Epoch News

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’...

The Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions measure (known as the Division 296 tax) is now law and takes effect from 1 July 2026. For those with large super balances, it’s important to understand what the new tax does, why it’s been introduced, and the practical...

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...

When selling a business—or even a slice of one—how you value the assets involved can have a major impact on the tax bill. A recent Full Federal Court decision, Kilgour v Commissioner of Taxation [2025] FCAFC 183, offers timely guidance on how “market value” is really...