The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.10%, marking the second consecutive monthly increase to control inflation. This affects mortgage repayments and savings account interest. Understanding these changes helps homeowners, savers, and business owners make informed financial decisions. Why the RBA Raised the Cash Rate Again Inflation remains a stubborn challenge for the Australian economy. Despite previous rate hikes aimed at

Payday super is one of the biggest compliance changes facing Australian small businesses. From 1 July 2026 , employers must pay super at the same time as wages. This change affects cash flow, payroll systems, and day‑to‑day operations. Understanding the impacts now will help businesses prepare with confidence. What Is Payday Super? Payday super means super contributions must be paid on each payday. The quarterly payment cycle will end. Super will move out of your account as s

Here’s What You Must Know About Australia’s CGT Rules Buying your next home before you’ve sold your current one is becoming increasingly common — especially in a competitive market. However, it’s important to understand how this affects your Capital Gains Tax (CGT)  position. Under Australia’s CGT rules, you normally can’t treat two properties as your main residence at the same time . But there is a generous concession that can help you avoid an unexpected tax bill during the

Retirement might feel far off or just around the corner but understanding what’s changing in superannuation can help you make smarter decisions — and avoid costly mistakes. And since governments and the ATO never seem to keep their hands off super, here’s a clear, simple overview of the key updates coming over the next few years. Possible Higher Tax for Very Large Super Balances The Government has proposed a new tax (Division 296) targeting individuals with very large superan

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has updated its rules on how holiday homes are treated for tax purposes. With more people renting out their beach houses, units and cabins on platforms like Airbnb, the ATO has replaced a 40‑year‑old ruling with new guidance. These rules explain when you can claim deductions and when you can’t. This article breaks it down in simple, practical language. Why the ATO Changed the Rules Holiday homes have always been a grey area. Many owners wa

Imagine this: after years of hardship and illness, you’re forced to retire early on a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) pension from your super fund. It’s your only income stream. Then come the medical bills – tens of thousands of dollars in treatments to manage the very conditions that ended your career. You might assume those costs are tax deductible as the TPD pension was payable because of this disability.   Unfortunately, a recent tribunal case shows it’s not that sim

Significance of a Trust Deed Allowing Cryptocurrency Investments Following recent ATO Advice - an SMSF trustee needs an explicit power in the trust deed to invest in crypto assets because the deed governs what the fund may legally hold and how investments must be managed; without an express power, trustees risk breaching the deed and superannuation law even if members want exposure to crypto. Crypto assets pose specific compliance challenges: they must satisfy the sole purpos

The Australian Tax Commissioners have laid out their compliance focus for the 2025–26 year. If you own assets or are considered wealthy by the ATO – watch out as you are on their radar. We have revised our focus areas for 2025–26 to indicate where we will direct our compliance and engagement efforts for privately owned and wealthy groups.   Recently the ATO outlined the key priorities for this financial year, common mistakes they’re seeing, and topics they want to better unde

Just when we thinking that there is some light at the end of the tunnel – the ATO is about to wrench away yet another deduction!...

Federal Election: 5 Government Plans That Could Affect Your Money Advice Now that the Federal Election is over and the Government is...

What is Payday Super?   Payday Super was announced during the 2023/2024 Federal Budget. The purpose is to increase the retirement incomes...

Effective 1 July 2025 , some businesses may see changes to their withholding, reporting and payment obligations.   If your business is...

The 2025 Federal Budget for the new financial year was announced on Tuesday, 25 March 2025, and introduces a range of tax measures that...

Starting from 1 July 2026 , employers in Australia will be required to pay their employees’ superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions...

Warning all Landlords and Investment homeowners - the ATO has launched a crackdown on the tax affairs of millions of landlords, targeting...

By Steven Marsten DIN Date is looming! Less than 6 weeks to Christmas – what happened to the year? The biggest issue happening this month...

By Steve Marsten The Queensland Government has passed a Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 (Qld) (the Bill). The Bill was passed on...

By Steve Marsten For many years it was standard practice and not an uncommon strategy for companies to resolve to pay directors fees or...

By Steve Marsten When we first go into business – our focus is getting the business up and running. You don’t focus on what could go...