The ATO is sharpening its focus on how taxpayers generating income from personal services deal with that income for tax purposes. In a recent Spotlight bulletin , Small Business Assistant Commissioner Tony Poulakis highlighted the release of Practical Compliance Guideline PCG 2025/5. This guideline clarifies the ATO’s compliance approach to the “alienation” of personal services income (PSI) — essentially, arrangements which involve routing income earned through your personal skills and efforts via a company or trust, rather than receiving it directly. Why the ATO Is Interested Many business owners operate through a company or trust rather than earning income personally. In many cases this is entirely legitimate and provides commercial benefits such as asset protection, flexibility and succession planning. However, where income is generated primarily from the efforts, skills or reputation of one individual, the ATO is concerned about arrangements that divert income away from that individual in order to reduce tax. Even where a business is able to pass certain tests to be classified as a Personal Services Business (PSB) under the tax rules and falls outside the strict PSI attribution rules, the ATO has made it clear that general anti-avoidance provisions in Part IVA can apply if the arrangement is primarily tax-driven. If Part IVA applies then this can lead to higher tax liabilities as well as significant penalties and interest charges. What Does the ATO Consider Low Risk? The ATO's guidance focuses heavily on whether the individual generating the income receives an appropriate share of the profits. Generally, an arrangement is more likely to be considered low risk where: · The individual who performs the work receives most of the economic benefit through salary, wages, bonuses, director fees or trust distributions. · Profits retained in a company are kept for genuine and short-term business reasons. · Family members or associates are only paid reasonable amounts for genuine work performed. For example, retaining profits in a company to fund the purchase of new equipment in the short-term could be viewed favourably if there is evidence supporting those plans and the company actually follows through with these plans. What Will Attract ATO Attention?  The ATO has specifically identified a number of higher-risk behaviours, including: · Splitting income with family members who have made little or no contribution to earning that income. · Retaining substantial profits in a company without a genuine short-term commercial purpose. · Directing profits generating from someone’s personal services to entities or beneficiaries primarily because they are taxed at lower rates or because they have tax losses. The ATO’s expectations in this area are very strict. The greater the mismatch between who performed the work and who is ultimately taxed on the profits from that work, the greater the likelihood of ATO scrutiny. A Limited Opportunity to Review Existing Arrangements The ATO has provided a transition period for taxpayers who genuinely review and adjust their arrangements. Businesses that take genuine steps to move from higher-risk arrangements to lower-risk arrangements by 30 June 2027 are unlikely to face Part IVA action in relation to those arrangements if reviewed by the ATO. This is not an amnesty, but it is an opportunity for business owners to proactively assess their position and make changes where necessary. What Should Business Owners Do? Now is an ideal time to review how profits are being distributed within your structure. Questions worth considering include: · Are retained profits supported by documented short-term commercial reasons? · Are payments to family members commercially justifiable? · Would your arrangements withstand ATO scrutiny if reviewed? If you operate through a company or trust and derive income largely from your personal skills or efforts, it is important to review existing arrangements in light of the ATO’s updated guidance. A proactive review today may prevent costly issues tomorrow.

The Tax Ombudsman has reported a dramatic 127% increase in complaints about the ATO this financial year (to 30 April 2026), with nearly 3,000 complaints received in the first ten months. Debt collection, penalties, and tax debt interest charges have dominated the issues raised. Tax Ombudsman Ruth Owen has linked the sharp rise directly to the ATO’s intensified focus on recovering outstanding debts amid tighter economic conditions. Many SME owners and individuals are feeling the pressure from cash flow challenges, rising costs, and stricter ATO enforcement. Why Complaints are Rising Debt collection accounted for around 23% of complaints, followed by payment-related issues (16%) and penalties plus interest (15%). Common concerns include: · Refund offsets against debts · Director Penalty Notices · Challenges in setting up or maintaining payment plans · The rapid accumulation of General Interest Charge (GIC) on overdue amounts This surge reflects real-world pressures: businesses navigating post-pandemic recovery, higher interest rates, and increased ATO activity to close the tax gap. For many clients, these issues create significant stress and can distract from core operations. Practical wins: Relief is Possible The good news? The Ombudsman’s office is proving effective as an independent escalation point. Around 31% of complaints relating to penalties and interest resulted in some form of debt reduction or remission. This highlights that persistence and proper representation can sometimes deliver favourable outcomes when initial ATO decisions feel overly harsh or inconsistent. Important Developments on GIC Remission A key theme in the complaints data is the GIC – the daily interest applied to unpaid tax debts. In March 2026, the Tax Ombudsman released a major review titled In the Interest of Fairness , which examined the ATO’s handling of GIC remission requests. The review identified inconsistent decision-making, unclear guidance, and communication gaps that left many taxpayers confused about their options. It made several recommendations, including clearer upfront interest-free payment plans for compliant taxpayers. The ATO’s response has been positive. It accepted all recommendations and has already begun implementing improvements, such as: · Enhanced website guidance with practical examples · New, more user-friendly remission application forms · A $2,500 cap on phone approvals with a dedicated review team for larger requests to improve consistency · Better support frameworks for vulnerable taxpayers These changes should hopefully make the process fairer and more predictable going forward, but sometimes best intentions don’t translate into practical reality so we will have to wait and see how this plays out. What this Means for You 1. Act early on tax debts: Don’t wait for the ATO to contact you. If you’re facing cash flow pressure, engage proactively before penalties and GIC escalate. Early action often leads to better terms. 2. Keep detailed records: Strong supporting documentation is crucial when seeking remission of penalties or interest. Demonstrate why the delay occurred (eg, unexpected revenue drop, illness, or system issues) and what steps you’ve taken to rectify it. 3. Use professional representation: Tax agents can liaise directly with the ATO on your behalf, prepare strong submissions, and escalate to the Tax Ombudsman where appropriate. This often leads to faster and more commercially practical outcomes than dealing with the matter alone.  While the ATO must collect revenue fairly, the Ombudsman plays a vital role in ensuring processes remain reasonable and transparent. With economic headwinds continuing, understanding your rights and options has never been more important. If you’re concerned about a tax debt, penalty notice, or GIC charge, contact our team promptly. Early intervention can significantly reduce costs and protect your business or personal finances.

