Tax
Understand your tax obligations from lodging your tax return and claiming deductions to superannuation, capital gains, GST, and what to do when you owe money to the tax office.
Yes, most Centrelink payments are considered taxable income in Australia and must be included in your annual tax return. However, some specific payments are exempt from tax.
Certain benefits provided to employees are exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) in Australia. Common exemptions include minor and infrequent benefits under $300, work-related items like laptops, and certain car parking fringe benefits.
The "six-year rule" allows you to treat a former home as your main residence for Capital Gains Tax (CGT) purposes for up to six years after moving out, even if you rent it out. This means you won't pay CGT if you sell it within that period, provided no other property is claimed as your main residence.
A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) in Australia is a private superannuation fund that you manage yourself. It allows up to six members, giving you direct control over your retirement investments while adhering to strict rules set by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Yes, the Age Pension in Australia is generally considered taxable income. However, many recipients may pay little to no tax due to the tax-free threshold and available tax offsets like the Seniors and Pensioners Tax Offset (SAPTO).
For the 2026 financial year (2025-26 income year), the health insurance tax rebate thresholds are expected to align with the 2024-25 thresholds, subject to annual indexing. The base rebate tier starts for singles earning up to $93,000 and families up to $186,000.
Division 293 tax is an additional 15% tax on superannuation contributions for high-income earners in Australia. It aims to reduce the tax concession on contributions once an individual's income and concessional contributions exceed a set threshold, which is indexed annually.
No, most workers' compensation payments in Australia are not taxable income. This includes weekly payments for lost wages and lump sums for permanent impairment or economic loss, as they are generally considered compensation for injury rather than earnings.
Yes, the First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme in NSW is expected to continue in 2026. Eligible first home buyers can receive a full stamp duty exemption on homes up to $800,000 and concessional rates for homes between $800,000 and $1,000,000.
A binding death benefit nomination for superannuation in Australia legally directs your super fund on who receives your super balance upon your death. It ensures your chosen beneficiaries, such as dependants or your legal personal representative, receive your super benefits without the fund's discretion.
Yes, you can amend your tax return in Australia after lodging if you discover errors or omissions. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows corrections, typically within two to four years, depending on your tax situation.
For 2026, working holiday makers in Australia are expected to be taxed at 15% on income up to $45,000, with higher rates applying to earnings above this. Tax applies from the first dollar earned.
If your employer doesn't pay your superannuation in Australia, it is illegal. You should first discuss it with them, gather evidence, and then report the issue to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), which is responsible for enforcing superannuation guarantee obligations.
The Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) is an additional levy for higher-income earners in Australia who do not have appropriate private hospital insurance. It aims to encourage private health cover, reducing reliance on the public healthcare system. Thresholds are indexed annually.
The frequency of lodging your Business Activity Statement (BAS) in Australia depends on your business's annual turnover and GST registration status. Most businesses lodge quarterly, but some may need to lodge monthly or annually.
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) amount for ACT in 2026 is currently undetermined, as grant values are reviewed and announced by the ACT Government. The current grant for eligible new homes is $7,000.
The superannuation guarantee (SG) rate in Australia will be 12% from 1 July 2025, and this rate will continue through 2026. Employers must pay this percentage of an eligible employee's ordinary time earnings into a super fund.
You can claim work-related expenses, rental property deductions, charitable donations, and other specific deductions on your 2026 Australian tax return, provided you meet eligibility criteria and keep accurate records.
Yes, you can negatively gear an investment property in Australia when your allowable deductions for the property, such as interest on the loan, exceed the rental income. This net loss can then be offset against other taxable income.
No, there is generally no specific "housekeeper tax offset" available in Australia. Payments for domestic staff, such as housekeepers or cleaners for personal use, are typically considered private expenses and are not tax deductible.
PAYG withholding is a system in Australia where businesses and other payers deduct tax from payments to employees, contractors, and other recipients. These withheld amounts are then sent to the ATO, counting towards the recipient's annual income tax liability.
For the 2026 tax year, the fixed rate method for work-from-home deductions in Australia is 67 cents per hour. This covers specific running costs like energy, internet, and stationery, simplifying claims while allowing separate deductions for larger assets.
The Small Business Capital Gains Tax (CGT) concessions in Australia allow eligible small businesses to reduce or disregard capital gains from active assets, helping to lower their tax liability when selling a business or asset.
Concessional super contributions are pre-tax payments made to your super fund, typically by your employer or via salary sacrifice. They are tax-deductible, taxed at a lower rate of 15% within the fund, and capped annually. The 2026 cap has not yet been announced.
Yes, you can lodge your own tax return without an accountant in Australia using the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) free online service, MyTax. This is a common and straightforward process for most individuals.
An account-based pension (ABP) in Australia is a retirement income stream converting superannuation savings into regular payments. For those aged 60 and over, payments are generally tax-free. Investment earnings within the pension account are also tax-exempt.
A portion of your redundancy payment in Australia is tax-free, up to a certain limit based on a base amount plus a service amount. The remainder is taxed concessionally as an Employment Termination Payment (ETP). Tax laws for 2026 are based on current legislation and may change.
Land tax in Western Australia for 2026 will be calculated based on the total unimproved value of all taxable land you own, applying progressive rates above a tax-free threshold. Specific rates are set annually, so 2026 rates will be released closer to the time.
Employee Share Scheme (ESS) tax in Australia involves taxing the discount received on shares or options, usually at the point of exercise or vesting. Specific rules apply, including potential deferral of tax and concessions for eligible schemes.
Yes, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has extensive data-matching programs, meaning they are highly likely to know about your Uber income. Uber reports earnings to the ATO, making it critical to declare all ride-sourcing income.