At STM Advisory, we’re proud to support emerging talent and give young people a genuine look at what a career in accounting can offer. This year, we welcomed Will to the team as part of our gap year program. Will completed Year 12 at Catholic College Wodonga and heads to University next year. Will is gaining practical experience in a professional accounting firm, learning from our team and getting a firsthand understanding of the industry. We caught up with Will to hear more about why he chose accounting, what he has enjoyed most about his gap year, and where he hopes his career will take him. Why did you choose accounting? I decided to pursue a career in accounting due to many factors, one of these factors was that my dad was previously an accountant, and he always told me what a great career it was and how many opportunities it created for him. This inspired me to look further into the pathway where I began studying it at high school, it was never my strongest subject but still interesting and useful in everyday life. What do you enjoy most about doing a gap year at STM Advisory? For the short time I have already been here the amount of things I have learnt have been so useful not only for the career I wish to pursue but also the life experience it has brought me. The never-ending learning and progression is something I have really enjoyed so far. What has surprised you most about working in an accounting firm? One thing that has really surprised me is the friendly nature of my colleagues. Accountants often get a bad rap for being ‘dull and boring’ however the team at STM are very enjoyable to be around and extremely accommodating. What are you most looking forward to when you begin university? I am most looking forward to expanding my knowledge of accounting and business activities as well as meeting new people with similar interest and creating life long relationships. What do you hope to do in your accounting career? I am still not 100% sure of what direction I take whether it be in public practice accounting or in a larger corporate environment career. Many business related careers are enticing to me right now and Accounting is a large part of it. Would you recommend a gap year program to your friends? Absolutely I would recommend a gap year as it has helped me so much with deciding what path to take surrounding my future career. It has also given me the ability to save money whilst also being able to do the things that I love. Will’s experience is a great example of how a gap year can provide more than just time between school and university. It can build confidence, develop practical workplace skills and help students make more informed decisions about their future career. We’re delighted to have Will as part of the STM Advisory team and look forward to supporting him as he continues his studies and begins his career in accounting. STM’s gap year program will open for applications in September 2026. If you’d to learn more, go to www.st-m.com.au/careers click on the Gap Year Program link.

The end of the financial year is fast approaching. For SMSF members and trustees, a few timely checks now can avoid headaches later and help preserve valuable tax and contribution opportunities. Below is a checklist of the things members and trustees should consider before 30 June. Contributions — timing matters Get contributions into the fund by 30 June: For both tax deductibility and contribution cap purposes, cash and electronic transfers generally need to be received by the SMSF’s bank account on or before 30 June. When transferring amounts between different banks allow extra days for bank processing times. Personal deductible contributions: If you want to claim a tax deduction for a personal contribution, you must notify the fund and receive the fund’s acknowledgement by the required deadline (usually before the earlier of lodging the tax return or 30 June the following year). If you’re looking to start a pension early in the new year, you’ll need to get your notice of intent to claim a deduction processed even earlier (ie, before you start the pension). Otherwise, you may miss out on the opportunity to claim a deduction for the contribution made. Contribution strategies you might use Carry forward concessional amounts: Eligible members with lower total super balances (less than $500,000) at 30 June in the prior year may be able to use unused concessional caps from previous years to make larger deductible contributions this year. This may be useful if you have a larger capital gain in your personal name for the 2025/26 financial year.  SMSF‑only 28‑day allocation rule: SMSFs can temporarily hold a June contribution in an unallocated reserve and allocate it to a member in July so it counts for the following year’s caps — but this must be done correctly, documented in minutes and the fund’s deed must allow it. Commonly referred to as a contribution reserving strategy. Again, this may allow members to take advantage of claiming a larger tax deduction this year. Post‑tax personal contributions and limits Non‑concessional contributions and bring‑forward: Whether a member can use the bring‑forward rule depends on their total super balance on the prior 30 June. Opportunities may be available for some members to make contributions this year, including bringing forward and taking advantage of future year contribution amounts. Spouse contributions and government co‑contribution: Contributions made by a member for their spouse can attract a tax offset in some circumstances; low‑income members may qualify for a government co‑contribution if they make post‑tax contributions and meet the income test. Increase in contribution caps Current year (2025/26) contribution caps are: Concessional contributions: $30,000. Non-concessional contributions: $120,000. These caps will increase from 1 July 2026 to: Concessional contributions: $32,500. Non-concessional contributions: $130,000 Pensions and the transfer balance cap Minimum pension payments: If your fund is paying