Most of us keep a close eye on our bank accounts. But superannuation can be easier to lose track of, especially if you’ve changed jobs, moved house, changed your name, or simply set up a new fund and assumed everything followed you. That’s why the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has issued a timely reminder. There is now $18.9 billion in lost and unclaimed super sitting across Australia. That’s up $1.1 billion since 2024 and spread across just under 7.3 million accounts. 

There is much in the media about how the 50% capital gains tax (CGT) discount has contributed to the housing affordability problem in Australia (although no doubt the problem is a lot more complex than attributing it mainly to any taxation measure or measures). Nevertheless, the CGT discount looms large for anybody who owns assets that are subject to CGT (and note in this regard a passenger car of any sort – including a vintage car – is not subject to CGT). 

In contrast to holiday homes, what happens where you use all or part of your home to produce assessable income? Well, there will be important capital gains tax (CGT) consequences – the most important of which is that you will be likely to lose some of your CGT exemption on the home.

With summer around the corner and beach holiday homes back on the agenda, perhaps it is time to revisit a few tax matters about their use. And the big issue is how you claim expenses if your holiday home is only rented for part of the year.

With the festive season fast approaching, business owners will be turning their mind to year-end celebrations with both employees and clients. Knowing the rules around Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT), GST credits and what is or isn’t tax deductible can help keep tax costs to a minimum. Holiday celebrations generally take the form of Christmas parties and/or gift giving.

Big news for anyone with a large super balance – the government has gone back to the drawing board on the controversial Division 296 tax, and the changes are a big step toward fairness and common sense.

If you’re made redundant, you may receive a lump sum payout. While this can provide financial breathing room, it’s important to understand how that money is taxed. Not all parts of a redundancy payment are taxed the same and how it is taxed can make a big difference to what you actually take home.

If you run a small business and sell it – or some of its asset(s) – and make a capital gain, the CGT “retirement exemption” may be invaluable to reduce or eliminate the tax payable on the gain. The funny thing is that you don’t have to retire to use the CGT retirement exemption. 

Tax reform chatter is heating up, but action remains cautious. Beyond small personal tax cuts and the 15% levy on big super balances, the government is weighing intergenerational equity. That could mean revisiting negative gearing, CGT discounts, trusts, and super concessions—issues often benefiting older, wealthier Australians. With Millennials now outnumbering Boomers, community sentiment may push changes. Businesses should also watch possible tweaks to investment incentive

ATO cracks down on illegal sales suppression tech. Ensure compliance & protect your business with Pointax's expert guidance.

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