News & Articles
Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of tax updates, seeking strategic advice to propel your business forward, or exploring financial best practices for your investment property, our curated content is designed to empower and inform. Dive into our comprehensive collection of articles and equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate the financial landscape with confidence.
Sole Trader vs Company: When Is It Time to Switch?
Starting out as a sole trader is often the simplest option for a tradie. Whether you're an electrician, plumber, specialised builder, contractor, HVAC technician or refrigeration technician, operating as a sole trader can be a straightforward way to get your business...
How to Choose the Right Business Structure for Your Medical Practice
Starting a medical or allied health practice is an exciting step. Whether you are a GP opening your first clinic, a dentist establishing a dental practice or an allied health professional going into private practice, there are plenty of decisions to make. One of the...
GST for Tutoring Businesses: What Business Owners Need to Know
Tutoring businesses play an important role in helping Australian students strengthen their understanding, improve their study skills and prepare for tests and exams. As your tutoring business grows, you may need to consider whether you are required to register for...
How to Scale Your Business Without Overstretching Your Resources
Growing your business is exciting. More customers. Higher revenue. New opportunities. These are all signs that your business is moving in the right direction. But growth is not always as simple as increasing your sales. As your business grows, so do the demands on...
Negative Gearing, CGT and SMSF Property Changes 2026
In this article, we explain what has changed under the latest property tax reforms; which investors and ownership structures may be affected; key dates that may influence future planning decisions; practical steps property owners should consider before the new rules...
Are Properties Really Unaffordable?
We’re constantly told that housing is now more unaffordable than ever. The most common statistic used is the house price-to-income ratio, which has increased from around 4 times in the 1980s to approximately 8 times today. But that comparison overlooks one very...
Bendel Ruling Explained: Unpacking the High Court’s Decision
Tax The High Court of Australia has dismissed the Commissioner of Taxation’s appeal in Commissioner of Taxation v Bendel, ruling against the ATO on several key issues including the treatment of unpaid present entitlements (UPEs) and the definition of a “loan.” ...
The Reality of Family Trusts and Tax in Australia: What Labor Gets Wrong
The claim that Family Trusts remain a vehicle for tax avoidance in Australia is simply out of date. Successive governments have already closed many of the loopholes, and today there is often no meaningful tax advantage to using a Family Trust structure. In fact, in...
Federal Budget 2026: Changes to Negative Gearing and CGT
Do Family Trusts still offer tax advantages? A look at the reality under current tax laws.
Why Small Business Owners Get Tax Bills They Didn’t See Coming
Your business has had a strong year, then the ATO notice arrives and it is for far more than you expected. This happens to thousands of Australian small business owners every year. In most cases, it comes down to a handful of very common and very avoidable gaps in tax...
Tax Strategies for Property Investors: A Case Study
You should always get advice before investing, especially before buying a property—not after. Once purchased, it becomes very expensive to make changes. If a property is properly structured, it can mean the difference between paying a significant amount of tax and...
When DIY Bookkeeping Starts Costing More Than It Saves
When you launched your business, handling the books yourself made sense. You were watching every dollar, wearing every hat, and learning the ropes. A spreadsheet here, a receipt folder there. It’s manageable enough. But as your business grows, so does the complexity....
Sole Trader vs Company: When Is It Time to Switch?
Starting out as a sole trader is often the simplest option for a tradie. Whether you're an electrician, plumber, specialised builder, contractor, HVAC technician or refrigeration technician, operating as a sole trader can be a straightforward way to get your business...
How to Choose the Right Business Structure for Your Medical Practice
Starting a medical or allied health practice is an exciting step. Whether you are a GP opening your first clinic, a dentist establishing a dental practice or an allied health professional going into private practice, there are plenty of decisions to make. One of the...
GST for Tutoring Businesses: What Business Owners Need to Know
Tutoring businesses play an important role in helping Australian students strengthen their understanding, improve their study skills and prepare for tests and exams. As your tutoring business grows, you may need to consider whether you are required to register for...