Tax season is here, and our 2026 Individual Tax Return Service is now open for bookings . If you prefer an in-person appointment , we encourage you to book as early as possible. These appointments are always in high demand, and securing your preferred date and time is much easier if you book as soon as you know your availability. Our Fees Our standard individual tax return fee is $240 + GST . Additional fees apply where your return includes more complex matters, such as: Rental property schedules Business income and expenses Capital gains tax calculations Other investment or complex tax matters If you're unsure what information you'll need, our 2026 Tax Return Worksheet is available on our website to help you gather everything before lodging. https://irp.cdn-website.com/939eb0dd/files/uploaded/2026+Income+Tax+Return+Checklist.pdf Prefer Not to Visit the Office? Our convenient email lodgement service is available for clients who would rather complete their tax return remotely. Simply send your completed worksheet and supporting documentation to: tax@stmadvisory.com.au Our team will review your information, prepare your return, and contact you if we need any additional details. We look forward to helping you make tax time as simple and stress-free as possible. Book your appointment today to avoid missing out on your preferred time. Kerryn, David and Tax Team

Tax season is here, and our 2026 Individual Tax Return Service is now open for bookings . If you prefer an in-person appointment , we encourage you to book as early as possible. These appointments are always in high demand, and securing your preferred date and time is much easier if you book as soon as you know your availability. Our Fees Our standard individual tax return fee is $240 + GST . Additional fees apply where your return includes more complex matters, such as: Rental property schedules Business income and expenses Capital gains tax calculations Other investment or complex tax matters If you're unsure what information you'll need, our 2026 Tax Return Checklist is available on our website to help you gather everything before lodging. https://irp.cdn-website.com/939eb0dd/files/uploaded/2026+Income+Tax+Return+Checklist.pdf Prefer Not to Visit the Office? Our convenient email lodgement service is available for clients who would rather complete their tax return remotely. Simply send your completed worksheet and supporting documentation to: tax@stmadvisory.com.au Our team will review your information, prepare your return, and contact you if we need any additional details. We look forward to helping you make tax time as simple and stress-free as possible. Book your appointment today to avoid missing out on your preferred time. Kerryn, David and Tax Team

We are reminding clients to be cautious of letters, emails and notices that look like official ASIC annual company review invoices. Some private third-party businesses, including providers such as Registration Pty Ltd or Registry Australia, send correspondence offering to complete your company annual review or business name renewal. These notices can look very official and may include your company name, ACN or ABN, review date and a payment request. However, they are not ASIC invoices and are generally not mandatory bills . What is happening? Private service providers can offer to manage company annual reviews and business name renewals on your behalf. While they may be legitimate businesses offering an administrative service, they are independent of ASIC and you are not required to use them. Their notices may charge a significantly higher amount than the official ASIC fee, often for a service you already receive from STM. What should you do if you get a form? Do not pay immediately. If you did not receive the notice directly from STM, email our Corporate Secretarial team corpsec@stmadvisory.com.au to verify that the notice is a legitimate. Be vigilant – what you should look for Who sent it? Genuine ASIC correspondence will come from an email address ending in @asic.gov.au . Is it a government website? Official ASIC online services use a .gov.au web address. Does it clearly say it is independent of ASIC? Third-party providers are required to make this clear, although this information may be less prominent than the payment request. Is the fee higher than expected? Inflated fees are a common sign that you are being offered a private service rather than being asked to pay ASIC directly. Did it arrive unexpectedly or use urgent language? Take the time to verify it before making any payment. ASIC confirms that companies can complete annual review requirements directly with ASIC or through their existing registered agent; there is no requirement to engage an unsolicited third-party provider. A quick reminder Your annual company review is important and must be completed on time. However, you do not need to pay an unsolicited private provider simply because their letter or email looks official. Contact us first, a quick check could save your business unnecessary cost and avoid a very frustrating paperwork detour.

