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Superannuation contribution caps to increase from 1 July 2026
Following the recent release of the December 2025 quarter average weekly ordinary times earnings (AWOTE) the annual concessional contribution (CC) cap will increase from $30,000 to $32,500 from 1 July 2026. The annual non-concessional contribution (NCC) cap will also increase to $130,000. When considering contribution opportunities some individuals may have higher caps due to the carry forward CC rules or
New ATO ‘Verify Call’ Feature: Instant Protection Against Phone Scams
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 in early April 2026, it
Practical Help for Businesses Impacted by Fuel Disruptions
With global fuel supply chains still under strain from conflict in the Middle East, many Australian businesses are feeling the impact through higher operating costs, delayed deliveries and pressure on cash flow. To help stabilise affected sectors, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and the ATO have announced a package designed to give businesses immediate breathing room and reduce administrative burden during a
ATO Updates EV Home Charging Rate: What It Means for You
The ATO has announced a significant update that will affect anyone using electric vehicles (EVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) for work or fleet purposes and where the vehicle is charged at the relevant individual’s home. From 1 April 2026 (for FBT purposes) or from 1 July 2026 (for income tax purposes), the ATO’s standard home-charging electricity rate will
2026-27 Federal Budget Report
BUDGET 2026-27: AT A GLANCE 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
Expenses Incurred to Obtain Employment were Non-deductible
The Administrative Review Tribunal (‘ART’) recently held that medical expenses incurred by a taxpayer to obtain (or regain) employment were not deductible as they were not incurred in gaining or producing his assessable income. The taxpayer was an airplane pilot. In July 2021, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority advised the taxpayer of the steps that he needed to take to
When a Hobby Becomes a Business
You may not think you are running a business from your hobby or ‘side hustle’ activities. However, if you start to earn money from doing these activities regularly, you may be carrying on a business without realising it. Generally, carrying on a business involves ongoing and repeated activities with the intention of making a profit. These activities can include: regularly
Know When a New Logbook is Required
Keeping a car logbook may be required to accurately calculate the business-use percentage of vehicle expenses (e.g., fuel, registration, insurance and depreciation) for tax deductions. You can keep the same logbook for your car for five years, but there are circumstances where you may need a new one during that period. Relying on a logbook that no longer represents your
The ATO Targets FBT on Work Vehicles: Don’t Let Assumptions Cost You
The ATO is turning up the heat on employers who provide work vehicles for private use. Sophisticated data-matching means assumptions and shortcuts can quickly lead to audits, penalties, interest charges—and even reputational damage. You can see the latest ATO FBT audit warning here: Misreporting FBT on personal use of work vehicles | Australian Taxation Office If you provide vehicles to
A Wake-Up Call for Family Businesses on Fringe Benefits Tax
As Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) lodgement season approaches, family businesses should carefully review the perks they provide to working directors and family members. A high-profile case involving luxury vehicles provided to three brothers who run a large business empire through a discretionary trust highlights the complexities — and potential risks — of informal arrangements. While the case initially appeared to