Think you can spot a scam? What about misinformation? Most people know to be cautious of unexpected texts, emails or phone calls claiming to be from the ATO. But not every costly mistake starts with a scam. Sometimes it starts with information that sounds convincing but turns out to be wrong. The ATO is warning […]
Are your financial goals still realistic? Life rarely stands still. Career changes, growing families, property decisions and shifting personal priorities can quietly reshape what matters most to you financially. A goal that felt urgent five years ago may now be less relevant, while something that barely registered back then may have moved to the top […]
Don’t rush to lodge too early this tax time! You may be tempted to lodge your tax return on 1 July to tick that job off the list, or to chase a refund to help with cost of living pressures. However, the ATO has a clear message this year: slow down and get it right. […]
Budget offers personal tax relief but super largely untouched The 2026–2027 Federal Budget’s headline personal tax measures will reshape financial planning strategies from 2027. A new $250 working Australians tax offset (WATO) will apply from 1 July 2027, effectively increasing the tax-free threshold for work income to $19,985. Combined with the previously announced $1,000 standard […]
PERSONAL TAXATION Personal tax rates: existing cuts for 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 unchanged In the Budget, the Government did not announce any further changes to the personal tax rates. However, the proposed new $250 working Australians tax offset (WATO) from 1 July 2027 is expected to increase the effective tax-free threshold for income derived from work […]
Will the proposed $1,000 instant tax deduction benefit you? The Federal Government has released draft legislation for a new “instant” standard tax deduction that would allow eligible taxpayers to claim work-related expenses at tax time without receipts. This would replace the current $300 no-receipt immediate deduction limit. However, this is still just a proposal. The […]
AI may be handy for simple money questions, but it’s no substitute for professional advice Artificial intelligence tools are becoming increasingly popular for answering money-related questions. While these tools can be helpful for summarising information and helping you work out what to research next, convenience doesn’t equal accuracy. Tax and super rules can be detailed, […]
Investment properties: tax return errors that trigger ATO follow-up Owning an investment property can be tax-effective, but it’s also one of the ATO’s most closely monitored areas. Here are five errors that most often trigger ATO follow-up, and the related issues to keep in mind. Over-claiming repairs that should be capital works Repairs and maintenance […]
Support for rebuilding after natural disasters If you’ve lost your home, property or business to a natural disaster, knowing what to do next can be daunting. The good news is there’s help available to help you navigate the recovery process. The Federal Government and state and territory governments work together to provide support where natural […]
Heading overseas? Centrelink and the ATO might need to know If you’re planning an overseas holiday, especially if you currently receive Centrelink or other government payments, a little prep will help you enjoy your trip without payment surprises or tax headaches. Different government payments have their own rules about whether, and for how long, they’re […]