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.

Division 296: What the New Superannuation Tax Could Mean for You Superannuation members with balances above $3 million may soon be subject to additional tax on their superannuation investment earnings. Following the recent passage of the Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System legislation through the Senate, the new Division 296 tax is scheduled to apply from 1 July 2026 . While detailed regulations are still to be released, the legislation represents an important change for individuals with substantial superannuation balances, including members of self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). What is Division 296 tax? Division 296 introduces an additional tax on superannuation earnings for individuals whose Total Superannuation Balance (TSB) exceeds certain thresholds. Under the new rules: Members with a TSB between $3 million and $10 million may pay an additional 15% tax on the proportion of their superannuation earnings relating to the balance above $3 million. Members with a TSB above $10 million may pay a further 10% tax on the proportion of earnings relating to the balance above $10 million. This is in addition to the existing 15% tax generally payable on earnings in accumulation-phase superannuation funds. In practical terms, this means the effective tax rate on relevant earnings may increase: Total Superannuation Balance Potential tax rate on relevant earnings Up to $3 million 15% Between $3 million and $10 million Up to 30% Above $10 million Up to 40% The $3 million and $10 million thresholds are intended to be indexed to inflation over time. How will the thresholds be measured? The thresholds will be based on an individual’s highest Total Superannuation Balance at either the start or end of the relevant financial year. The first year of operation, 2026–27, will be a transitional year. Balances will effectively be assessed as at 30 June 2027 . For members whose balances are close to either threshold, this may create an opportunity to review their position before that date. Depending on eligibility and personal circumstances, options may include withdrawing funds or assets from superannuation before 30 June 2027. Any decision to reduce a superannuation balance should only be made after considering the broader tax, retirement, estate planning and investment consequences. Can the tax be paid from superannuation? Yes. Where Division 296 tax is payable, the Australian Taxation Office is expected to issue a release authority that allows members to access funds from their superannuation to pay the liability. This may be particularly relevant for SMSF members or retirees who do not have sufficient cash outside superannuation to meet the tax personally. Important opportunity: CGT asset reset Superannuation funds, including SMSFs, may have an opportunity to reset the cost base of eligible capital gains tax assets to market value as at 30 June 2026 . This could allow unrealised capital gains accrued before 1 July 2026 to be effectively “locked in” under the existing tax rules, rather than being exposed to the new Division 296 regime in future years. However, the proposed reset appears likely to apply to all eligible fund assets , rather than allowing trustees to select individual assets. This means the decision will need to be carefully considered. For SMSFs in particular, obtaining reliable market valuations may become increasingly important. Trustees may need to arrange valuations earlier than usual, particularly where the fund holds property, unlisted investments or other assets that are more difficult to value. Estate planning and death benefit considerations Division 296 also adds another layer to superannuation estate planning. When a member dies, superannuation benefits may be paid to adult children or other non-dependants. Depending on the components of the benefit, these payments can already attract death benefits tax. If fund assets need to be sold to pay a death benefit, capital gains may arise. These gains could affect the member’s Division 296 position where their balance exceeds the relevant threshold. Reversionary pension recipients may also need to consider the impact of their combined superannuation balance, particularly where it exceeds $3 million. This reinforces the importance of reviewing binding death benefit nominations, pension arrangements, fund liquidity and the likely tax outcomes for intended beneficiaries. Defined benefit interests may be more complex The treatment of defined benefit interests under Division 296 is expected to require careful consideration. Defined benefit pensions will need to be revalued annually to determine whether the $3 million threshold has been exceeded. Growth in the notional value of the pension, including indexation, may be relevant in calculating the tax. Members with a combination of defined benefit interests, account-based pensions and accumulation accounts may face particularly complex calculations. Further regulations are expected to clarify how these interests will be treated. What should you do now? If your superannuation balance is approaching or exceeds $3 million, now is a good time to review your position. Areas to consider include: Your current and projected Total Superannuation Balance The value and liquidity of assets held in your superannuation fund Whether a CGT asset reset may be beneficial The level of superannuation that is appropriate for your circumstances The tax consequences of withdrawing funds or transferring assets outside superannuation Estate planning, death benefit nominations and beneficiary outcomes Whether your SMSF has sufficient cash flow to meet future tax liabilities The detailed regulations for Division 296 are still to be released, so the final operation of some aspects of the legislation remains unclear. At STM Advisory, we can help you understand how the changes may affect your superannuation strategy and work with your financial adviser to consider the most appropriate options for your circumstances. If you would like to discuss your position, please contact our team. This article is general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Individual circumstances vary, and advice should be obtained before making decisions about superannuation, investments or estate planning.

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.