Auswild & Broad | Blog

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.

Following the recent release of the December 2025 quarter average weekly ordinary times earnings (AWOTE) the annual concessional contribution (CC) cap will increase from $30,000 to $32,500 from 1 July 2026. The annual non-concessional contribution (NCC) cap will also increase to $130,000.

Self managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) can offer significant flexibility, allowing the members to make investments and enter arrangements that may not be available through retail or industry superannuation funds. However, being an SMSF trustee does come with important responsibilities to ensure that all dealings comply with superannuation law. 

The ATO has issued a Draft Taxation Determination TD 2026/D1 which looks at how inherited family homes are treated for CGT purposes. Some industry commentators have dubbed it a “death tax by stealth”, but it is a bit more complex than this.

Running a business from home—whether as a sole trader, freelancer, or small operator—has many perks. But when it comes to selling your home and potentially saving on tax, recent guidance from the ATO serves as a reality check. 

Running a successful business is hard work—and sometimes, despite best intentions, tax obligations slip. If the business is being operated through a company structure, then the ATO can potentially issue a Director Penalty Notice (DPN), holding company directors personally liable for unpaid taxes. 

When clients sell a long-held family home, they may be able to channel part of the proceeds into superannuation by using the downsizer contribution rules.

As a business owner or investor, time is always tight. So it’s no surprise many people now turn to AI tools like ChatGPT for quick answers on tax deductions, super contributions or structuring ideas. The responses sound confident, arrive instantly and cost nothing. What could go wrong?

For many Australians, a holiday home does double duty. It’s a place to escape with family and friends, and during the rest of the year it’s listed on Airbnb or Stayz to help cover the costs.

The tap-and-go world might soon have to make room again for notes and coins.