The federal government announced in the 2026–27 Budget a new tax offset called the Working Australians Tax Offset, or WATO. It will be a permanent annual tax offset of up to $250 for Australians who earn an income from their job.
Tax Advice
Tax Advice: 2026 Tax Return | Increase Your Tax Refund | Tax Deductions | Medicare and Health Insurance | Tax Rebates
Saving Money: How to save a million dollars – plus how to save money faster
How Can I be Great at Saving Money? To save money, you don’t need to make huge changes to your lifestyle. You don’t have to somehow find a job earning 5 times your current salary. What you need is to simply make the decision and commit to saving some money, however much or little that may be. […]
What is the maximum ATO late lodgement penalty?
The maximum fine handed out by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for not lodging your tax return by the 31 October deadline is $1,820! Fines can start at $364 for being just one day overdue, then increase over time, as follows: Days overdue Total fine amount 1 – 28 days $364 29 – 56 days […]
HELP Repayment Rates: How To Repay HELP Debt Quickly
Need help with HECS-HELP debts? Here are some tips on repaying your HELP debt… If you are one of many people who finished university with a HELP (Higher Education Loan Program) debt, you might not be sure exactly what the steps are to repay help debt. It’s important that you know how to repay HELP debt, […]
Find Lost Super – How to track down your superannuation and boost your retirement savings
Are you looking for your lost super? Do you have multiple super funds? Not sure? It’s easy to take control of your superannuation today. Finding and consolidating your lost super could significantly boost your retirement savings.
Etax Fees: How much does a tax return cost at Etax.com.au?
Here’s everything you need to know about the low Etax fees and why Etax is Australia’s favourite online tax agent. Why is there a tax agent fee at Etax? Etax is a registered Australian tax agent that offers you: Etax is like visiting an old-fashioned tax accountant – but all online, fast and easy, anytime that’s […]
Exploring the FIRE Movement: A journey to financial freedom in Australia
The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement is growing but it takes a good deal of commitment and sacrifice.
Modern Awards: Your Rights as an Employee
As an employee in Australia, you have workplace rights that protect both your working conditions and how much you’re paid. In many industries, one of the most important protections is something called a modern award. They set the minimum pay rates and conditions for different industries.
3 Achievable Financial Goals to Set Each Year
If your mind is full of goals but they all seem so overwhelming that you keep putting them off, this article is for you. We look at how you can achieve more by aiming for less.
Contractor vs Employee: Which is best for you?
When you’re weighing up the contractor vs employee career route, you’re not just choosing a job title, you’re shaping your lifestyle, income strategy, and long-term career path. In this guide, we explore the trade-offs between employment and contracting, giving you a clear outline of each structure, along with real-world examples.
How to save money – 3 money saving tips to ignite your savings
Struggling to grow your savings account? With so many increases in the cost of living, many of us are feeling the pinch in our savings accounts. We regularly hear of people actually having to dip into their savings to make ends meet, or to make purchases that just couldn’t be put off any longer. That’s […]
APRA Super-fund or a Self-Managed Super Fund?
Choosing the Right Super Option for Your Unique Needs Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) are growing in popularity and more Australians are using them to build their retirement funds. What are SMSFs, and most importantly, are they worth it? Below we compare the two most popular options, self-managed and APRA-regulated funds. Definitions What is a Self-Managed […]
Top 5 ATO Audit Red Flags in 2026
Key Takeaways: What Is an ATO Audit and How Does It Work? An ATO audit happens when the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) takes a closer look at your tax return. It can involve anything from a quick request for receipts to a full review of your finances. The ATO reviews millions of returns every year […]
“Instant Tax Refunds” in Australia: What They Really Cost (And Why to Avoid Them)
At tax time you often see ads for a “same day tax refund” or “instant tax refund”. The promise of cash today sounds appealing, but the reality is far less attractive. The truth is, a “same day tax refund” is not really what the name suggests. Can I Get my Tax Refund Today? No – […]
The $1000 Instant Tax Deduction: What It Really Means for Your Tax Refund
Sometimes called the ‘$1000 automatic tax deduction’, this new $1000 Instant Tax Deduction is coming in 2027. Here’s the short version: First mentioned in the lead-up to the April 2025 federal election, the Government announced a “$1000 instant tax deduction” and also confirmed it in their 2026 Federal Budget in May. NEW 2026 Budget Update: […]
