Welcome to the August edition of our client newsletter. This month, we’ve compiled a selection of timely and practical insights across tax, superannuation and financial planning, helping you stay informed, confident, and in control of your financial decisions.

In this edition:

1. Renting Out Your Home – and the CGT and Negative Gearing Changes
One of the many areas where the big changes to negative gearing and Capital Gains Tax may have an effect is where you use the “absence concession” to continue treating your home as your CGT-free main residence during an extended absence, including where you rent it out for up to 6 years.

2. The Wheels Now in Motion for Family Trust Changes
With the Government set to impose a minimum 30% tax on discretionary or “family” trusts from 1 July 2028, it’s probably time to start thinking about what you should do about any existing family trust you have. The first consultation paper has now been released.

3. What You Need to Retire: The Latest Numbers
Have you ever wondered how much superannuation you will have and need in retirement? We look at the latest ASFA Retirement Standard figures for a modest and a comfortable lifestyle, and the lump sums needed to get there.

4. Salary Sacrificing to Super
Are you an employee thinking of putting some of your pre-tax income into superannuation to boost your retirement savings? This is known as salary sacrifice, and the good news is that it can benefit both you and your employer.

5. Should You Sell Before 1 July 2027?
From 1 July 2027, the 50% CGT discount will be replaced by cost base indexation and a new 30% minimum tax on real gains. Many people assume they must sell before the deadline to keep the discount, but this is not the case.

Please contact us for clarification, or further advice, regarding any of the topics covered in this newsletter.

ATO Key Dates
To view the ATO’s key dates for August, please click here.