account‑based pensions, make sure the minimum pension for each member has been paid by no later than 30 June 2026. Failing to pay the annual minimum pension for the financial year can create administrative complications and loss of tax concessions. Other types of pensions will also have minimum or set amounts that must be paid. Certain pensions also have maximum limits that should not be exceeded, as this will also have adverse outcomes. Transfer balance cap timing: Indexation to the general transfer balance cap will apply from 1 July 2026. Members thinking of starting a pension around the end of the 2025-26 financial year should consider timing carefully, as commencing before or after 1 July 2026 can affect how much can be moved into a tax‑free retirement pension. Current year (2025/26) general transfer balance cap is: $2.0 million. This is set to increase to $2.1 million from 1 July 2026. Not everyone will have access to the general transfer balance cap, and an individual’s personal transfer balance cap may be lower than this. Records, valuations and audit readiness Market valuations: Ensure all assets are valued at market on 30 June (or as close to as possible) and supporting evidence is retained — especially for property, related‑party assets and unlisted holdings. Related‑party arrangements: Confirm leases, rents and services with related parties are documented and commercially reasonable. Pension paperwork and minutes: Check that pension commencements, commutations and lump sums are supported by correctly signed documents and trustee minutes. If you have any questions in relation to any of the above, please contact us to discuss further.

The Government has announced a staged wind-back of the current Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for electric vehicles (EVs), following recommendations from the Statutory Review of the Electric Car Discount released in May 2026. While the policy continues to support EV uptake, it also aims to make concessions more sustainable and better targeted. The changes are expected to save the Budget an estimated $1.7 billion over five years from 2025–26. Importantly, nothing changes immediately—the existing full FBT exemption for qualifying EVs continues until 31 March 2027. Three-phase transition Phase 1 — Now until 31 March 2027 The current rules remain fully in place. Eligible EVs below the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold (approximately $91,387 for fuel-efficient vehicles in 2025–26) continue to enjoy a complete FBT exemption. For businesses and employees using novated leases or salary packaging, there is no change during this period. Phase 2 — 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2029 The concession begins to narrow, with a focus on more affordable vehicles: EVs costing $75,000 or less: Full FBT exemption continues if the eligibility conditions are met. EVs priced above $75,000 and below the LCT threshold: A 25% FBT discount applies when calculating the FBT liability. This phase is intended to encourage manufacturers to continue supplying competitively priced EVs into the Australian market, complementing the Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standards. Phase 3 — From 1 April 2029 All eligible EVs under the LCT threshold will receive a flat 25% FBT discount, regardless of price. The import tariff exemption for qualifying EVs remains permanently in place. Grandfathering of existing leases The Government has indicated that existing arrangements will be protected: current leases will not be affected by the new rules. Draft legislation will clarify the precise scope of this grandfathering, but businesses and employees can take some comfort that current packages will continue to qualify for existing FBT concessions. What this means for your business and your employees The FBT exemption has been one of the most effective incentives driving EV adoption, particularly via novated leasing, allowing employees to access EVs using pre-tax income. The Review found that the exemption: · Led to around 64,000 additional battery EVs in its first three years · Reduced emissions and improved fuel savings · Increased EV uptake across metropolitan, regional and outer-suburban areas However, it also highlighted equity concerns (higher-income employees benefited disproportionately) and noted that costs to the Budget were growing quickly. The new phased approach aims to balance continued access to lower-cost EVs with long-term fiscal sustainability from the Government’s perspective.  Practical considerations for businesses and individuals Consider acting before 31 March 2027: Anyone thinking about packaging an EV may benefit from entering arrangements while the full exemption still applies. Timing of orders and leases will be particularly important. Review fleet and salary packaging models: From 2027 onwards, the value proposition will shift. EVs at or below $75,000 will remain highly attractive under the full exemption in Phase 2. Commercial fleets: Businesses with high work-use vehicles may see limited impact, but reviewing total cost of ownership (including FBT, running costs and charging infrastructure) remains essential. Second-hand EVs: A growing used-EV market may provide cost-effective alternatives, particularly where new-vehicle thresholds become restrictive. EV momentum remains strong. EV/PHEV sales reached 22.9% of new vehicles in March 2026, up from just 1.8% in May 2022, with an increasing number of models now available in the $30,000–$40,000 range. Next steps These reforms maintain support for cleaner transport while tightening the focus of concessions. As always, the fine print in the amending legislation will matter, especially when it comes to transitional rules. If you are considering acquiring an EV—personally or for your business—or want to understand the impact on salary packaging and fleet costs, our team can model the outcomes and advise on the optimal timing. Please let us know if you would like some assistance with working through your options.