How to Scale Your Business Without Overstretching Your Resources
Growing your business is exciting. More customers. Higher revenue. New opportunities. These are all signs that your business is moving in the right direction. But growth is not always as simple as increasing your sales. As your business grows, so do the demands on...
Federal Budget 2026: Changes to Negative Gearing and CGT
Do Family Trusts still offer tax advantages? A look at the reality under current tax laws.
Why Small Business Owners Get Tax Bills They Didn’t See Coming
Your business has had a strong year, then the ATO notice arrives and it is for far more than you expected. This happens to thousands of Australian small business owners every year. In most cases, it comes down to a handful of very common and very avoidable gaps in tax...
When DIY Bookkeeping Starts Costing More Than It Saves
When you launched your business, handling the books yourself made sense. You were watching every dollar, wearing every hat, and learning the ropes. A spreadsheet here, a receipt folder there. It’s manageable enough. But as your business grows, so does the complexity....
Employee Shares vs Equity Ownership: Key Differences and Tax Implications
Offering or receiving shares in a business is increasingly common in Australia, particularly among startups and growing companies. However, there is a clear distinction between employee share schemes (ESS) and equity ownership. Each structure carries different rights,...
How to Become Financially Independent Without Trying Too Hard
Why do some people achieve financial independence while others struggle financially, even when they earn significantly more? It’s a question many financial advisers encounter regularly. Surprisingly, the answer often has less to do with income and more to do with...
The Right Business Structure for Property Development
When planning a property development project, most people focus on the site, the numbers, and the potential profit. But one of the most important decisions you’ll make happens much earlier. It’s choosing the right business structure. Your structure determines how...
Tax Implications of Subdividing Land in Australia
Thinking about subdividing your block of land? Subdividing land is a common strategy for property owners to maximise the value of their property. If you are looking for guidance from experienced property and business tax accountants, getting the structure right from...
Understanding the New Payday Super Rules for 2026
Payday Super Changes for Employers Payroll already has plenty going on, from paying staff to managing cash flow and staying compliant. But starting 1 July 2026, things are set to change in a big way with the introduction of Payday Super. The new law, officially...
Are Properties Really Unaffordable?
We’re constantly told that housing is now more unaffordable than ever. The most common statistic used is the house price-to-income ratio, which has increased from around 4 times in the 1980s to approximately 8 times today. But that comparison overlooks one very...
Federal Budget 2026: Changes to Negative Gearing and CGT
Do Family Trusts still offer tax advantages? A look at the reality under current tax laws.
Tax Strategies for Property Investors: A Case Study
You should always get advice before investing, especially before buying a property—not after. Once purchased, it becomes very expensive to make changes. If a property is properly structured, it can mean the difference between paying a significant amount of tax and...
How to Become Financially Independent Without Trying Too Hard
Why do some people achieve financial independence while others struggle financially, even when they earn significantly more? It’s a question many financial advisers encounter regularly. Surprisingly, the answer often has less to do with income and more to do with...
Capital Gains Tax Discount: What It Means for Property Investors
If you’ve been following the news lately, you’ve probably noticed capital gains tax (CGT) creeping back into the headlines again. With Treasurer Jim Chalmers openly acknowledging that tax reform is on the table, and housing affordability once again front and centre,...
The Right Business Structure for Property Development
When planning a property development project, most people focus on the site, the numbers, and the potential profit. But one of the most important decisions you’ll make happens much earlier. It’s choosing the right business structure. Your structure determines how...
Tax Implications of Subdividing Land in Australia
Thinking about subdividing your block of land? Subdividing land is a common strategy for property owners to maximise the value of their property. If you are looking for guidance from experienced property and business tax accountants, getting the structure right from...
Got a Holiday Home? The ATO Is Tightening Deduction Rules
If you have a holiday home, the ATO is now paying much more attention to the deductions owners are claiming. They’re taking a stricter approach, so even if you rent the property out from time to time, you might find that some of the deductions you’ve been used to...
Tax Benefits of a Property Investor Trust: What Every Landlord Should Know
Most landlords aim to grow their rental income without losing too much of it to tax. The key often lies in how you structure your investments. While family trusts and company setups are well-known, there’s a structure built with property investors in mind — the...
