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Guides by country: US tax guides, UK tax guides, Australian tax guides.

What the 2026 Budget Means for IT Contractors

In short: For Australian IT contractors, the 12 May 2026 Federal Budget made the $20,000 instant asset write-off permanent (now law) and brought back loss carry-back for Pty Ltd companies under $1 billion turnover. Payday super applies from 1 July 2026 if your company pays you a director's salary. The $1,000 flat deduction covers only wage or director income, not PSI.

What the 2026 Budget Means for Real Estate Agents

If you sell residential property, manage rentals, or work as a buyer's agent in Australia, here's what the federal budget 2026 real estate changes actually mean, for both your business and the market you operate in. The 12 May 2026 Federal Budget delivers several measures that land on the property sector from two directions: changes that affect your investor and vendor clients (negative gearing limits, CGT reform), and changes that affect your own business operations (the permanent instant asset write-off, plus payday super and ATO compliance funding, which were set before this Budget but land in the same period). Neither set can be treated in isolation. A well-informed agent who understands both sides of these changes will have better conversations with clients, and will end up paying less tax personally. For the full picture of what you can already claim, see our guide on tax deductions for real estate agents in Australia.

What the 2026 Budget Means for Rideshare Drivers

In short: For Australian rideshare drivers, the 2026-27 Budget made the $20,000 instant asset write-off permanent from 1 July 2026 (now law), covering in-car gear but usually not the car itself. The new $1,000 flat deduction doesn't apply to rideshare income, so claim your expenses as usual. Platforms report your earnings to the ATO, which matches them against your tax return.

Working Australians Tax Offset: $250 Explained

The working Australians tax offset 2026 is official: the Federal Budget, delivered 12 May 2026, announced a permanent new Working Australians Tax Offset (WATO) of up to $250, starting from 1 July 2027. More than 13 million workers will benefit automatically, with no separate claim required. Here is what the measure does, who it covers, and how it layers on top of the other tax changes already flowing through from 1 July 2026.

How to Export Your Expenses for Your Accountant in Minutes

In short: Give your accountant a categorised expense report covering 1 July to 30 June for your Australian tax return, or the relevant quarter for BAS. Show each expense's date, vendor, description, ATO-aligned category, GST-inclusive total and GST amount, add category, GST and grand totals, and make the receipt images accessible. Provide a PDF for quick review and an Excel file your accountant can import.

Tax Deductions for Real Estate Agents in Australia

In short: Australian real estate agents, from salaried and commission-only salespeople to agency owners, can claim vehicle costs, the work-related share of phone and internet, marketing they pay for themselves, licence and Real Estate Institute fees, and insurance. Vehicle expenses are often the single largest deduction, and for high-kilometre agents the logbook method is essential. Plain suits and business shirts are not deductible.

EOFY Deadline: What Happens If You Lodge Your Tax Return Late in Australia

In short: Individuals who self-lodge their Australian tax return must lodge by 31 October. Lodge late and the ATO can impose a Failure to Lodge penalty of $364 for each 28-day period (or part thereof) the return is overdue, up to $1,820 for individuals and small businesses, plus the General Interest Charge on tax paid late. Lodging stops the penalty clock, so lodge as soon as possible.

Tax Deductions for IT Contractors in Australia

In short: IT contractors in Australia can claim the work-related share of software licences and subscriptions, phone and internet, professional memberships, hardware, home office running costs, travel to client sites, and training that relates to their current work. Travel between home and a regular permanent workplace is generally not deductible. The ATO requires records to be kept for five years from the date you lodge your return.

How to Organise Your Receipts Before Sending Them to Your Accountant

In short: Scan paper receipts as soon as possible (the ATO accepts digital copies), sort everything by expense category and then by date, and send your accountant category totals, a detailed transaction list, the organised receipt images, bank statements for every business account, and notes flagging mixed-use items, large purchases and unusual expenses. Organised records take your accountant less time, which means lower fees and fewer missed deductions.

17 Tax Deductions Australian Freelancers Miss Every Year

In short: The ATO lets Australian freelancers deduct expenses directly related to earning their income, provided they have records to prove it. This list of 17 commonly missed deductions covers larger items such as home office running costs, travel between work locations, equipment depreciation and income protection insurance, plus small costs that add up, including software subscriptions, professional memberships and bank fees.