The Government has announced a staged wind-back of the current Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for electric vehicles (EVs), following recommendations from the Statutory Review of the Electric Car Discount released in May 2026. While the policy continues to support EV uptake, it also aims to make concessions more sustainable and better targeted. The changes are expected to save the Budget an estimated $1.7 billion over five years from 2025–26. Importantly, nothing changes immediately—the existing full FBT exemption for qualifying EVs continues until 31 March 2027. Three-phase transition Phase 1 — Now until 31 March 2027 The current rules remain fully in place. Eligible EVs below the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold (approximately $91,387 for fuel-efficient vehicles in 2025–26) continue to enjoy a complete FBT exemption. For businesses and employees using novated leases or salary packaging, there is no change during this period. Phase 2 — 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2029 The concession begins to narrow, with a focus on more affordable vehicles: EVs costing $75,000 or less: Full FBT exemption continues if the eligibility conditions are met. EVs priced above $75,000 and below the LCT threshold: A 25% FBT discount applies when calculating the FBT liability. This phase is intended to encourage manufacturers to continue supplying competitively priced EVs into the Australian market, complementing the Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standards. Phase 3 — From 1 April 2029 All eligible EVs under the LCT threshold will receive a flat 25% FBT discount, regardless of price. The import tariff exemption for qualifying EVs remains permanently in place. Grandfathering of existing leases The Government has indicated that existing arrangements will be protected: current leases will not be affected by the new rules. Draft legislation will clarify the precise scope of this grandfathering, but businesses and employees can take some comfort that current packages will continue to qualify for existing FBT concessions. What this means for your business and your employees The FBT exemption has been one of the most effective incentives driving EV adoption, particularly via novated leasing, allowing employees to access EVs using pre-tax income. The Review found that the exemption: · Led to around 64,000 additional battery EVs in its first three years · Reduced emissions and improved fuel savings · Increased EV uptake across metropolitan, regional and outer-suburban areas However, it also highlighted equity concerns (higher-income employees benefited disproportionately) and noted that costs to the Budget were growing quickly. The new phased approach aims to balance continued access to lower-cost EVs with long-term fiscal sustainability from the Government’s perspective.  Practical considerations for businesses and individuals Consider acting before 31 March 2027: Anyone thinking about packaging an EV may benefit from entering arrangements while the full exemption still applies. Timing of orders and leases will be particularly important. Review fleet and salary packaging models: From 2027 onwards, the value proposition will shift. EVs at or below $75,000 will remain highly attractive under the full exemption in Phase 2. Commercial fleets: Businesses with high work-use vehicles may see limited impact, but reviewing total cost of ownership (including FBT, running costs and charging infrastructure) remains essential. Second-hand EVs: A growing used-EV market may provide cost-effective alternatives, particularly where new-vehicle thresholds become restrictive. EV momentum remains strong. EV/PHEV sales reached 22.9% of new vehicles in March 2026, up from just 1.8% in May 2022, with an increasing number of models now available in the $30,000–$40,000 range. Next steps These reforms maintain support for cleaner transport while tightening the focus of concessions. As always, the fine print in the amending legislation will matter, especially when it comes to transitional rules. If you are considering acquiring an EV—personally or for your business—or want to understand the impact on salary packaging and fleet costs, our team can model the outcomes and advise on the optimal timing. Please let us know if you would like some assistance with working through your options.

