Insights and articles.
Practical guidance on tax, accounting, and business strategy from the EEA Advisory team.
Cents Per Kilometre vs Logbook for Car Deductions in 2026
For the 2025–26 income year, Australians can choose between two methods to claim car deductions on their 2026 tax return. The cents per kilometre method uses a fixed rate of 88 cents for each work-related kilometre with a 5000 kilometre cap, while the logbook method lets you claim a percentage of actual running costs without any kilometre limit. This guide explains both methods in detail, outlining the record keeping requirements and ATO rules. Decide which approach best suits your needs and potentially boost your refund.
Are Dual Cab Utes FBT Exempt in 2026
This blog post explores the Fringe Benefits Tax implications for dual cab utes in the 2026 FBT year. It explains that a dual cab ute only qualifies for an FBT exemption if it meets the ATO eligibility criteria and if private travel remains minor and infrequent. If a vehicle is used for regular family trips or shopping, it becomes subject to FBT just like a passenger car. The article debunks common myths and outlines the dual hurdles of engineering and behavioural requirements that employers must meet. It offers practical insights for managing FBT risks effectively.
How Family Trust Distributions Are Taxed in Australia (2026)
Family trusts remain a popular structure among Australian families and small businesses because they offer flexible ways to distribute income and protect assets. This guide explains how trust income flows to beneficiaries under current tax law and examines present entitlement rules. It details the Family Trust Election framework and the risk of an unexpected forty seven per cent tax bill. An upcoming reform proposing a minimum tax of thirty per cent from July 2028 highlights the need for careful future planning.
PAYG withholding variation: when it pays off for AU contractors and investors
A PAYG withholding variation allows taxpayers to adjust tax withholding to better match their year-end liability. This guide explains the process for contractors and property investors, detailing when to apply a variation and when to leave things as they are. It explores how upward and downward adjustments can improve cash flow throughout the year. The guide also highlights the ATO oversight and the benefits of tailoring withholding to expected tax outcomes.
Building & construction industry retention payments — accounting treatment under AASB 15
Retention payments present both opportunities and challenges for Australian builders. They secure a percentage of progress claims as a safeguard while impacting cash flow. Under AASB 15, revenue is recognised when performance obligations are met, even if cash is withheld. Accurate classification, journal entries, GST timing, and reconciliation are vital for compliance and smooth financial reporting. This article explains the effects on building contracts and trust account requirements across various states.
Director loans and Division 7A in 2026: avoiding deemed-dividend traps
Directors in private companies know the nerve-wracking moment when personal use of company funds raises red flags. Division 7A can reclassify these loans as unfranked dividends that incur heavy tax at the top marginal rate. In 2026, increased ATO scrutiny and higher interest rates heighten the risk of costly penalties. Directors can protect profits by ensuring full repayments or establishing a complying written loan agreement. Read on to discover practical guidance and insights.
Choosing a Financial Advisor in Australia
The phrase ‘Beyond Finfluencers’ captures the modern challenge of choosing a trusted financial adviser in Australia. While social media personalities may make noise, fully licensed professionals offer security and long term wealth. This guide outlines seven practical steps such as verifying licences, understanding fees and gauging digital capabilities. It empowers you to make informed decisions for a sound financial future.
Will the 50% CGT Discount Survive 2026 Budget?
Investors face uncertainty as debate heats over whether the 50% CGT discount will remain unchanged in the 2026 Federal Budget. The article explains that although no legislation has altered the long‐standing rules, Treasury officials and parliamentary bodies have modelled scenarios with a lower discount. It reviews the current conditions for individuals, trusts and superannuation funds under Division 115 and outlines the policy debate surrounding future reforms. Practical strategies are provided to help investors safeguard after tax returns and plan for any changes ahead.
Effective Tax Strategies for Australian High-Income Earners
This blog post details how Australian high-income earners can treat tax as a manageable expense to save money and build long-term wealth. It explains that by applying compliant tax strategies, someone earning $250,000 a year can reduce their annual tax bill by more than $30,000. The post reviews the updated tax brackets for the 2025-26 financial year and examines surcharges that affect superannuation. It offers practical steps to implement these strategies before 30 June and navigate the evolving tax landscape.
Australia commits to OECD Crypto Asset Reporting
Discover why the OECD Crypto Asset Reporting Framework matters for Australians and act now to secure your records before ATO scrutiny.
Inheritance Tax Impact for Australian Beneficiaries
Learn how capital gains tax, super benefits and income tax affect your inheritance. Plan ahead to protect your loved ones’ legacy.
