

Great guidance and assistance, and lovely to chat with and have already put the wheels in motion for stage 1 of our plans

Highly recommend
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Dr John Stewart
3 years ago
My wife, Sue and I have been using the services of financial planner Mary Benton for 20+ years now. I have two adult children who both use Mary Benton.
Mary is skilled as a financial planner and has a good way with people.
Cathy Lizza is the person in the plan for wealth team, who handles insurances. Likewise, I can say that Cathy is very skilled having worked in this area for 20+ years and is a nice person with efficiency.
Aiza is the face of the business. You will speak with her when you phone.
again a person who is good at her job and efficient.
I am happy to recommend Mary, Cathy and Aiza
Mary, Aiza and her team are always so helpful and make suggestions that we may not be aware of. They know the investment and Centrelink landscape so well. Thanks to Aiza for all the help with forms and centrelink. We have been with Plan 4 Wealth for around 2 decades and feel we have a great relationship. Would highly recommend the team. Just amazing!!
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Katrina Kennedy
4 years ago
I had a preliminary chat with Mary yesterday.
I found her very friendly and helpful and more importantly easy to understand.
I have no hesitation in recommending Plan4wealth and will be returning to use their services in the future.
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Ron Steinwall
7 years ago
Mary has been a big help over the years and has a great command of all things financial. She is kind, and friendly. She will help you with investment planning, super portfolio construction and wealth building. Mary also has great knowledge of all Centrelink rules and regulations and the whole super, retirement, SMSF, tax and compliance related issues. Mary’s staff: Aiza and Cathy are also a great support for most and any back office related issues and provide a good interface between you and any service providers you might use, such as fund managers, insurance companies and the like.
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Marcus Adams
7 years ago
Mary has assisted a number of my clients. Not only is she very caring, her strategic recommendations have proven to be invaluable for them.
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