The 2026–27 Federal Budget, released on 12 May 2026, has received more attention than most budgets in recent years. With proposed changes to negative gearing, the CGT discount and the taxation of trusts, this is a budget that has the potential to materially impact on property investors, business owners and families using discretionary trusts. However, it is important to remember that the proposed changes are not yet law and we might yet see further developments with some of these key proposals. For example, even though legislation has been introduced into Parliament in relation to some of the measures, there is no guarantee that the Bills will be passed in their current form. While don’t yet have certainty on how this will all play out, we understand that the proposals are causing some confusion and concern and so we have set out below some comments on what we know so far. Negative gearing – changes to apply from 1 July 2027 The Government is planning to tighten up negative gearing on established residential properties. For properties purchased after 7:30pm AEST on 12 May 2026: · Rental losses can only be offset against rental income or capital gains from other residential properties. · Any remaining losses must be carried forward and applied only against future residential rental income or residential property capital gains. Grandfathering applies. If you already own an established property—or had exchanged contracts before Budget night—nothing changes in terms of negative gearing. You can continue to deduct losses against salary, business profits and other income sources until you sell the property. The explanatory memorandum released with the legislation indicates that existing negative gearing rules will apply to properties that were acquired before Budget night, even if they weren’t used as rental properties at that time. For example, if you own a property that is currently used as your private residence but you later move out and start using it to generate rental income then the Government is indicating that existing negative gearing rules can still be available. However, the position is more complex than this and there is a technical issue that could potentially change this outcome. As a result, please contact us to discuss this further if you are thinking about converting your private home into a rental property. The new restrictions only apply to residential property, so losses relating to commercial property, shares and other asset classes should not be impacted. There are also carve-outs for commercial residential properties such as hotels, motels and boarding houses. ‘New builds’ remain fully eligible for current negative-gearing rules both before and after 1 July 2027, but final details of what will qualify as a ‘new build’ haven’t been released yet. Additional carve-outs apply to build-to-rent projects and certain government-supported housing. CGT discount - changes to apply from 1 July 2027 Individuals who hold an asset for more than 12 months often qualify for a 50% discount to reduce the taxable gain made on sale of the asset. A similar outcome can arise when a trust makes a capital gain and this is distributed to an individual beneficiary. However, from 1 July 2027 the CGT discount will be replaced for individuals and trusts with: · Cost base indexation (inflation adjustment), and · A 30% minimum tax on capital gains. This change will apply across all CGT asset categories—including residential and commercial property, shares, business assets and even pre-CGT assets. Importantly, gains that accrue up to 1 July 2027 will still receive the existing CGT discount or benefit from the existing exemption for pre-CGT assets. It will be necessary to determine the market value of assets at that date so that CGT calculations can be performed. For new residential properties, investors can choose either the existing CGT discount or the new indexation / minimum tax method. Companies won’t have access to indexation and complying super funds will continue to enjoy the benefit of the existing 1/3 CGT discount. Indexation won’t be available to individuals who have been classified as a foreign resident or temporary resident for tax purposes during the ownership period of the asset. Example Michael owns an investment property purchased before Budget night that is currently negatively geared. He can continue offsetting rental losses against his salary. When he sells: · The portion of the gain attributable to ownership before 1 July 2027 receives the 50% CGT discount. · The portion accruing after that date is subject to indexation plus the 30% minimum tax. Michael’s overall tax outcome will depend on his marginal rate and how long he holds the property, but in a situation like this we would typically expect Michael to pay more tax overall as a result of these changes compared with the current rules. Practical issues While it isn’t time to panic, a review of your investment portfolio is essential. Existing assets bought before Budget night will typically receive more favourable tax treatment compared with newer assets, but the overall impact of the proposed changes will vary depending on your situation. Discretionary trusts – changes to apply from 1 July 2028 The introduction of a 30% minimum tax rate on the taxable income of discretionary trusts would represent a fundamental change to the way the tax system operates at the moment. The Government is indicating that the 30% tax would initially be paid by the trustee, with beneficiaries (other than companies) receiving a non-refundable tax credit for the tax paid at the trust level. This measure is aimed at curbing income splitting to lower-taxed family members and corporate beneficiaries (often known as bucket companies). Some exemptions would apply, including for fixed and widely held trusts, superannuation funds, special disability trusts, deceased estates, charitable trusts, primary production income and