Tax
The top 10 things small business owners often forget when getting started
16 July
Starting a small business is exciting. You may have a great idea, industry experience and the motivation to build something of your own. However, enthusiasm alone does not create a sustainable business. Many new business owners focus heavily on...[Read More]
How first-time homebuyers can save $8,500 in taxes
16 July
First-time homebuyers are missing out on thousands of dollars by not using a little-known scheme that helps save them money for the deposit. The First Home Super Saver Scheme lets them take advantage of their superannuation account’s favourable...[Read More]
Tax push renders budget surplus forecasts ‘unrealistic’
16 July
More tax cuts for workers would keep the budget in deficit beyond the next decade, the agency that assesses the nation’s finances warns. The outlook for the federal budget has improved over the past year, despite economic headwinds from the Middle...[Read More]
Family affair: investor tax changes spawn new tactics
9 July
A 1950s red brick walk-up in southwest Brisbane is a window into how the federal budget is reshaping the property market. Marketed as “the ultimate set-up for multi-generational living”, the three-unit apartment block in Oxley has bucked the...[Read More]
Payday Super starts 1 July 2026: What employers and employees need to know
2 July
Payday Super is now here, and it changes the way employers manage superannuation payments. From 1 July 2026, employers are required to pay employee superannuation guarantee contributions in line with their regular pay cycle, rather than relying...[Read More]
Tax cuts, pay rises and text message changes on the way
2 July
WHAT IS CHANGING ON JULY 1? * About 2.7 million workers on award wages will get a 4.75 per cent pay bump, while workers on the minimum wage will get a six per cent pay rise, following a Fair Work Commission decision * Workers will also receive super...[Read More]
Treasurer responds after budget attack by ex-RBA head
1 July
The treasurer has hit back at attacks to budget tax changes from a former Reserve Bank governor after the contentious laws passed parliament. Ex-RBA governor Philip Lowe said changes limiting negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount would...[Read More]
Pledge to fix ‘widow’s tax’ on investment properties
1 July
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has promised to fix laws imposing a so-called “widow’s tax” on investment properties, without providing details on how he will close the loophole. The issue, which relates to investors with jointly owned properties...[Read More]
Labor identifies businesses to be exempt from new tax
25 June
A budget backlash has prompted Labor to announce new carve-outs for innovative firms from the capital gains tax, as well as a backdown on a minimum tax on testamentary trusts. WHAT DID LABOR ANNOUNCE IN THE BUDGET? * The existing 50 per cent...[Read More]
What Labor agreed to in order for tax change support
25 June
WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTS PASSED * Laws stemming from the federal budget would limit negative gearing to new builds from July 2027, while scrapping a 50 per cent discount on the capital gains tax and replacing it with a minimum 30 per cent rate tied...[Read More]
Small business, payments system brace for payday super
24 June
Superannuation is set for its most significant change in decades but a week ahead of implementation, many businesses – and potentially the clearance system itself – aren’t ready. From July 1, employee superannuation contributions must land in...[Read More]
Payday Super: why employers should start preparing now
18 June
From 1 July 2026, Australian employers will need to manage superannuation guarantee payments differently. Under the Payday Super reform, super will move away from being mainly a quarterly compliance task and become part of the regular payroll...[Read More]
Better but ‘not perfect’ tax reform wins expert support
18 June
Parliamentarians are being urged to pass laws limiting tax breaks for property investors and not “let the perfect be the enemy of the good”. Looming tax reforms would help make the tax system more equitable, independent economist Saul Eslake...[Read More]
CGT share changes will ease home prices, treasurer says
18 June
Controversial tax changes for shares and businesses will prevent more money from being funnelled into existing homes, Treasurer Jim Chalmers claims. Businesses have been relatively receptive to Labor’s decision to wind back tax breaks for property...[Read More]
Fight and flight: tax inquiry fuming just a smokescreen
18 June
Concerns controversial tax changes are being rushed have been hosed down as experts dismiss claims businesses will flee overseas due to the measures. Under changes proposed by the federal government, the capital gains tax discount of 50 per cent...[Read More]