Self managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) can offer significant flexibility, allowing the members to make investments and enter arrangements that may not be available through retail or industry superannuation funds. However, being an SMSF trustee does come with important responsibilities to ensure that all dealings comply with superannuation law.

The ATO has issued a Draft Taxation Determination TD 2026/D1 which looks at how inherited family homes are treated for CGT purposes. Some industry commentators have dubbed it a “death tax by stealth”, but it is a bit more complex than this. The draft guidance focuses on a specific aspect of the rules around applying the main residence exemption to inherited properties, potentially exposing deceased estates and beneficiaries to significant tax if not planned correctly.

Running a business from home—whether as a sole trader, freelancer, or small operator—has many perks. But when it comes to selling your home and potentially saving on tax, recent guidance from the ATO serves as a reality check.

Running a successful business is hard work—and sometimes, despite best intentions, tax obligations slip. If the business is being operated through a company structure, then the ATO can potentially issue a Director Penalty Notice (DPN), holding company directors personally liable for unpaid taxes.

When clients sell a long-held family home, they may be able to channel part of the proceeds into superannuation by using the downsizer contribution rules.

As a business owner or investor, time is always tight. So it’s no surprise many people now turn to AI tools like ChatGPT for quick answers on tax deductions, super contributions or structuring ideas. The responses sound confident, arrive instantly and cost nothing. What could go wrong?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a niche choice. By late 2025, they account for more than 8% of new car sales in Australia, driven in no small part by generous tax incentives. One of the most significant is the Federal Government’s Electric Car Discount, introduced in mid-2022. For many businesses and employees, it has materially reduced the cost of owning or leasing an EV.

Until recently, many owners assumed they could claim most of the usual deductions for the property without much trouble, as long as appropriate apportionments were made. However, that position is now under more scrutiny than ever following the release of some new draft guidance documents by the Australian Taxation Office.

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 law on 4 November 2025. The new rules are designed to close Australia’s $6.25 billion unpaid super gap and make sure employees — especially casual and

If you’ve invested in further study — an MBA, a leadership course, or a postgraduate qualification — you might be wondering: can this help at tax time? For many professionals, the answer is yes — but only if the right boxes are ticked. The ATO’s rules on self-education expenses are strict, and the line between “deductible” and “non-deductible” can be thin. Getting it right could mean thousands back in your pocket; getting it wrong could mean an ATO adjustment, plus interest a

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 education is not optional but rather, is essential for risk management. Why understanding SISA mat

For years, businesses have been moving away from cash – and for good reason. Digital payments are quick, traceable, and cut down on the risk of theft or counting errors. But that tap-and-go world might soon have to make room again for notes and coins. The Government has released draft regulations that would require certain retailers to accept cash payments, ensuring Australians can still buy essential goods like groceries and fuel – even when technology fails. The change aims