some other specific trust types. While the Government has indicated that existing discretionary testamentary trusts would be exempt from these changes, concerns have been raised about the application of the changes to testamentary trusts that come into existence after Budget night. However, reports in the media suggest that the Government is open to reconsidering this aspect of the changes, but we will have to wait and see how this plays out. To assist with transitions, three years of roll-over relief will be available for restructures into companies or fixed trusts. Example (adapted from budget materials) Kurt operates his business through a discretionary trust and makes a profit of $300,000. Kurt pays himself a salary of $100,000 and distributes the remaining $200,000 to four family members who have no other income. In total, Kurt and his family members pay around $42,000 in tax on this income. If the 30% minimum tax rate rules are introduced then Kurt and his family members would pay around $86,000 in tax on this income. This is a significant increase in the total amount of tax paid on the same level of profit. In situations like this there might be scope to restructure the business into a company to potentially access a lower 25% tax rate or pay salary / wages to some family members who are genuinely working in the business. Practical issues Many business and investment structures will face higher effective tax rates under the proposed changes, although the Government is planning to undertake a consultation process to refine the rules. It is possible that the final version of the rules will look a bit different to the proposals announced in the Budget. While the start date for this measure isn’t until 1 July 2028, now is the time to start modelling scenarios and comparing the pros and cons of other options. In some cases the overall impact of the changes might be minimal and no material changes will be required. In some cases it might still make sense to continue utilising discretionary trust structures, but with some alternative distribution strategies in place. In other cases it will make sense to explore whether a restructure might provide better long-term outcomes. Other measures worth noting $250 Working Australians Tax Offset (from 2027–28) – increases the effective tax-free threshold for wage earners and sole traders. $1,000 standard deduction for work-related expenses (from 2026–27) – simplifies tax time for many employees. Small business measures – a permanent $20,000 instant asset write-off for plant and equipment. What to do next The proposed reforms are significant, but the practical impact will depend on your situation. While we are still waiting to see how this all plays out, if you have concerns in the meantime feel free to contact us. We can review your situation, run tailored projections and help you make informed decisions. We will also keep you up to date as further details emerge and legislation progresses.

The 2026–27 Federal Budget, released on 12 May 2026, has received more attention than most budgets in recent years. With proposed changes to negative gearing, the CGT discount and the taxation of trusts, this is a budget that has the potential to materially impact on property investors, business owners and families using discretionary trusts. However, it is important to remember that the proposed changes are not yet law and we might yet see further developments with some of these key proposals. For example, even though legislation has been introduced into Parliament in relation to some of the measures, there is no guarantee that the Bills will be passed in their current form. While don’t yet have certainty on how this will all play out, we understand that the proposals are causing some confusion and concern and so we have set out below some comments on what we know so far. Negative gearing – changes to apply from 1 July 2027 The Government is planning to tighten up negative gearing on established residential properties. For properties purchased after 7:30pm AEST on 12 May 2026: · Rental losses can only be offset against rental income or capital gains from other residential properties. · Any remaining losses must be carried forward and applied only against future residential rental income or residential property capital gains. Grandfathering applies. If you already own an established property—or had exchanged contracts before Budget night—nothing changes in terms of negative gearing. You can continue to deduct losses against salary, business profits and other income sources until you sell the property. The explanatory memorandum released with the legislation indicates that existing negative gearing rules will apply to properties that were acquired before Budget night, even if they weren’t used as rental properties at that time. For example, if you own a property that is currently used as your private residence but you later move out and start using it to generate rental income then the Government is indicating that existing negative gearing rules can still be available. However, the position is more complex than this and there is a technical issue that could potentially change this outcome. As a result, please contact us to discuss this further if you are thinking about converting your private home into a rental property. The new restrictions only apply to residential property, so losses relating to commercial property, shares and other asset classes should not be impacted. There are also carve-outs for commercial residential properties such as hotels, motels and boarding houses. ‘New builds’ remain fully eligible for current negative-gearing rules both before and after 1 July 2027, but final details of what will qualify as a ‘new build’ haven’t been released yet. Additional carve-outs apply to build-to-rent projects and certain government-supported housing. CGT discount - changes to apply from 1 July 2027 Individuals who hold an