Epoch News

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...

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...

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...

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...

A new tax offset Start date: 1 July 2027 The Government will provide a $250 ‘Working Australians Tax Offset’ from the 2027–28 income year. The offset will be a permanent feature of the tax system and is aimed at taxpayers who derive income from work, such as...

Limits on negative gearing Start date: 1 July 2027 The term ‘negative gearing’ refers to the situation where a rental property owner claims deductions for expenses associated with holding the property that exceed the rental income that is received in the relevant...

Instant asset write-off Start date: 1 July 2026 The Government has announced that the cost threshold for the purpose of applying the instant asset write-off for small business entities will be permanently increased to $20,000 from 1 July 2026.  The instant...

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...

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...

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. The ATO has now launched a simple, powerful solution: the ‘verify call’...