Master ATO 2026 Tax Prep for Brisbane Businesses
Brisbane small business owners must act now to prepare for ATO 2026 changes. Upgrade software, manage cash flow and secure success. Get started today
Unlock Hidden Wealth and Dodge ATO Tax Risks
Discover how the ATO targets Australia’s wealth transfer and learn smart strategies to secure your family legacy. Act now to protect your assets.
Unlock Inheritance Tax Strategies Australia 2026
Discover how inheritance tax affects your estate in Australia. Learn strategies to manage capital gains and super death benefits. Start planning today
Powerful Family Trust Strategies for Tax Success 2026
Unlock tax benefits with a family trust in Australia. Discover expert strategies for loss concessions and compliant distributions. Act now.
Unlock 2026 Gifting Wins in Australian Gift Tax
Discover how to navigate Australian gift tax rules in 2026 and control capital gains and stamp duty. Act now and plan smart wealth transfers.
Secure Your Dream Home with Approval In Principle
Learn how an Approval in Principle streamlines buying a home in Australia. Shop with confidence and secure your future today
Master Your Tax Return with Smart Financial Advice
The blog explains how tax returns only reflect past performance and why forward looking advice makes a real difference. It contrasts traditional compliance with proactive planning to boost cash flow, reduce anxiety, and secure long term wealth. Empower your finances today.
Bookkeeper vs Accountant: Ultimate Guide for Aussie Biz
Australian business owners often struggle to decide between hiring a bookkeeper or an accountant. This guide explains the roles of each professional—from day-to-day BAS filing to strategic tax planning—and offers tips on staying compliant, preserving cash flow, and facilitating business growth.
Ultimate Guide to R&D Tax Incentive for Aussie SMBs
Australian small businesses power their growth with innovative ideas and the R&D Tax Incentive. This guide explains in plain language how the incentive works, how to qualify, and how every dollar of innovation can turn into cash back from the ATO. Discover the simple steps to claim what’s rightfully yours.
100 Profitable Small Business Ideas in Australia
Starting a small business in Australia is exciting, but most idea lists ignore ABNs, GST thresholds, council permits, WHS duties and real startup costs. This guide shares 100 profitable, realistic business ideas that work in Australia, grouped by budget and skill level, with compliance checkpoints, cost estimates and practical first steps you can take within 72 hours.
Australian Income Tax Brackets 2025-26: A Simple Guide & Real-World Examples
Stop guessing how much tax you really pay. We translate official ATO rules into plain English, debunk the ‘higher bracket’ myth, and provide step-by-step calculations for incomes ranging from $30k to $220k. Plus, get the details on the upcoming tax cuts locked in for July 2026.
Profit Margins in Australia: How to Calculate, Benchmark and Improve Profitability
Profit margins are one of the strongest indicators of business health, yet many Australian SMEs still calculate them incorrectly or only review them once a year. In today’s environment of rising interest rates, higher operating costs and tight cash flow, understanding your gross, operating, pre-tax and net margins is essential for making confident pricing decisions, controlling expenses and improving profitability. By tracking margins monthly and comparing them with credible Australian benchmarks, business owners gain a clearer picture of performance and can take practical steps to lift results.
How Much Does a Business Accountant Cost in Brisbane (2025)? Fees, Risks & ROI
In Brisbane’s booming 2025 economy, hiring the right accountant is more than compliance—it’s an investment. We break down current market fees, hidden risks of cheap providers, and the long-term returns of working with a qualified, TPB-registered professional.
How Do High Income Earners Reduce Taxes in Australia? Smart Strategies for 2025
Discover how high income earners reduce taxes in Australia with proven strategies for 2025, super, trusts, franking credits, negative gearing and more.
How to Use a Bucket Company to Save Thousands in Tax (Australia 2025)
A bucket company, also called a corporate beneficiary, can cap your tax at 25% and save thousands each year. This 2025 Australian guide explains how bucket companies work, step-by-step setup, ATO compliance rules, advanced strategies, and real-world examples.
Australia’s Economic Reform Roundtable 2025: What It Means for Your Wealth
Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers has convened Australia’s most influential business, union and policy leaders for a three-day Economic Reform Roundtable. With $1 trillion in debt, rising tax burdens and subsidies under review, the discussions could reshape household budgets, investment strategies and business cash flows. Here’s what you need to know to protect and grow your wealth.
