AC Accounting & Business Solutions

21/05/2026

Thank you so much Ballarat Centre of Music & the Arts (BCMA), we're thrilled to continue our support and be a part of the BCMA community!

Good luck to all for a sensational season, and to all the cast and crew of the upcoming June production of Hadestown: Teen Edition, we are proud to be on board as a Level 2 Sponsor.

Tickets to the show can be secured here 👉 https://events.humanitix.com/bcmahadestown

Here's to supporting local, and being part of a great community.

📊SPONSOR SHOUTOUT

We’re thrilled to welcome AC Accounting & Business Solutions back as a sponsor for BCMA’s 2026 season—thank you for your continued generosity and support!

From balancing books to backing the arts, AC Accounting knows the value of supporting local talent. Their expert team helps businesses thrive, and now they’re helping our performers shine on stage too.

We’re especially grateful to have them on board as a Level 2 Sponsor for our upcoming June production of Hadestown: Teen Edition. 🔥

Thank you, AC Accounting, for adding up to something truly special for our BCMA community.

🔗 Check them out here: acaccountingbs.com.au

20/05/2026

On 12 May 2026, the Federal Government delivered its fifth Budget.

It was one of the most dramatic and significant budgets in decades. Among other things, it announced that negative gearing would be abolished for property purchased after 1 July 2027 (albeit, grand-fathering pre-Budget arrangements).

It also announced that the CGT discount will not be available from 1 July 2027 (except in respect of qualifying "new builds"). It also proposed a minimum 30% tax on trusts (with certain exceptions). There are also several other significant changes.

We have put together a summary of these key changes and how they may affect taxpayers - especially small to medium business.

Please feel free to contact our office if you have any queries about these measures or how they may impact you in your circumstances.

Happy reading...

07/05/2026

𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Welcome to the May edition of our client newsletter. This month, we’ve again 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:

𝗙𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: Potential changes to negative gearing and the CGT discount, and what they could mean for investors.

𝗔𝗧𝗢 𝗳𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: New payment plans available for businesses impacted by rising fuel costs.

𝗖𝗚𝗧 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: Key considerations when assets are lost, destroyed, or acquired through options.

𝗦𝗠𝗦𝗙 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀: Why a corporate trustee may be a smarter choice for your super fund.

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟲𝟳: Understanding the work test and how to qualify for tax deductions.

𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: A practical guide to the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and eligibility strategies.

𝗘𝗢𝗙𝗬 𝘁𝗮𝘅 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: A comprehensive checklist to help reduce tax and prepare before 30 June.

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁: Tips to maximise contributions and benefits before year-end.

We hope you find this edition helpful. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions! (9 pages from our newsletter attached as images below)

02/04/2026

Team AC Accounting & Business Solutions had lots of fun at the 2026 Adroit Insurance & Risk Charity Golf Day, at the beautiful Ballarat Golf Club. ⛳

A great day for a great cause, bringing together local businesses and supporters to raise much needed funds in support of Grampians Health Ballarat and Ballarat Health Services Foundation. Funds raised this year will support a transport cot for the Special Care Nursery and an outreach vehicle for the Grampians Early Parenting Centre.

Lots of laughs and a fantastic day on the green, well done to all! Here's to a happy and safe Easter break.

31/03/2026

𝗔𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗟 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Welcome to the April 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:

𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟵𝟲 𝘁𝗮𝘅 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗮𝘄: 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿
The new Division 296 tax is now in effect for individuals with super balances of $3 million or more from 1 July 2026. We break down how this measure works and what it could mean for your retirement savings.

𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝘁𝘀 – 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗚𝗧 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀
Granny flat arrangements are becoming more common, but they can come with unexpected tax consequences. We outline the key CGT issues you should be aware of before entering into an arrangement.

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟭 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂
Contribution limits are increasing from 1 July 2026, creating new opportunities to grow your super. We explain the changes and how you may be able to take advantage of them.

𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝘅 (𝗖𝗚𝗧) 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁
Being required to sell an asset doesn’t mean you’re exempt from CGT. We explain how CGT can still apply and what to consider in these situations.

𝗖𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀: 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰𝘀
Three recent cases have put the spotlight on car expense claims, reinforcing the need for accurate and compliant logbooks. We explain the key requirements and common pitfalls to avoid.

We hope you find this edition helpful. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions! (6 pages from our newsletter attached as images below)

03/03/2026

𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Welcome to the March edition of our client newsletter. This month, we’ve brought together a range of timely and practical insights across tax, superannuation and financial planning, all designed to help you stay informed, prepared and in control of your financial position.

In this edition:

𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁
From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions at the same time as salary and wages. This represents a significant shift for many businesses. We outline what the new rules mean and provide a practical checklist to help small employers prepare now.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱 (𝗖𝗦𝗛𝗖): 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟮𝟬 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
The CSHC offers valuable benefits for eligible self-funded retirees, including reduced health costs and cheaper PBS medicines. However, it is income tested, and upcoming increases to deeming rates may impact eligibility. We explain what’s changing and how it could affect you.

𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝘅 (𝗙𝗕𝗧) 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱-𝟮𝟲
With the FBT return deadline approaching, we provide a helpful (non-exhaustive) checklist to assist employers in identifying potential FBT liabilities and ensuring compliance.

We hope you find this edition helpful. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions!

(10 pages from our newsletter attached as images below)

01/02/2026

𝗙𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Welcome to the February edition of our client newsletter. This month, we’ve curated a selection of timely and practical articles covering important developments in tax, superannuation, and financial planning – all designed to help you stay informed, confident, and in control of your financial affairs.

In this edition:

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝘅 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀
Holiday homes have long been a grey area from a tax perspective. New ATO guidance has tightened the rules around the taxation of holiday rental properties, particularly where owners rent out all or part of a property without running a business. We explain how the updated guidance affects rental income and the deductibility of ownership costs in different situations.

𝗖𝗚𝗧: 𝗕𝘂𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲
If you’ve purchased a new home before selling your existing one, there are important capital gains tax (CGT) implications to consider. The key issue is that under the CGT rules, you generally can’t treat more than one home as fully exempt at the same time. We outline what you need to know.

𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 – 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱
If you become totally and permanently disabled (TPD), you may be able to access your super even if you don’t hold TPD insurance within your fund. We explain how the rules work and why understanding them can be crucial when income and financial security are under pressure

𝗦𝗶𝘅 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
Superannuation rules continue to evolve, and 2026 is shaping up to bring several important changes. While some updates may only affect a small group, others could impact most people with super. We highlight six key changes worth keeping on your radar.

We hope you find this edition helpful. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions!

(8 pages from our newsletter attached as images below)

22/12/2025

Merry Christmas from Team AC Accounting & Business Solutions!🎄

We had a great Christmas party, one of our stops was at The Range at Curlewis, lots of fun and laughs due to some questionable form by some of the team on the driving range.😉

Thank you to our brilliant team, and all our fabulous clients for a great year, here's to 2026! 🥂

Please note our office closes today Tuesday 23rd December at 5pm, and will re-open at 8.30am on Monday 19th of January. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous new year!🥂

01/12/2025

𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

Welcome to the December edition of our client newsletter. As the year comes to a close, we’ve curated a range of timely and practical articles covering the latest developments in tax, superannuation, and financial planning, designed to help you finish the year informed and confident about your finances.

In this edition:

𝟭. 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝘅 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲? The short answer is sometimes. The ATO has strict rules around when work clothing expenses can be claimed. We outline when deductions are available for occupation-specific clothing, compulsory uniforms, and protective items, and when they’re not.

𝟮. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗠𝗦𝗙 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆? 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻! Planning a festive break at a holiday home owned by your SMSF? We explain why this isn’t allowed, even if you’re retired or paying market rent, and what rules apply to SMSF-owned property use.

𝟯. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟱𝟬% 𝗖𝗚𝗧 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁: 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘆𝗲 While many are familiar with the 50% CGT discount, the eligibility rules can be more complex than they seem. We break down key considerations to help you apply the discount correctly.

𝟰. 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿? With nearly $19 billion in lost and unclaimed super across Australia, it’s worth checking if some of it could be yours. We explain how to find lost super and share simple tips to stay on top of your savings.

𝟱. 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲? We explore who is legally entitled to make a claim and what the courts consider when determining whether adequate provision has been made for dependants or family members.

𝟲. 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴) 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗧𝗢 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁 If you’re self-employed, preparation is key. We outline how to reduce your chances of an ATO audit and what to do if you’re selected.

We hope you find this edition helpful. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions!

(10 pages from our newsletter attached as images below)

10/11/2025

𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

Welcome to the November edition of our client newsletter. Welcome to the November edition of our client newsletter. This month, we’ve brought together a range of timely and practical articles covering key developments in tax, superannuation, and financial planning — all designed to help you stay informed, confident, and in control of your finances.

In this edition:

1️⃣𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝘅 – As the festive season approaches, many business owners are planning year-end celebrations. We outline the rules around fringe benefits tax, GST credits, and tax deductibility, helping you keep your holiday costs tax-efficient.

2️⃣𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗮𝘅 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 – Received a financial windfall or facing a capital gains tax (CGT) bill? We explain a smart strategy to reduce your tax liability by making a super contribution.

3️⃣𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟵𝟲 𝘁𝗮𝘅 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 – There’s major news for anyone with a super balance over $3 million. The government has revised its proposed Division 296 tax – a move aimed at greater fairness and practicality. We break down what’s changed and what it means for you.

4️⃣𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲 (𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗦) – For older Australians, tapping into the value of the family home can ease financial pressure. We explain how the government-backed HEAS works and what to consider before applying.

5️⃣𝗥𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 – With summer approaching, many are looking to rent out their beach houses. We revisit the key tax rules and how expense claims are treated when your holiday home is rented only part of the year.

6️⃣𝗨𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 – If you use part of your home for income-producing activities, you may lose some of your CGT exemption. We explain the implications and how partial exemptions may apply.

We hope you find this edition helpful. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions!

(8 pages from our newsletter attached as images below)