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

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. ...Read more

Is Your Family Trust Facing a Minimum 30% Tax Rate?

The 2026-27 Federal Budget has put family trusts firmly in the government's crosshairs. If proposed new rules become law, trustees of discretionary trusts will be required to pay a flat 30 per cent minimum tax on trust income from 1 July 2028. This is a fundamental departure from the income-splitting flexibility that has made these structures so attractive to Australian families and small business owners for decades. With bucket company arrangements effectively penalised, transitional rollover relief on the horizon, and the fixed trust distinction harder to satisfy than many assume, the implications are wide-ranging. Here is what you need to know. ...Read more

Federal Budget 2026-27

The recent Federal Budget has introduced a seismic shift in the Australian investment landscape, trading long-standing simplicity for a complex new regulatory framework that demands immediate attention. While existing property investors have emerged as the primary "winners" by retaining negative gearing benefits, the proposed overhaul of Capital Gains Tax (CGT)—shifting from a straightforward 50% discount to a rigorous indexation method, presents a looming administrative burden for share and ETF investors. With the viability of strategies like "rentvesting" now under threat and a critical transition deadline set for July 2027, understanding the practical implications of these changes is essential for protecting your wealth. The following analysis dissects these pivotal updates, providing the clarity you need to navigate the transition from old incentives to a new era of tax compliance and investment strategy. ...Read more

The Psychology of Grief and Wealth

When a loved one passes away, the profound emotional weight of grief can make financial decision-making incredibly difficult. The shock of bereavement can overwhelm individuals, sometimes leading them to spend an inheritance quickly to avoid painful reminders, or freeze completely out of a fear of making the wrong choice. Traditional estate planning focuses purely on the distribution of assets, often ignoring this heavy emotional toll. To truly support your family, a modern wealth transfer strategy must include a built-in psychological safety net. By implementing practical legal structures and clear communication, you can shield your loved ones from the immediate pressures of sudden wealth and give them the breathing space they need during their toughest days. ...Read more