Nine Advisory Small Business Tax Update September 2026

Nine Advisory Small Business Tax Update September 2026

Sam Musgrave

This month we look at several important developments and practical compliance issues affecting individuals, businesses, trusts and SMSF trustees. The Government’s proposed 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts could have significant implications for some family groups, particularly where trusts distribute income to companies, although the rules remain subject to consultation and aren’t final yet. We also clear up some common misconceptions regarding deductions for travel expenses and overtime meal expenses in light of the ATO’s new 2026–27 travel and overtime meal allowance rates. With the Commonwealth penalty unit increasing from 1 July 2026, we highlight how this change could increase the cost of late lodgements and other compliance mistakes. Finally, we look at SMSF property valuations and related-party leases, and the importance of having appropriate evidence ready to support market values and arm’s-length rental arrangements during the annual audit.

Nine Advisory Small Business Tax Update August 2026

Nine Advisory Small Business Tax Update August 2026

Sam Musgrave

This month we explore a range of recent tax and superannuation developments that may affect  individuals, business owners and trustees. We begin with the High Court's landmark Bendel decision,  which provides greater clarity around the tax treatment of unpaid trust distributions that are owed to  corporate beneficiaries, while also highlighting the need to consider other anti-avoidance provisions. We  then explore the ATO's increasing focus on sharing economy income as expanded data-matching  programs make it more important than ever to correctly report earnings from online platforms. Next, we  outline the updated 2026–27 business vehicle thresholds, including the latest depreciation limits, GST  credit caps and Luxury Car Tax thresholds, to help businesses make more informed purchasing decisions.  Finally, we examine the new restrictions on SMSF borrowing arrangements, with changes that are likely to  affect trustees looking to acquire property through limited recourse borrowing arrangements and  important transitional rules that may apply to existing transactions.

Nine Advisory Small Business Tax Update July 2026

Nine Advisory Small Business Tax Update July 2026

Sam Musgrave

This month we focus on several significant developments affecting employers, investors, business owners and SMSF trustees. 

While the Federal Budget was only handed down in May, the Government has already announced some changes to key proposals and we take a look at the latest developments. We highlight the commencement of Payday Super from 1 July 2026 and what employers need to do now to ensure they comply with more frequent superannuation payment obligations. We also examine the ATO’s increased scrutiny of personal services income arrangements and the practical steps business owners can take to reduce the risk of anti-avoidance rules applying. We explore the sharp rise in complaints to the Tax Ombudsman, including important developments around tax debt interest and penalty remission. Finally, we provide a practical checklist for SMSF trustees as a new financial year begin

Nine Advisory Payday Super Update

Sam Musgrave

From 1 July 2026, every pay run triggers a super obligation. Payday Super is now law - and it changes how every Australian employer handles superannuation. Here's what's changing, what it means for your cash flow, and exactly what you need to do before the deadline.

Nine Advisory Small Business Tax Update November 2025

Nine Advisory Small Business Tax Update November 2025

Sam Musgrave

This month brings a mix of tax reform, real-world lessons, and practical planning insights. We unpack the Government’s latest announcements on the proposed overhaul of the super tax rules that will reshape strategies for those with balances above $3 million. A recent tribunal decision also serves as a reminder that it is difficult to access tax relief for medical expenses, even when tied to income from a disability pension. For small businesses, proposed legislation extends the $20,000 instant asset write-off and introduces new transparency measures for companies and charities. And finally, we look at the rising threat of cybercrime — and what every business can do to strengthen its defences

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