Fortis Accounting Partners

27/05/2026

$1,000 deduction? Not so fast.

The Government’s draft Bill could make work-related claims simpler from 2026–27 — but only for eligible Australian tax residents earning income from work.

If it passes, the proposed standard deduction would be capped at the lower of:
• $1,000
• your total assessable income from work

It would also be reduced by work-related expenses already claimed, like car expenses, travel, repairs, or depreciation. And if your actual eligible deductions are more than $1,000, you’d claim those instead.

Some claims would still sit outside the new rule, including tax agent fees, gifts or donations, income protection premiums, and union or professional association fees.

There are also FBT implications for salary packaged benefits, so this one needs careful review before anyone assumes it’s a simple win.

If you want help understanding what this could mean for you or your business, Contact us today!
www.fortisap.com.au

26/05/2026

May brings several important tax updates for businesses, employers and individuals to be aware of.

The proposed $1,000 instant tax deduction for work-related expenses has now moved to exposure draft stage, with the change expected to apply from 1 July 2026 if passed. The ATO has also announced targeted payment plan support for businesses affected by higher fuel costs, with applications available until 30 June 2026.

Other key updates include fuel tax credit rate changes, Payday Super preparations, inherited main residence guidance, and ATO focus areas such as base rate entity status and related party property development arrangements.

These changes may affect tax planning, cash flow, employer obligations and record-keeping requirements.

Read more:

A proposed $1,000 instant tax deduction and the ATO’s response to the fuel crisis The Government has released an exposure draft Bill for the previously announced $1,000 standard deduction for work-related expenses, which is expected to apply from 1 July 2026, if passed in its current form. There a...

22/05/2026

The ATO and Fair Work Ombudsman are increasing their focus on sham contracting.

Sham contracting occurs when an employer incorrectly treats an employment relationship as an independent contracting arrangement without a reasonable basis.

This can be used to avoid obligations such as superannuation, leave, and workers compensation, and penalties can be significant.

Tip: Review contractor arrangements carefully. The label in the agreement is not enough. The real working relationship matters.

If you are unsure whether a worker should be treated as an employee or contractor, seek advice before it becomes a compliance issue.

20/05/2026

$3 million in super? Read this now.

Division 296 is now law from 1 July 2026 — and waiting could cost you.

If your total super balance is getting close to the new thresholds, this may affect tax outcomes, cash flow, estate planning and how your wider wealth is structured.

We’re urging affected clients to review their position early, before decisions become harder to make.

Contact us today!

18/05/2026

Claiming work-related meal expenses? Reasonable amounts are not automatic deductions.

A recent Federal Court decision confirmed that taxpayers may not always need detailed receipts where claims fall within the Commissioner’s reasonable amounts, but they must still prove the expenses were actually incurred.

Tip: Keep practical evidence of your travel routines, payment methods, and spending patterns. The reasonable amount rules may reduce substantiation requirements, but they don’t remove the need to show the expense was real and connected to earning income.

Good records still matter.

15/05/2026

Payday Super starts on 1 July 2026, and employers need to prepare early.

This change means superannuation guarantee contributions will move from quarterly payments to being paid at the same time as salary and wages.

For many businesses, this could have a real impact on cash flow, especially in July 2026 when employers may need to manage both the final quarterly super payment and the first Payday Super obligations.

Tip: Start reviewing payroll systems, cash flow planning, and super payment processes now.

The earlier you prepare, the smoother the transition will be.

12/05/2026

PHEVs in the fleet? The ATO is watching closely 🔍

From 1 April 2025, plug-in hybrid vehicles no longer qualify for the FBT electric car exemption unless a transitional rule applies. If a PHEV is available for private use, or is garaged at home, FBT may arise. The ATO has also updated its guidance under PCG 2024/2, giving employers a shortcut method for calculating home charging costs for eligible electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

April also brings another big one: Division 296 is now law, with the new tax applying from 1 July 2026. Add in Payday Super, the permanent closure of the SBSCH from 1 July 2026, and a few record-keeping traps, and there’s plenty for employers to review before year-end.

If your business provides vehicles, perks or super support to staff, now is the time to check the numbers and the paperwork.

11/05/2026

One checkbox missed. FBT gets messy fast.

If your employees charge electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles at home, the ATO’s updated PCG 2024/2 may let you use a shortcut method for electricity costs - but only where the eligibility requirements are met.

That’s where the risk sits: the shortcut rate can simplify record-keeping, but if it doesn’t apply, actual electricity costs may need to be calculated instead.

A small review now can save a lot of backtracking later.

07/05/2026

BAS due soon? Just a reminder to get it lodged and paid on time.

Every May, it’s easy for BAS to slip to the bottom of the to-do list - but leaving it until the last minute can lead to avoidable stress, late fees, and follow-up from the ATO.

If your BAS is still outstanding, now’s a good time to tick it off.