​To ensure passage of the negative gearing and CGT discount changes that were announced in the May 2026 Federal Budget the Government agreed to make amendments to the SMSF borrowing rules.

SMSFs are able to borrow in restricted circumstances which includes borrowing under a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA) to purchase a single acquirable asset. While there have previously been no specific legislative restrictions on the type of asset a SMSF can borrow to purchase, most commonly we see LRBAs being used to purchase property. Up until this point, this could have been any type of real property.

​If you're thinking about purchasing or leasing a vehicle for your business in the new financial year, it's worth understanding the updated car thresholds that apply from 1 July 2026. While these limits may seem technical, they can have a practical impact on the amount you can claim for tax depreciation deductions, the GST credits that are available, and whether luxury car tax (LCT) could apply.

Knowing how these rules work before signing a contract can help you make a more informed decision and potentially improve your overall tax and cash flow position.

​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 surprise at tax time is that this income generally needs to be declared in your tax return. Unlike salary and wages, sharing economy income isn’t always fully pre-filled in your tax return, so it's important to maintain your own records and check that tax returns are completely accurately.

The High Court has recently handed down an important decision that will impact many private business groups using discretionary trusts and corporate beneficiaries.

In Commissioner of Taxation v Bendel [2026] HCA 18 (10 June 2026), the Court rejected the ATO’s long-standing view that an unpaid distribution (also known as an unpaid present entitlement or UPE) owed by a trust to a corporate beneficiary will automatically constitute a loan for the purpose of the integrity rules in Division 7A.