Tax Insights

The legislation received Royal Assent in March 2026, and the tax applies from the 2026–27 income year. For affected members, the distinction matters: an increase in an investment’s market value does not, by itself, become a realised capital gain. However, valuations remain relevant to …

Division 296, which has applied from 1 July 2026, taxes only the proportion of earnings associated with the part of a person's total super balance above the relevant thresholds.

Under the transitional rules for 2026–27, only a person's total super balance at the end of that financial year determines whether Division 296 applies. The balance on 1 July 2026, or at other points during the year, does not determine whether the relevant threshold …

This generally prevents new borrowing arrangements for ordinary residential rental properties. However, the change does not prohibit every residential property purchase by an SMSF, and qualifying existing arrangements remain protected. The distinction between new borrowing, existing loans and purchases using available fund money is …

These are the first increases since 2024–25. With three months of 2026–27 already gone, now is a sensible time to check how much of the new room is left. Salary sacrifice arrangements and personal contribution plans are easier to adjust early than in a …

The change does not start until 1 July 2027. That makes 2026–27 the last full year under the old limits, and it is worth understanding the gap the change is designed to close.

For employers, the question is simple but expensive: which payments attract the 12% super guarantee (SG)? With Payday Super now in force, the answer affects every pay run.