Safer Alternatives to Gifting Money to Your Children
After more than 40 years of advising families, I’ve seen many parents make the mistake of gifting money to their children. It may feel generous to give them a deposit for their first home or provide a loan to help with a purchase, but this can easily backfire. With...
Why Share Prices Follow the Business
It’s easy to get distracted by daily price changes. Over time, though, share prices tend to follow the strength of the business behind them. Share Prices Reflect Business Fundamentals When you invest in shares, it’s easy to get distracted by daily price changes. But...
GST and BAS Obligations for Commercial Property Lessors
If you own and lease out commercial property, understanding your GST and BAS obligations is key to staying compliant and managing your finances well. Unlike residential landlords, commercial property lessors often deal with GST on rent and outgoings, which means you...
The Reality of Family Trusts and Tax in Australia: What Labor Gets Wrong
The claim that Family Trusts remain a vehicle for tax avoidance in Australia is simply out of date. Successive governments have already closed many of the loopholes, and today there is often no meaningful tax advantage to using a Family Trust structure. In fact, in...
Guide to Family Trusts (Discretionary Trust) in Australia
Note: This article is based on previous ATO rulings and guidance and is intended to provide general information only. Tax laws, ATO guidance and their application may change, so professional advice should be sought based on your individual circumstances. What is a...
What Is a Unit Trust in Australia? Structure, Tax, and Compliance
Note: This article is based on previous ATO rulings and guidance and is intended to provide general information only. Tax laws, ATO guidance and their application may change, so professional advice should be sought based on your individual circumstances. What...
Tax Benefits of a Property Investor Trust: What Every Landlord Should Know
Most landlords aim to grow their rental income without losing too much of it to tax. The key often lies in how you structure your investments. While family trusts and company setups are well-known, there’s a structure built with property investors in mind — the...
Can a Property Investor Trust Really Protect Your Assets?
As a landlord or property investor, you’ve probably thought about more than just buying the right property at the right price. Protecting your investment from risks like lawsuits, creditors, or complications in family succession is just as important as finding that...
Small Business Owners and Property Investors Trust “PIT™”
If you are a Small Business owner then you should seriously consider purchasing your residential or commercial investment property in a Property Investors Trust. Some of the questions you may be asking: What is the best entity to own a property in? There are many...
Setting Up a Family Trust in Australia
When it comes to tax planning and asset protection, trusts are one of the many structures available to any businesses or property investors. For families, a family trust has been a popular vehicle to protect the family’s assets and manage or take advantage of any tax...
To TRUST or not to TRUST for Property Investments
There are a lot of comments made that are either untrue or wrong or made due to a misunderstanding but they evolve into rumours that confuse. Just as its wrong to say that everyone needs a Trust it’s also wrong to say that no one needs a TRUST. There are many...
Hybrid Trust
What is a Hybrid Trust? A Hybrid Trust is a cross between a Discretionary and a Unit Trust. This type of structure is quite appealing because it includes the benefits of both and is an extremely useful structure. You can split the trust up into units while also having...
Division 296 Tax: New $3 Million Super Balance Tax Explained
The Australian Parliament has passed legislation for a new tax on superannuation balances over $3 million, commonly known as the Division 296 tax or “$3 million super tax”. This measure will take effect from 1 July 2026, fundamentally changing how earnings on large...
What Is an SMSF and How Does It Work?
What Is an SMSF? A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is a private superannuation fund that you manage yourself. Like all super funds, its purpose is to provide retirement benefits to its members. However, unlike retail or industry super funds, an SMSF gives you full...
How to Grow Your Retirement Wealth with an SMSF
Why More Australians Are Turning to SMSFs In recent years, more Australians have been choosing Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) to take control of their super and build wealth on their own terms. With traditional super funds, you usually have little say in where your...
Unrealised Gains Tax Explained: How It Could Impact Your Super
How would you feel if you were taxed on paper gains (before asset is even sold) instead of being taxed on cash gains (after you have sold the asset) and you have the cash to pay the tax? What Is Being Proposed? Treasurer Jim Chalmers proposed a new policy during the...