asset for more than 12 months often qualify for a 50% discount to reduce the taxable gain made on sale of the asset. A similar outcome can arise when a trust makes a capital gain and this is distributed to an individual beneficiary. However, from 1 July 2027 the CGT discount will be replaced for individuals and trusts with: · Cost base indexation (inflation adjustment), and · A 30% minimum tax on capital gains. This change will apply across all CGT asset categories—including residential and commercial property, shares, business assets and even pre-CGT assets. Importantly, gains that accrue up to 1 July 2027 will still receive the existing CGT discount or benefit from the existing exemption for pre-CGT assets. It will be necessary to determine the market value of assets at that date so that CGT calculations can be performed. For new residential properties, investors can choose either the existing CGT discount or the new indexation / minimum tax method. Companies won’t have access to indexation and complying super funds will continue to enjoy the benefit of the existing 1/3 CGT discount. Indexation won’t be available to individuals who have been classified as a foreign resident or temporary resident for tax purposes during the ownership period of the asset. Example Michael owns an investment property purchased before Budget night that is currently negatively geared. He can continue offsetting rental losses against his salary. When he sells: · The portion of the gain attributable to ownership before 1 July 2027 receives the 50% CGT discount. · The portion accruing after that date is subject to indexation plus the 30% minimum tax. Michael’s overall tax outcome will depend on his marginal rate and how long he holds the property, but in a situation like this we would typically expect Michael to pay more tax overall as a result of these changes compared with the current rules. Practical issues While it isn’t time to panic, a review of your investment portfolio is essential. Existing assets bought before Budget night will typically receive more favourable tax treatment compared with newer assets, but the overall impact of the proposed changes will vary depending on your situation. Discretionary trusts – changes to apply from 1 July 2028 The introduction of a 30% minimum tax rate on the taxable income of discretionary trusts would represent a fundamental change to the way the tax system operates at the moment. The Government is indicating that the 30% tax would initially be paid by the trustee, with beneficiaries (other than companies) receiving a non-refundable tax credit for the tax paid at the trust level. This measure is aimed at curbing income splitting to lower-taxed family members and corporate beneficiaries (often known as bucket companies). Some exemptions would apply, including for fixed and widely held trusts, superannuation funds, special disability trusts, deceased estates, charitable trusts, primary production income and some other specific trust types. While the Government has indicated that existing discretionary testamentary trusts would be exempt from these changes, concerns have been raised about the application of the changes to testamentary trusts that come into existence after Budget night. However, reports in the media suggest that the Government is open to reconsidering this aspect of the changes, but we will have to wait and see how this plays out. To assist with transitions, three years of roll-over relief will be available for restructures into companies or fixed trusts. Example (adapted from budget materials) Kurt operates his business through a discretionary trust and makes a profit of $300,000. Kurt pays himself a salary of $100,000 and distributes the remaining $200,000 to four family members who have no other income. In total, Kurt and his family members pay around $42,000 in tax on this income. If the 30% minimum tax rate rules are introduced then Kurt and his family members would pay around $86,000 in tax on this income. This is a significant increase in the total amount of tax paid on the same level of profit. In situations like this there might be scope to restructure the business into a company to potentially access a lower 25% tax rate or pay salary / wages to some family members who are genuinely working in the business. Practical issues Many business and investment structures will face higher effective tax rates under the proposed changes, although the Government is planning to undertake a consultation process to refine the rules. It is possible that the final version of the rules will look a bit different to the proposals announced in the Budget. While the start date for this measure isn’t until 1 July 2028, now is the time to start modelling scenarios and comparing the pros and cons of other options. In some cases the overall impact of the changes might be minimal and no material changes will be required. In some cases it might still make sense to continue utilising discretionary trust structures, but with some alternative distribution strategies in place. In other cases it will make sense to explore whether a restructure might provide better long-term outcomes. Other measures worth noting $250 Working Australians Tax Offset (from 2027–28) – increases the effective tax-free threshold for wage earners and sole traders. $1,000 standard deduction for work-related expenses (from 2026–27) – simplifies tax time for many employees. Small business measures – a permanent $20,000 instant asset write-off for plant and equipment. What to do next The proposed reforms are significant, but the practical impact will depend on your situation. While we are still waiting to see how this all plays out, if you have concerns in the meantime feel free to contact us. We can review your situation, run tailored projections and help you make informed decisions. We will also keep you up to date as further details emerge and legislation progresses.

