Tax Planning | Jane Clark Financial Management

An Update on the Proposed Family Trust Changes

Reflection, Tax Planning / September 10, 2026 September 6, 2026

We first discussed the proposed changes to family trust taxation in our May 2026 article. Since then, the Government has released draft legislation providing more detail on how the new rules could work from 1 July 2028, including an important choice for existing discretionary trusts. In this update, we revisit the proposed changes, explain the two main options in plain English, and highlight what families and business owners with trusts may want to consider.

Key 2027 Financial Changes You Need to Know

Reflection, Superannuation, Tax Planning / July 9, 2026 July 7, 2026

Crossing into a new financial year often brings a familiar mix of anticipation and paperwork as we look to organise our tax affairs and plan for the future. Whether you are aiming to maximise your retirement savings or simply trying to keep a busy household budget on track, keeping pace with changing government regulations can feel like a moving target. The start of the 2026-27 financial year introduces several significant updates, from major structural shifts in superannuation to some very welcome personal income tax relief. To ensure you receive completely accurate and trustworthy guidance, this overview relies exclusively on verified data from reputable governmental bodies and established official sources. Taking a proactive approach to these changes now is the most effective way to protect your hard-earned wealth and ensure your household strategy remains resilient over the coming twelve months.

The Tax Ruling That Could Affect Every Family Trust in Australia

Reflection, Tax Planning / June 18, 2026 June 16, 2026

The High Court’s recent decision in Commissioner of Taxation v Bendel marks a significant shift in tax law, confirming that an Unpaid Present Entitlement (UPE) owed to a corporate beneficiary is an equitable right rather than a "loan" under Division 7A rules. While this ruling offers welcome relief for many taxpayers who use family trusts, it is far from a "get out of jail free" card; the decision relies on specific legal facts and does not shield taxpayers from other critical integrity provisions like Section 100A and Subdivision EA. As the Australian Taxation Office prepares updated guidance, trust owners should look past the headlines and understand that their tax obligations remain deeply dependent on their specific trust deeds, historical conduct, and how funds are truly being distributed within their group.

Preparing for the 2027 Capital Gains Tax Changes

Investment, Property, Reflection, Tax Planning / June 11, 2026 June 9, 2026

For years, many of us relied on a simple 'buy and hold' approach to investing, trusting that time and standard tax discounts would naturally take care of the rest. However, the capital gains tax (CGT) reforms proposed for 1 July 2027 are about to fundamentally rewrite the rulebook for Australian investors. Moving far beyond just the property market, these sweeping changes will impact shares, managed funds, and business interests, introducing significant new factors like a 30% minimum tax rate that could easily catch modest income earners off guard. This guide cuts through the noise to explain what these reforms mean for your portfolio, outlining the proactive strategies you need to protect your hard-earned wealth.

Australia’s Biggest CGT Shake-Up in Decades is Coming

Reflection, Tax Planning / May 28, 2026 May 27, 2026

The 2026-27 Federal Budget has proposed the most significant overhaul of Australia's capital gains tax system in nearly three decades. From 1 July 2027, the familiar 50 per cent CGT discount, a cornerstone of investment planning since 1999, is set to be replaced by an inflation-adjusted indexation model accompanied by a new 30 per cent minimum tax on real gains. For property investors, shareholders, and anyone sitting on long-held assets, the changes will fundamentally alter how investment returns are calculated and taxed. With transitional rules, new build carve-outs, and the surprise inclusion of pre-1985 legacy assets all forming part of the package, understanding the detail now, well ahead of the 2027 start date, will be essential.

The End of an Era for Negative Gearing?

Property, Reflection, Tax Planning / March 12, 2026 March 10, 2026

For decades, negative gearing and the capital gains tax (CGT) discount have shaped the way Australians invest in property. Recently, with the Federal Government reviewing these policies ahead of the May 2026 budget, we could be looking at significant reform. In this article, we examine the proposed changes, including caps on investment property deductions and reductions to the CGT discount, while exploring the competing arguments from both sides of the housing debate. Whether you are saving for your first home or managing a rental portfolio, read on to find out what these potential tax shifts could mean for you and why they are happening.

Tax Time! Don’t Forget Your Investment Income

Investment, Reflection, Tax Planning / October 23, 2025 October 20, 2025

With the 31 October deadline approaching, it’s a great time to ensure your tax return is complete, particularly if you have investment earnings. While your salary details usually pre-fill, the responsibility for accurately reporting income from assets like rental properties, shares, and cryptocurrency rests solely with you, and the ATO is actively using its advanced data-matching capabilities to check this information. This article walks you through some of the most common types of investment income that people sometimes forget to include

Common Financial Mistakes to Avoid During Divorce

Financial Planning, Legal, Reflection, Tax Planning / July 11, 2024 July 8, 2024

Divorce is often an emotionally charged and challenging experience that can have far-reaching consequences on your financial well-being. While it's natural to feel overwhelmed during this difficult time, it's crucial to approach financial decisions with clarity and foresight. In this article we discuss some of the most common financial mistakes people make during divorce and how to avoid them.

Maximise Your Tax Return: Strategies for the End of Financial Year

Reflection, Tax Planning / June 13, 2024 June 3, 2024

Discover effective strategies to maximise your tax return, including claiming all eligible deductions, understanding home office expense claims, obtaining a depreciation report for investment properties, lodging your return early for refunds and timing your bonus income.

Maximise Your Super Contributions Before Financial Year End

Reflection, Superannuation, Tax Planning / June 6, 2024 June 3, 2024

Learn how to enhance your retirement savings and reduce your tax bill with superannuation planning strategies such as understanding contribution caps, making catch-up contributions, taking advantage of government co-contributions and spouse contributions.