ATO Tax Rules About Using Your Company’s Money
In 2025, Australian SMEs face stricter ATO scrutiny on how company funds are used. This guide breaks down Division 7A, Fringe Benefits Tax, and directors’ duties to help you stay compliant, avoid penalties, and make informed decisions when accessing company money.
How to Select a Financial Advisor for Your Brisbane Family Business: A 7-Step Compliance-Ready Roadmap
Why the Right Advisor Matters for a Brisbane Family Business Family businesses account for close to seventy per cent of all Australian enterprises, yet only a minority survive beyond the second generation. The difference between those that thrive and those that falter often lies in the quality of professional guidance they receive. A licensed, conflict-free
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Business Accountant?
Hiring a professional business accountant is more than compliance—it’s a strategic move that frees your time, trims tax, improves cash flow and delivers data-driven insights. Discover how local expertise in Queensland, Brisbane and the Gold Coast turns numbers into growth opportunities for your business.
How to Legally Give Gifts Without Triggering ATO Tax Issues
Australia scrapped gift tax decades ago, but Capital Gains Tax, Fringe Benefits Tax and Centrelink rules still bite. This guide shows how to give cash or assets safely, backed by 2025 ATO guidance.
How Investment Bonds Work: Tax Benefits for Education Savings
Paying $23k–$42k a year for private school or up to $45k at university can feel impossible. This guide shows Queensland families how investment bonds lock in a 30 % tax rate, avoid penalty minor-tax rules and deliver tax-free withdrawals after ten years.
What Australian Business Owners Should Know About Labor’s Tax on Unrealised Super Gains
Labor’s proposed tax on unrealised super gains over $3 million could reshape retirement planning and asset management for business owners. Understand the risks, responses, and how to prepare.
BAS 2025 Due Dates and Compliance Guide for Australian Businesses
Ensure your Australian business meets all BAS lodgment deadlines in 2025. Our comprehensive guide outlines due dates, reporting cycles, and tips for seamless compliance.
Fringe Benefit Tax Guide for Australian Businesses in 2025
Discover how Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) works for Australian businesses in 2025. Learn calculations, cost-saving tips, and compliance essentials.
From Compliance to Counsel: The Future of Australian Accounting in 2025
Australian accounting is shifting from compliance to strategic advisory services in 2025, driven by tech, client needs, and new regulations. Discover why this trend is reshaping the industry and what it means for firms and businesses.
Xero February 2025 Updates: What Businesses Need to Know
Xero’s February 2025 updates bring significant improvements to invoicing, bill management, e-invoicing, and UK tax processes. Learn how businesses can adopt these features while avoiding potential pitfalls.
Mastering Your BAS – A Clear and Confident Guide for Australian Businesses
Lodging your Business Activity Statement (BAS) in Australia doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. This guide, updated for 2025, breaks down what BAS involves and why it’s essential for businesses. From GST and PAYG to lodging options like online or through an agent, every step is covered with clear explanations and practical examples. Penalties for late submissions have tightened, making timely lodging more critical than ever. Whether you’re a small business or a larger operation, tips and insights help ensure confidence and compliance. Discover how to master BAS lodging with ease, supported by the latest ATO advice.
Winning business grants in Australia made simple with accountants
Securing business grants in Australia is simpler with expert Brisbane accountants. From financial planning to crafting proposals, learn how EEA Advisory can enhance your grant success.
Selling your business: what happens once you exit?
You’ve sold your business! But what happens now!? We’ve outlined five potential pathways your post-sale life could take, and how they help you find new goals and lifestyles. #exitstrategy #sellingup #businesstips
Cutting costs or increasing your prices? We can help
With many businesses are expecting lower profits this financial year, the more prepared you can be for the unexpected, the better. Talk to us about smart ways to get your costs under control or whether you need to increase your prices.
A Beginner’s Guide to BAS and How to Lodge It Easily
This guide breaks down the BAS process into simple steps—from understanding its importance to managing payments and records. Whether you’re a new business owner or just starting with tax compliance, learn how BAS ensures financial clarity, compliance, and credibility for your business.
What is a Good Credit Score in Australia?
Learn how to improve and maintain a good credit score in Australia with practical tips and insights. Understand the importance of credit scores, factors that affect them, and the role of financial advisors in managing your credit health for better financial opportunities.
Data-driven decision-making: growth and strategy
Putting data at the heart of your growth strategy is a no-brainer. We’ve broken down five ways that data-based decision-making helps you grab the best opportunities and grow at pace. #data #decisionmaking #businessadvice
Cash flow and cost control
Regular cash flow forecasts help you keep your focus. If you can’t reach your targets for income, reining in your costs may give you a little extra headroom to manage cash flow while you plan your next move.
