High Court Brings Greater Clarity on Trust Distributions
Inside this month, High Court Brings Greater Clarity on Trust Distributions The High Court has recently handed down an important decision that will impact many private business groups using discretionary trusts and corporate beneficiaries. In Commissioner of Taxation v Bendel [2026] HCA 18 (10 June 2026), the Court rejected the ATO’s long-standing view that an unpaid distribution […]
Updates to Budget Measures and New Developments
This month we focus on several significant developments affecting employers, investors, business owners and SMSF trustees. While the Federal Budget was only handed down in May, the Government has already announced some changes to key proposals and we take a look at the latest developments. We highlight the commencement of Payday Super from 1 July […]
Key 2026–27 Federal Budget tax reforms: What they mean for you
The 2026–27 Federal Budget, released on 12 May 2026, has received more attention than most budgets in recent years. With proposed changes to negative gearing, the CGT discount and the taxation of trusts, this is a budget that has the potential to materially impact on property investors, business owners and families using discretionary trusts. However, it […]
2026-27 Federal Budget Report
On Tuesday 12 May 2026 the Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the 2026-27 Federal Budget, framing some of the more significant announcements as part of a broader plan to help young Australians access the property market.While acknowledging that the key to housing affordability is supply, the Government clearly sees changes to negative gearing and the […]
New ATO ‘Verify Call’ Feature & Increasing Superannuation Contribution Caps
As tax time approaches, so does the annual spike in scam calls pretending to be from the ATO. These calls are becoming increasingly convincing — and increasingly costly for those who get caught by them. The ATO has now launched a simple, powerful solution: the ‘verify call’ feature in the free ATO app. Rolled out […]
What the New Division 296 Tax Means for Individuals with Large Super Balances
This month we step through the newly enacted Division 296 superannuation tax—what it means for those with large super balances, how it will operate in practice, and the planning opportunities now available. We also bring a clear message for business owners and high-wealth individuals: long-standing assumptions are being tested, with the ATO and courts setting […]
DPN Review: A Wake-Up Call for Business Owners on Personal Tax Risks
This month we focus on key developments and practical guidance for business owners, property holders, and SMSF trustees navigating complex tax obligations. DPN Review: A Wake-Up Call for Business Owners on Personal Tax Risks Running a successful business is hard work—and sometimes, despite best intentions, tax obligations slip. If the business is being operated through […]
Holiday Homes Under the Microscope, Electric Car Discounts Under Review, and AI Tax Tips
This month we look at the ATO’s sharpened compliance focus across property, business incentives and emerging technologies. New draft guidance on holiday homes signals a much tougher approach to deductions for short-term rentals, particularly where lifestyle use blurs with genuine income-earning intent. The Federal Government’s review of the Electric Car Discount also places current EV […]
Know the Rules Before You Break Them: Why SMSF Education Matters More Than Ever
Running, or deciding to set up a self-managed super fund (SMSF) gives you control, but it also brings legal responsibilities. The Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SISA) contains detailed rules on trustee duties, investments, borrowing, payments and recordkeeping. Simply put, you cannot identify or avoid breaches you don’t know exist. For trustees, this should mean […]
Super on Payday: Fundamental Changes for Employers
If you run a business, you already know the juggling act that comes with managing the payroll process — paying staff on time, managing cash flow, and staying compliant. From 1 July 2026, there’s a major change coming that will reshape how you handle superannuation contributions for staff. It’s called Payday Super, and it became […]
