Tax and business news

A post-Budget law change means new SMSF borrowing (LRBAs) can only be used for business real property from 10 August 2026 — ordinary residential rentals are out. We explain the start date, the business real property test and what is grandfathered.

The full EV FBT exemption is proposed to narrow from April 2027 and become a partial discount from April 2029. Existing arrangements receive important grandfathering.

Higher VCLP and ESVCLP limits could give Australian venture funds more room to support businesses as they scale. Registration and investment eligibility will still do the heavy lifting.

From 2026–27, eligible workers can access a standard work deduction of up to $1,000. It may simplify smaller claims, but it is not a $1,000 refund or an extra deduction on top of your actual expenses.

The $20,000 instant asset write-off is now permanent from 1 July 2026. Here is who qualifies, what “under $20,000” means and why timing still matters.

The Government proposes higher R&D support for experimental work and young companies, alongside tougher targeting rules. The headline rate is only one part of the story.

The new $250 Working Australians Tax Offset starts in 2027–28, while two previously legislated tax-rate cuts begin sooner. Here is what changes, when it changes and how the measures may work together.

The Government proposes removing the higher age-based private health insurance rebates for people aged 65 and over. The measure is not yet law, but affected policyholders should understand the possible cost.

The Medicare levy low-income thresholds have increased by 2.9% for 2025–26. Here are the new figures, who they affect and how the ATO applies them in your tax return.