From 1 July 2026, the value of a Commonwealth penalty unit increased from $330 to $364. While this may sound like a minor administrative change, it has a direct impact on many ATO penalties, increasing the cost of a range of compliance failures. A penalty unit is simply the method used under Commonwealth law
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 supplementing their regular income through online platforms. However, one aspect that can sometimes come as a
The Tax Ombudsman has reported a dramatic 127% increase in complaints about the ATO this financial year (to 30 April 2026), with nearly 3,000 complaints received in the first ten months. Debt collection, penalties, and tax debt interest charges have dominated the issues raised. Tax Ombudsman Ruth Owen has linked the sharp rise directly
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 Guideline PCG 2025/5. This guideline clarifies the ATO’s compliance approach to the “alienation” of personal services
Since the Federal Treasurer handed down the 2026-27 Federal Budget on 12 May 2026 there has been a significant amount of commentary on some of the more controversial proposals, including the decision to replace the CGT discount with an indexation system and impose a 30% minimum tax rate on discretionary trusts. Since our latest
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 is a budget that has the potential to materially impact on property investors, business owners and families using discretionary trusts. However,
Following the recent release of the December 2025 quarter average weekly ordinary times earnings (AWOTE) the annual concessional contribution (CC) cap will increase from $30,000 to $32,500 from 1 July 2026. The annual non-concessional contribution (NCC) cap will also increase to $130,000. When considering contribution opportunities some individuals may have higher caps due to
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 by them. The ATO has now launched a simple, powerful solution: the ‘verify call’ feature in the free ATO app. Rolled
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 Chalmers and the ATO have announced a package designed to give businesses immediate breathing room
Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivered the 2026–27 Federal Budget last night, with a strong focus on cost‑of‑living relief, housing supply, and targeted tax reform. Following is a summary: Economic Outlook Australia enters the new financial year with slowing economic growth, persistent inflation pressures, and a continued emphasis on fiscal restraint. GDP growth forecast: 1.75% in
