Professionals

From 1 July 2026, significant changes to Australia’s anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) laws will affect how professional advisers, including both lawyers and accountants, work with their clients. Why these changes are being introduced These reforms are designed to prevent criminals from using legitimate services, such as property transactions, business structures, and large financial dealings, to move illicit... Read more

What a difference a year (and an election) makes! When the 2025 Budget was delivered it was only a few weeks before a Federal Election. I was cynical when changes hadn’t been made to CGT, Negative Gearing, or the Taxation of Trusts. So, we went to an election on the Treasurer and PM’s promise that if re-elected, the Government would... Read more

With ongoing cost-of-living pressures and the possibility of further interest rate increases, many borrowers are feeling the impact of higher repayments. For some, this is being driven by changes in circumstances — such as reduced income, parental leave, illness, or unexpected expenses. Missing or delaying even one repayment can affect your credit profile and limit your options down the track.... Read more

You can’t help but cynically view a Federal Budget which is being delivered a few weeks ahead of an election as something of a political marketing exercise. That said, I think this fiscal plan is balanced & responsible. It clearly targets those with the greatest need. It hasn’t attacked retiree savings, and there’s no change to CGT concessions or gearing... Read more

For a Will to be valid there is a fundamental requirement that the Will maker is in the right state of mind. This is legally referred to as having ‘testamentary capacity’. Willmakers and their loved ones should understand the issues surrounding capacity to avoid disputes and ensure that assets will be distributed according to a person’s wishes. It is presumed... Read more

Home prices in Sydney have increased by 10.6 per cent over the last 12 months with a median dwelling price now more than $1.1 million (CoreLogic, March 2024). Whilst Shane Oliver argues that property in all cities is currently overvalued on the basis of the average 2.7% rental returns, he also acknowledges that house prices are unlikely to correct in... Read more

From 1 July 2024, all 13.6 million Australian taxpayers will receive a tax cut, as rates have reduced and thresholds changed. The 19 per cent tax rate will reduce to 16 per cent The 32.5 per cent tax rate will reduce to 30 per cent The threshold above which the 37 per cent tax rate applies rises from $120,000 to... Read more

Since 1 July 2022, electric vehicles have been exempt from fringe benefit tax (FBT). A fringe benefit is a payment to an employee not in the form of salary or wages, for example provision of a car that includes for personal use. The fringe benefit tax is paid on the value of this benefit. For a $55,000 car the FBT bill could... Read more

With expectations that the Reserve Bank will continue to increase interest rates given inflationary pressures, now is the time for borrowers to reassess their existing loans. At the time of borrowing, loans are assessed for serviceability based on interest rates well above the rates we’ve experienced over recent years. The RBA suggests that most households are ahead on mortgage repayments,... Read more

Cessation of employment has been removed as a deferred taxing point for Employee Share Schemes from 1 July 2022. Employee Share Schemes (ESS) are often used by employers to attract, retain and motivate staff by issuing interests such as shares, rights (including options) or other financial products to their employees, usually at a discount to their market value. ESS interests... Read more