Your upcoming tax calendar for November and December 2024
With the end of the calendar year and holiday season fast approaching, please do not forget about your tax obligations. Here is a list of key tax dates for November and December 2024.
Should your small business adopt AI tools?
AI solutions are now standard tools to include in your small business app stack. But which areas of the business could benefit from an AI helping hand? We suggest 5 key business functions. #AI #business #smalbusiness
How to add value and secure your future when selling your business.
Thinking of selling your business? It’s vital to plan ahead and to add value to the company, prior to a sale. Here are five key areas of value to focus on as part of your exit strategy. #exitstrategy #business #businesstips
Potential threats to your business value.
Your successful business can quickly start to lose value if you don’t keep pace with a changing market. Check out these five threats that could be undermining the value of your business. #businessvalue #smallbusiness #businesstips
5 ways to improve the governance of your family business.
There are specific challenges to running a family business. But by putting the right governance steps in place, you can keep the disputes to a minimum and keep the family company on track #familybusiness #businesstips #businessadvice
Common errors for rental property owners
The ATO has published a list of common errors found in rental property schedules. Ensure that you are not double dipping or you may need to lodge an amendment.
Cash is not profit and vice versa
Cash is King. To work out how fast you can grow your business, you need to look at your projected cashflow. Talk to us. We are here to help.
Are you meeting your SMSF governance requirements?
If you’re thinking about setting up a self-managed superannuation fund, here are five key areas to be aware of when managing your fund. #SMSF #superannuation
Tax and compliance changes in effect from 1 July 2024
The start of the 2024–25 income year brings about the commencement of several measures that support welfare, small business concessions, tax cuts etc. Here’s what you need to know…
Three questions for business success. Part 3 Pricing.
Since businesses have existed, these questions have perplexed their owners. Before AI, the internet and even electricity. Who’s my ideal customer? What makes my product or service attractive? How should I be pricing my product or service? Read on!
Business Success Part 2 on Crafting a Value Proposition
Since businesses have existed, these questions have perplexed their owners. Before AI, the internet and even electricity. Who’s my ideal customer? What makes my product or service attractive? How should I be pricing my product or service? Read on!
Three questions for business success. Part 1 Ideal Customer.
Since businesses have existed, these questions have perplexed their owners. Before AI, the internet and even electricity. Who’s my ideal customer? What makes my product or service attractive? How should I be pricing my product or service? Read on!
Why productivity matters and what you can do about it.
Productivity is a term associated with strong economies, robust businesses and efficiency gains of clever staff. If businesses were efficient then fewer would fail, generate more employment and better incomes for owners and workers alike.
DIY vs Hiring an Accountant – What’s Right for Your Business
DIY accounting might sound like a good economy, but investing in an accountant could be the best financial decision you make as a business owner. #businessadvice #SmallBusiness #accounting
Networking Techniques to Become a Great Networker
Networking is a great way to connect with your industry peers and become an asset to your local business community. We’ve got some top hacks for getting the most from your networking. #businessadvice #SmallBusiness #SmallBiz #SMB #networking
Digging deeper into cloud accounting
Using your cloud accounting software to just do the bookkeeping barely scratches the surface. Here are four important ways to get more from the cloud with a bespoke tech stack. #businessadvice #SmallBusiness #cloudaccounting #techstack
Embracing humour in your marketing and brand identity
Customers like it when brands are funny. But are you doing enough to use humour in your company’s marketing? Here are some top hacks for being funny as a marketer. #businessadvice #SmallBusiness #SmallBiz #SMB #marketing #humour #funny
2024–25 Federal Budget Highlights
The 2024–25 Federal Budget is out, here are the highlights sharing what you need to know for you financial year ahead #FederalBudget2024
Are you hiring the best talent for your business culture?
Are you hiring the best talent for your business culture? We’ve summarised 5 ways to make sure your next hire is a perfect fit for the business. #businessadvice #SmallBusiness #SmallBiz
B2B tips for working with big companies
Chasing big B2B accounts is easier than ever in a globally connected market, but what are some of the challenges? There are some key things to consider when entering into a B2B relationship with a big client. #managementstrategy #smallbusinesstips
Financial Planning for Young Families in Australia
As young Australian families embark on the rewarding yet challenging journey of raising children and managing household needs, understanding the nuances of financial management becomes crucial. It’s not just about making ends meet but about crafting a secure and prosperous future. With the guidance of EEA Advisory, experts in family financial planning, this article presents