Tax Tips, Guides & Insights

The Cost of Living Tax Offset (CLTO) is a temporary measure for the 2025–26 tax return. It provides up to $1,200 in tax relief, but the amount you get depends entirely on your taxable income.

To get the biggest possible refund this July, you must act before the clock strikes midnight on June 30, 2026. Once the new financial year starts, these opportunities vanish. Your "EOFY Action Plan" should include these things.

Quick Answer: The "Fitness" Truth for 2026 Can you claim your gym membership on your 2025–26 tax return? For 99% of Australians, the answer is No. Even if your boss tells you to stay fit, or you need to be in shape to do your job, the ATO generally views fitness as a "private expense." The Exceptions (The 1%): You can only claim gym fees if your role requires an extraordinary level of fitness for which you are regularly tested. This includes: ADF Special Forces: Commandos, SA

If this is your first time dealing with the ATO, don't panic. For the 2025–26 financial year, here is the "Cheat Sheet" for students.

Starting in the 2025–26 financial year, the ATO has introduced a simplified way to claim work-related expenses. You now face a choice between two paths: The $1,000 "Fast Claim" (Standard Deduction) and Itemising (Actual Expenses).

In 2026, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) uses a sophisticated web of automated systems to track side hustle income. If you sell goods or services online, the ATO likely already knows your earnings through three primary channels.

In 2026, the ATO provides two main ways to claim the cost of using your own car for work. The "best" method depends on how much you drive and what records you’ve kept.

If you work in nursing, midwifery, or direct healthcare, your 2026 tax return is likely more valuable than the average Australian's. Because of your professional requirements, you have access to a specific set of deductions. Here is your "Essential 5" for the 2025–26 financial year.

The Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) is an extra tax (on top of the standard 2% Medicare Levy) paid by Australians who earn over a certain amount and do not have appropriate private hospital cover. For the 2025–26 financial year, the thresholds have increased.

If you earn money through a digital platform in Australia, the ATO views you as a sole trader (a small business owner), not an employee. Here is the 2026 essentials list.

If you hold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) like VGS, VAS, or DHHF, you won't get a "group certificate." Instead, you receive an AMMA (Attribution Managed Investment Trust Member Annual) Statement. Here are the 2026 essentials.

The 2025–26 financial year has brought the biggest changes to student loans in Australian history. If you are deciding whether to make a voluntary repayment before the 1 June 2026 indexation deadline, here is the essential data.

Quick Answer: The 2026 "Red Flag" ATO Audit Target List The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced its primary focus areas for the 2025–26 tax season. If your return includes any of the following, the new AI-driven "Data Matching" system will be looking at you closely: Side Hustles: Income from Uber, Airbnb, Airtasker, or eBay. Crypto Swaps: High-frequency digital asset trades and staking. Work-from-Home (WFH): Over-claiming hours without a 12-month logbook. Rental Pr

To get the largest legal tax refund this year, you need to focus on three key pillars: Timing, Substantiation, and Expert Review. Here are the top 5 ways to increase your return.

If you are in a rush, here are the absolute essentials you need to have ready before you log into Tax Falcon to lodge your 2025–26 tax return.