Managing CGT in your SMSF (and why it matters more after 2027)
The 2026 budget left SMSF capital gains tax rules untouched while reforming individual CGT from 1 July 2027. How SMSF CGT works and why the gap is widening.
News & Resources
Expert commentary, market updates and plain-English guides on financial planning, superannuation, tax, property and more — from the AGS team.
Latest articles
Your Accountant Is the Business Mentor You Didn't Know You Needed
Most business owners see their accountant as a compliance resource. Here's why the right accountant is also the most valuable mentor in your corner.
Important Tax Dates & Obligations Q1 – FY 2027
Key tax lodgement dates and obligations for Q1 FY 2027 (July – September 2026). Deadlines for BAS, PAYG, super contributions, TPAR and more.
National Minimum Wage Increase: What It Means for Your Business from 1 July 2026
The National Minimum Wage rises to $26.44/hour from 1 July 2026, with a 4.75% award increase. Here's what it means for your payroll costs and cashflow.
Testamentary trusts: why the retained tax status matters
The government has confirmed testamentary discretionary trusts will keep their tax-advantaged status. Here's what that means, why these structures are one of the most powerful estate planning tools available, and who should consider one.
Trauma insurance: the cover you hope you never need
Trauma insurance pays a lump sum on serious illness like cancer, heart attack or stroke. Here's what it covers, how it differs from income protection and TPD, and a real client story showing why it matters.
SMSF Setup, Costs and Compliance: A 2026 Guide
A self-managed super fund gives you direct control of your retirement savings — but it also makes you the trustee, with real legal duties. Here's how setup, costs and compliance actually work, and what to weigh before starting one.
What happens to my super when I die?
Your super doesn't automatically flow to your estate or follow your will. Here's who can receive it, how it's taxed, and the strategies that can reduce the tax burden on your loved ones.
Division 296: the new tax on large super balances
Division 296 adds an extra layer of tax to superannuation balances above $3 million from 1 July 2026. Here's what it means, who it affects, and why the year to 30 June 2027 is the window to plan.
Salary sacrificing and super: 10 facts you should know
Salary sacrificing into super is one of the most tax-effective strategies available to Australian employees. Here are 10 things you need to understand before you start — including the traps that catch people out.
Variations of debt recycling strategies
Debt recycling isn't a single strategy — it has variations from plain vanilla to property-with-a-trust. A guide to the main approaches and where each one fits.
Latest RBA Interest Rate Announcement and History
View our full summary and access the RBA statement.
Federal Budget 2026-27
The 2026–27 Budget represents a meaningful shift in Australia's tax system, with a focus on improving housing affordability, rebalancing tax concessions, and cost-of-living relief.
Debt Recycling – A Strategy for Every Market
With interest rates at elevated levels, achieving financial success may seem challenging. However, there are strategies that remain effective regardless of market conditions—one such strategy is Debt Recycling.
AGS Financial Group Partners with Zenith Aged Care to provide specialist Aged Care expertise
At AGS Financial Group, our focus has always been on helping clients navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Today, we're pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Zenith Aged Care.
Quarterly economic update: January - March 2026
Review of global and Australian market performance, inflation trends, interest rates and key investment considerations for the March 2026 quarter.
Superannuation Changes from 1 July 2026: What You Need to Know
Major super changes start 1 July 2026, including higher caps, new taxes on large balances and pension limits. Learn what it means and why advice matters.
Alternatives to the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House
On 1 July 2026, the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) will close permanently as part of the Payday Super reforms. With only a few months left, employers still using the SBSCH need to find an alternative option, and soon.
Important Tax Dates Q4 – FY 2026
Stay up to date with key tax lodgement dates and obligations for Q4 FY 2026 (April – June 2026), including BAS, super contributions and end-of-year deadlines.
Using business money and assets for personal use or benefit?
The ATO regularly publishes focus areas for small businesses. One of the top areas where the ATO regularly sees errors is where a private company shareholder uses business money and assets for personal use or benefit.
Fringe Benefits Tax
The ATO is increasing its focus on FBT compliance, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. Key areas include company vehicles, logbooks, and employee benefits.
Market Update: Staying Focused During Geopolitical Uncertainty
Market Update: Staying Focused During Geopolitical Uncertainty
Pay Day Super
From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions at the same time as employee wages, rather than quarterly.
New Year Financial Checklist 2026
With the start of a new year, many of us take time to reflect on what we've achieved and what we want the year ahead to look like. Whether you're running a busi
NSW Land Tax 2026 – It's Here Again
During the 2025 calendar year you may have inherited, purchased or otherwise acquired land in NSW for the first time and may now be liable to pay land tax. For
Retirement Planning: What to Do With Your Superannuation
Approaching retirement? Learn how to use your superannuation for income, reduce tax and plan ahead with expert retirement planning advice.
Quarterly economic update: October - December 2025
Review of global and Australian market performance, inflation trends, interest rates and key investment considerations for the December 2025 quarter.