PAYG: What Business Owners and Investors Need to Know
PAYG, or Pay As You Go, is Australia’s system for tax withholding and instalments designed to help you meet your tax obligations throughout the year. Whether you’re running a business, managing property investments, or overseeing an SMSF, PAYG ensures you stay...
Guide to Division 293
Division 293 tax was introduced in 2012 by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) that applies to individuals with income above a certain threshold. It imposes an additional 15% tax on concessional (pre-tax) superannuation contributions for those exceeding the...
When Are Employers Required to Pay Super?
Superannuation (super) is a crucial aspect of financial security for employees in Australia. It ensures that workers have a safety net for their retirement, helping them maintain a comfortable lifestyle when they stop working. As an employer, it is your responsibility...
Understanding the Latest 2024 Changes to NALI for SMSFs
What is NALI? Non-Arm’s Length Income (NALI) refers to income earned by an SMSF that is derived from non-arm’s length transactions. In simple terms, if an SMSF earns income from a transaction that is not conducted on commercial terms—as if the parties involved were...
Essential Tips When Lodging Your SMSF Annual Return
When collating information to submit to your accountant for lodging your 2024 SMSF annual return, there are a few common mistakes to avoid that can save you time, effort, and potential penalties. 1. Correct Information Double-check all personal and financial details...
Top Things to Know Before Investing Overseas with Your SMSF
When thinking about investing overseas with your Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF), it's essential to perform detailed research upfront. As an SMSF trustee, you have the autonomy and duty to decide on your investment strategies. Determining Asset Allocation As a...
Guide to SMSF: Compliance and Restrictions
What is SMSF? An SMSF, or Self-Managed Super Fund, is a private superannuation fund that you manage yourself. It's a way for individuals to save for their retirement, offering greater control over investment choices, such as stocks, real estate, and other assets....
How to Grow Your SMSF
What is SMSF? A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is a way for Australians to take more control of their retirement savings. Unlike traditional super funds, an SMSF allows its members to be trustees, making wider ranging decisions about investments and managing the fund...
Division 296 Tax: New $3 Million Super Balance Tax Explained
The Australian Parliament has passed legislation for a new tax on superannuation balances over $3 million, commonly known as the Division 296 tax or “$3 million super tax”. This measure will take effect from 1 July 2026, fundamentally changing how earnings on large...
How Much Are BAS Late Lodgment Penalties?
Falling behind on your Business Activity Statement (BAS) lodgments can be stressful, especially when the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) issues penalties. Whether it’s a missed deadline or an unpaid balance, the consequences can affect your cashflow and put...
How to Enjoy Life Without Sacrificing Your Financial Goals
Finding balance between enjoying life and managing your finances wisely can often feel like a juggling act. You want to live in the moment, experience the things you love, and create lasting memories—but at the same time, you don’t want to overspend or compromise your...
Safer Alternatives to Gifting Money to Your Children
After more than 40 years of advising families, I’ve seen many parents make the mistake of gifting money to their children. It may feel generous to give them a deposit for their first home or provide a loan to help with a purchase, but this can easily backfire. With...
How Labor’s 2025 Tax Plan Impacts You
With a renewed and stronger mandate following the May 3, 2025 federal election, the Anthony Albanese-led Labor government is set to continue reshaping Australia’s tax landscape. Their focus remains on delivering cost-of-living relief, boosting fairness in the system,...
How the 2025 RBA Rate Cut Impacts Your Mortgage Repayments
If you’re like millions of Australians, you’re probably relieved after getting a break from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) following consistent interest rate hikes since April 2022. The good news? Most banks have agreed to pass on the 0.25% rate reduction,...
2025 ATO Compliance for Employers
As we find ourselves more than halfway through 2025, it is vital for business owners to remain vigilant regarding their employer responsibilities to prevent penalties and maintain smooth operations. Several upcoming changes and deadlines could have an impact on your...
NSW Capital Gains Withholding Changes from 2025
New updates to the Capital Gains Withholding (CGW) regime in New South Wales came into effect from 1 January 2025, introducing stricter requirements for property transactions involving foreign residents. These changes will impact both buyers and sellers of real...