From 1 July 2026, new superannuation tax rules known as Division 296 are set to apply to Australians with larger super balances. While the headlines focus on a “tax on super balances above $3 million”, the reality is far more complex — and for many individuals and families with significant retirement savings, understanding how the rules work will be important. What is Division 296? Division 296 introduces an additional tax on certain superannuation earnings once an individual’s Total Superannuation Balance (TSB) exceeds specific thresholds. The key thresholds are:  $3 million $10 million Where a balance exceeds $3 million , a proportion of super earnings may attract an additional 15% tax . For balances above $10 million , a further 10% tax may apply to earnings attributable to amounts above that threshold. Importantly, this is not a tax paid by the super fund itself . Instead, it is a personal tax liability assessed directly to the individual. The amount can generally be paid personally, from superannuation, or using a combination of both. How is the tax calculated? One of the biggest misunderstandings around Division 296 is that the tax is simply based on changes in your super balance. That’s not the case. The legislation uses a specific formula to calculate “earnings”, beginning with the fund’s taxable income and then making a range of adjustments. The calculation can include: Earnings in both accumulation and pension phase Realised investment gains and income Earnings on pension assets that are normally tax-free within super Adjustments for contributions, which are excluded from earnings calculations Once earnings are determined, only the proportion relating to balances above the relevant thresholds is subject to the additional tax. Why this matters Although the measure will only impact individuals with larger super balances, the rules are highly technical and may affect long-term retirement planning strategies. For some people, this may influence: Contribution strategies Pension structures Investment decisions inside super Estate planning considerations Whether certain assets are best held inside or outside superannuation As with many superannuation changes, the impact will depend heavily on individual circumstances. What should you do? At this stage, there may not b e a need for immediate action — however, understanding your current super position and future projections is important. If your superannuation balance is approaching or exceeds the proposed thresholds, now is a good time to review your strategy and consider how the new rules may affect your long-term plans. If you would like to discuss how Division 296 may apply to your circumstances, please contact the STM team on 02 6024 1655 or email advisory@st-m.com.au

As tax time approaches, so does the annual spike in scam calls pretending to be from the ATO. These calls are becoming increasingly convincing — and increasingly costly for those who get caught by them. The ATO has now launched a simple, powerful solution: the ‘verify call’ feature in the free ATO app. Rolled out in early April 2026, it allows you to confirm — instantly and in real time — whether the person calling you is genuinely from the ATO. No guesswork. No pressure. No risk. How the new feature works If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the ATO, you can verify it in under 30 seconds: 1. Open the ATO app and log in. 2. Tap ‘Verify Call’ on the main screen. 3. Within moments, you’ll receive a clear notification confirming whether the call is genuine. If you don’t receive a confirmation, hang up immediately — it’s almost certainly a scam. This tool gives taxpayers a practical, real-time defence against impersonation scams, which are now one of the most common fraud attempts in Australia. In July 2025 alone, the ATO received nearly 7,500 impersonation scam reports, and numbers always surge between April and July. Scammers don’t just waste your time — they can redirect refunds, access your superannuation, or steal personal information that takes months (and sometimes thousands of dollars) to fix. That’s why this new feature is such welcome relief. Why this matters for individuals and businesses Most scam calls succeed because they create urgency — “pay now”, “confirm your identity”, “your tax file number is compromised”. The verify call tool eliminates that pressure entirely. It lets you check the caller before you share any information. Better still, it requires no special technology. If you have a smartphone and the ATO app installed, you’re ready to go. Setting it up takes just a couple of