Epoch News
Navigating the 2026–27 Car Thresholds
If you're thinking about purchasing or leasing a vehicle for your business in the new financial year, it's worth understanding the updated car thresholds that apply from 1 July 2026. While these limits may seem technical, they can have a practical impact on the amount...
Don’t Let Sharing Economy Income Catch You Off Guard This Tax Time
The sharing economy has created new opportunities for Australians to earn additional income. Whether it's driving for a ride-sharing service, renting out a holiday property, completing freelance work, hiring out equipment, or creating digital content, many people are...
High Court Brings Greater Clarity on Trust Distributions
The High Court has recently handed down an important decision that will affect many private business groups that use discretionary trusts and corporate beneficiaries. In Commissioner of Taxation v Bendel [2026] HCA 18 (10 June 2026), the Court rejected the ATO’s...
Updates to Budget Measures and New Developments
Since the Federal Treasurer handed down the 2026-27 Federal Budget on 12 May 2026, there has been significant commentary on some of the more controversial proposals, including the decision to replace the CGT discount with an indexation system and to impose a 30%...
Payday Super Has Arrived – What Employers Need to Know
One of the most significant changes to the Australian superannuation system in decades has now commenced. From 1 July 2026, Payday Super requires employers to ensure that super contributions reach employees’ super funds within 7 business days of each payday. For many...
ATO Cracks Down on Personal Services Income Arrangements: Is Your Business at Risk?
The ATO is sharpening its focus on how taxpayers generating income from personal services deal with that income for tax purposes. In a recent Spotlight bulletin, Small Business Assistant Commissioner Tony Poulakis highlighted the release of Practical Compliance...
Key 2026–27 Federal Budget tax reforms: What they mean for you
The 2026–27 Federal Budget, released on 12 May 2026, has received more attention than most budgets in recent years. With proposed changes to negative gearing, the CGT discount, and the taxation of trusts, this budget has the potential to materially impact...
Government to wind back electric vehicle FBT exemption in three stages.
The Government has announced a staged wind-back of the current Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for electric vehicles (EVs), following recommendations from the Statutory Review of the Electric Car Discount released in May 2026. While the policy continues to support...
Ending card surcharges: What you need to know before 1 October 2026
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has confirmed that all surcharges on credit and debit card payments — across EFTPOS, Mastercard and Visa — will be banned from 1 October 2026. This represents one of the most significant updates to Australia’s payments...
Federal Budget 2026 27
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...