New ATO Audit Update: How Rental Bonds Could Flag You
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is stepping up its game, using rental bond data to identify landlords who might not be meeting their tax obligations. Let’s break down what this means for you and how you can ensure you stay on the right side of the ATO. Why Is...
Essential Guide to Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 for Small Businesses
What is Single Touch Payroll (STP)? If you're an employer in Australia, you might have heard of Single Touch Payroll (STP). Single Touch Payroll is a system introduced by the Australian Government to make payroll reporting easier and more efficient for business...
Cash Flow Strategies for Small Businesses
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, especially for small businesses where financial margins are often tight. Effective cash flow management is crucial to ensuring that your business can meet its financial obligations, invest in growth, and ultimately succeed....
Tax Planning Strategies for Small Business Owners
Effective tax planning is crucial for the success and sustainability of your small business. Properly managing your tax obligations can significantly impact your business’s financial health, helping you maximise profits and support growth. Without a solid tax...
Negative Gearing, CGT and SMSF Property Changes 2026
In this article, we explain what has changed under the latest property tax reforms; which investors and ownership structures may be affected; key dates that may influence future planning decisions; practical steps property owners should consider before the new rules...
Bendel Ruling Explained: Unpacking the High Court’s Decision
Tax The High Court of Australia has dismissed the Commissioner of Taxation’s appeal in Commissioner of Taxation v Bendel, ruling against the ATO on several key issues including the treatment of unpaid present entitlements (UPEs) and the definition of a “loan.” ...
Federal Budget 2026: Changes to Negative Gearing and CGT
Do Family Trusts still offer tax advantages? A look at the reality under current tax laws.
Is That Really the ATO Calling? Here’s How to Know for Sure
If you've ever picked up a call from someone claiming to be from the ATO and felt that knot of anxiety in your stomach, you're not alone. ATO impersonation scams have been doing the rounds for years, and they've gotten more convincing over time. Callers can sound...
Capital Gains Tax Discount: What It Means for Property Investors
If you’ve been following the news lately, you’ve probably noticed capital gains tax (CGT) creeping back into the headlines again. With Treasurer Jim Chalmers openly acknowledging that tax reform is on the table, and housing affordability once again front and centre,...
Rich vs Poor Thinking: How Your Mindset Shapes Wealth
What is the difference between the rich and the poor, apart from the obvious, their wealth? At its core, the difference comes down to how they think. For years, I’ve believed that rich people think differently from poor people. This idea is powerfully explained in...
Got a Holiday Home? The ATO Is Tightening Deduction Rules
If you have a holiday home, the ATO is now paying much more attention to the deductions owners are claiming. They’re taking a stricter approach, so even if you rent the property out from time to time, you might find that some of the deductions you’ve been used to...
How Labor’s 2025 Tax Plan Impacts You
With a renewed and stronger mandate following the May 3, 2025 federal election, the Anthony Albanese-led Labor government is set to continue reshaping Australia’s tax landscape. Their focus remains on delivering cost-of-living relief, boosting fairness in the system,...
How Trump’s Trade Tariffs Could Affect Australia
Protectionist policies like those introduced by Donald Trump could have significant negative impacts on smaller, trade-dependent economies like Australia. Our economy thrives on exporting natural resources such as iron ore and gas—exports that played a crucial role in...
How the 2025 RBA Rate Cut Impacts Your Mortgage Repayments
If you’re like millions of Australians, you’re probably relieved after getting a break from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) following consistent interest rate hikes since April 2022. The good news? Most banks have agreed to pass on the 0.25% rate reduction,...
Understanding the Latest 2024 Changes to NALI for SMSFs
What is NALI? Non-Arm’s Length Income (NALI) refers to income earned by an SMSF that is derived from non-arm’s length transactions. In simple terms, if an SMSF earns income from a transaction that is not conducted on commercial terms—as if the parties involved were...
Maximise Your Tax Deductions with the Small Business Skills and Training Boost
As a small business owner, you likely invest in employee training to keep your team skilled and competitive. What you might not realise is that these training expenses spent could qualify you for additional tax deductions under the Small Business Skills and Training...