Important Tax Dates & Obligations Q3 – FY 2026
Key tax lodgement dates and obligations for Q3 FY 2026 (January – March 2026). Deadlines for BAS, PAYG, superannuation contributions and more.
Car Claims For Electric Vehicles
Working out the cost of electricity used to run your electric vehicle for business purposes requires specific records and some key choices. Here's what you need to know.
Protecting Your Super From Scams
With more than $4 trillion in superannuation, scammers see it as a goldmine. ASIC has warned of a rise in pushy sales tactics and false promises. Here's how to keep your nest egg safe.
Quarterly Economic Update: July – September 2025
Share markets at home and abroad posted strong returns last quarter. Discover what's shaping investment markets and what it means for you.
Sustainability for SMEs in Australia: Cut Costs & Gain Advantage
Discover how adopting sustainability practices enables Australian SMEs to reduce costs, ensure compliance, attract top talent, and secure a stronger position in supply chains.
The 4 Phases of Retirement
Dr Riley Moynes' TEDx research identifies four distinct psychological phases most people experience in retirement — well worth understanding before you reach that milestone.
The Value of Advice: What Does a Financial Planner Actually Help With?
Research from Russell Investments shows professional financial guidance boosts confidence, clarity and results. 89% of advised clients feel more confident about their finances.
AGS Welcomes Across the Board Taxation and Accounting
AGS Financial Group is pleased to welcome experienced Sydney-based accounting firm Across the Board Taxation & Accounting Services to the AGS family.
Important Tax Dates & Obligations Q2 – FY 2026
Key tax lodgement dates and obligations for Q2 FY 2026 (October – December 2025). Deadlines for BAS, PAYG, superannuation contributions and more.
The Art of Delegation
Effective delegation frees up time and boosts productivity. Here are the essential principles that separate true delegation from abdication.
The Right to Work From Home: Impact for Your Employees and Business
Proposed Victorian legislation could give employees the right to work from home two days per week. Here's what it means for your business and how to make hybrid working productive.
Quarterly Economic Update: April – June 2025
Global share markets delivered robust returns in 2024–25, driven by falling inflation, central bank rate cuts, and surprising economic resilience. Here's what it means for investors.
RBA holds the cash rate: what it means for mortgage holders right now
The Reserve Bank of Australia held the cash rate steady at its May 2025 meeting. For the millions of Australians with variable rate mortgages, here's what that means — and what actions are worth considering.
SMSF annual compliance checklist: what trustees must complete before 30 June
Every self-managed super fund must meet a set of annual compliance obligations by 30 June. Missing a deadline doesn't just mean a penalty — it can put your fund's complying status at risk. Here's everything on the list.
Debt recycling: turning your mortgage into a tax-efficient investment strategy
Debt recycling is one of the most powerful wealth-building strategies available to Australian homeowners — yet it's widely misunderstood. This guide explains how it works, who it suits, and the risks you need to understand.
Super Guarantee Rate: Australia's Current Rate & Full History
Australia's Super Guarantee (SG) rate reached 12% on 1 July 2025. See the full SG rate history by year, what the 12% milestone means for your salary sacrifice and take-home pay, and how to make the most of the increase.
Super contribution caps for 2025–26: concessional, non-concessional and the bring-forward rule
Understanding how much you can contribute to superannuation — and in what form — is fundamental to maximising your retirement savings and managing your tax. Here are the 2025–26 rules in plain English.
The Age Pension assets test: a plain-English guide for retirees
The assets test is the most common reason Australians receive a reduced — or no — Age Pension. Understanding what counts, what doesn't, and how to structure your finances can make a material difference to your entitlement.
Income protection vs TPD cover: understanding the difference and what you need
Income protection and total and permanent disability cover both protect you if you can't work — but they work in completely different ways. Getting the right mix is one of the most important financial decisions you can make.
Company, trust or sole trader: choosing the right structure for your business
The structure you choose for your business affects your tax bill, your asset protection, your ability to split income and your flexibility to bring in investors. Most Australians pick a structure without fully understanding the long-term implications.
AGS Welcomes Frank Martino and Lifetime Wealth Planners
AGS Financial Group is pleased to welcome experienced Sydney-based financial planner Frank Martino to the AGS family, effective 3 February 2025.
Estate planning essentials: what every Australian adult needs in place
A surprising number of Australians don't have a valid will — and those who do often lack the other documents that complete an effective estate plan. Here's what you actually need and why each document matters.
Property vs shares: building wealth through the right asset mix
The debate between property and shares dominates dinner table conversations about investing. The honest answer is that the question itself is usually the wrong one. Here's how to think about it properly.
How Much Does a Financial Planner Cost in Australia? (2025–26 Guide)
Financial planner fees in Australia typically range from $3,000–$6,000 for a comprehensive financial plan, or $300–$600 per hour. This guide explains every fee type, what's included, and how to assess whether professional advice is worth the cost for your situation.
UK State Pension entitlements
Worked in the UK? Take action now on National Insurance to enhance your State Pension entitlements.
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