Welcome to the September 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:
BUYING A NEW HOME? MAKE SURE YOU KNOW THE TAX INS AND OUTS: With house prices failing in some major capital cities, you may be looking to buy a home – either as a first home buyer or otherwise.
COLLECTABLES – DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT!: Capital gains tax does not just apply to “big ticket” items such as real estate, farms and shareholdings. It also applies to a special class of assets known as “personal use assets”, and in particular, those personal use assets known as “collectables”.
THE “WIDOW TAX” AND JOINTLY OWNED PROPERTY: There has been a lot of talk in the media about the government’s new “widow tax” following the Budget brought down earlier in the year.
CONCESSION CARDS: Government concession cards, including the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card and state based Seniors Cards, can save you a lot. They cut the cost of healthcare, prescriptions and everyday bills. Several rates and thresholds affecting eligibility change on 20 September 2026, so now is a good time to review what the cards are worth and check whether you qualify.
CLAIMING WORK EXPENSES: Everyone loves a work-related deduction. From the 2026-27 income year there is a standard deduction of up to $1,000 for work-related expenses, and it applies automatically. This will simplify things for many. However, if your claims exceed $1,000 you still need to substantiate every dollar.
CAN MY SMSF AND I CO-INVEST IN A PROPERTY: Since 10 August 2026, SMSFs can no longer use a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) to acquire residential property. Existing arrangements are grandfathered, and borrowing to acquire business real property is not affected. Co-ownership may be a solution for SMSFs without enough cash to purchase a property outright.