minutes. Add one more layer of protection: Strengthen your myID For maximum security, we strongly recommend ensuring your myID (digital identity) is set to the highest identity-strength level, known as ‘Strong’. This makes it significantly harder for anyone else to access your tax or super information online. What you should do now To get the benefits straight away: · Download or update the ATO app (available on Apple and Android). · Register your device within the app. · Check your myID settings in myGov and upgrade to ‘Strong’ if you haven’t already. · Practise using the verify call feature once, so you’re confident before tax time arrives. These are simple steps that can prevent major financial and administrative headaches. We’re here to help This is one of the most practical security upgrades the ATO has delivered in years — and it genuinely makes life easier for taxpayers. Now is the perfect time to get set up, stay protected, and make this tax season as stress-free as possible. If you ever have doubts about a call, email or message claiming to be from the ATO, contact us first. We can quickly check its validity through official channels.  Got questions or need help with the ATO app? Just reach out to us. We’re here to support you — securely, efficiently, and always in your best interests.

With global fuel supply chains still under strain from conflict in the Middle East, many Australian businesses are feeling the impact through higher operating costs, delayed deliveries and pressure on cash flow. To help stabilise affected sectors, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and the ATO have announced a package designed to give businesses immediate breathing room and reduce administrative burden during a volatile period. Importantly, this is not a broad stimulus program. The assistance is practical, temporary and delivered directly through the ATO. If your business has been affected by fuel supply issues—whether through higher input costs, transport delays or reduced margins—the ATO now has discretion to offer flexible, case-by-case support. What relief is available? 1. More flexible payment plans The ATO can help you spread existing tax debts over a manageable timeframe. This keeps cash in your business for wages, stock purchases, fleet costs and other essential operations. 2. Remission of interest and penalties Where payment delays are linked to fuel disruptions, the ATO can cancel general interest charges (GIC) and late-payment penalties. This prevents a temporary cash-flow issue from escalating into a much larger debt. 3. Easier variation of PAYG instalments If revenue has dropped due to increased fuel expenses or supply slowdowns, you can reduce your quarterly PAYG instalments so they reflect your current trading reality. This can create meaningful short-term cash savings. 4. Reduced compliance activity For the most affected industries, the ATO is temporarily scaling back audits and review activity. This allows you to focus on operations, staffing and customer commitments rather than responding to information requests. 5. Temporary pause on debt recovery Where appropriate, the ATO may pause recovery action while your business stabilises. This can be critical for businesses facing short-term pressures that are outside their control. How to access the relief You don’t have to deal with the ATO on your own. We can help with assessing your situation, determining which measures might apply and lodge the necessary submissions. In many cases, a short explanation of how fuel disruptions have affected your business—supported by basic financial information—is enough to start the process. At this stage the ATO fuel response payment plan is available by application until 30 June 2026. Why this matters commercially For businesses in transport, logistics, manufacturing, agriculture and retail, fuel volatility can quickly erode profitability. The Treasurer’s package is designed to improve short-term liquidity so you can: · maintain staffing and service levels · manage supplier payments · adjust pricing strategies · continue operating without the added stress of compounding tax liabilities. Put simply, cash-flow relief now can help position your business to take advantage of improved conditions later. Take action early If your business has been feeling the strain of higher fuel costs or disrupted supply, reach out to our team as soon as possible. We can review your position, identify which forms of support apply and manage the ATO process from start to finish. For official information, see the Treasurer’s announcement and ATO fuel response .