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 […]
The Etax Blog: Tax Tips
Division 293 Tax
What is Division 293 Tax? Division 293 tax is an additional tax on concessional superannuation contributions for high-income earners in Australia. Its purpose is to reduce the tax advantage that wealthier individuals receive on their super contributions, making the system more equitable. Who It Applies To You may be subject to Division 293 tax if […]
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 […]
Working Two Jobs in Australia: What You Need to Know
As living costs rise, many Australians are working two jobs (or multiple jobs!) to make ends meet. According to the Bureau of Statistics, 6.5% of the Australian workforce held multiple jobs in March 2025. While working two jobs can boost your income, it’s important to understand how this affects your taxes at the end of […]
“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: […]
Stage 3 Tax Cuts explained – what do they mean for you?
Stage 3 Tax Cuts in a snapshot Stage 3 tax cuts were adjusted from 1 July 2024, aiming to give a bit of a tax break to lower and middle income earners, compared to earlier tax changes that favoured workers already enjoying large salaries. Compared to the original tax cuts, the new changes help low […]
Want to raise little entrepreneurs? Start by teaching kids about money
Teaching kids about money early is one of the most valuable life lessons you can give them. If you’re planning on raising money smart kids, you need to start early (even with preschoolers). In fact, the earlier the better. Your child’s understanding and attitude towards money can affect them throughout their life. If they learn […]
4 Ways To Get Your Tax Refund Faster
Waiting for your tax refund is agony, especially when you’ve got plans for the money. Here’s why some Australians get their refunds in as little as seven days while others wait months. How do you get a tax refund faster? So, here’s something most people don’t know: the ATO doesn’t process returns in the order […]
myGov vs Etax vs tax agent: which is best for your Australian tax return?
“What’s the best way to do my tax return?” Choosing between myGov, Etax, and a traditional tax agent comes down to how much support you want, how complex your situation is, and how large a refund you’re after. This guide compares all three so you can decide with confidence which option is best for you. […]
How to boost your refund (and get your best tax return yet)
Many Australians lose hundreds of dollars each year – simply because they forget about work-related deductions and the receipts they can claim. Do you compare your tax refund to your friends and family and wonder, “How can I get a better refund”? There are many ways Australians can improve their tax refund. Every year, Australians […]
Australian Superannuation Guide
Everything you need to know about superannuation, from the basics of how funds work, extra payments, tax deductions & keeping them on track.
Claiming Work From Home Tax Deductions
If you’re an employee who works from home, you’re probably using things like your phone, internet, and electricity. These are considered work from home tax deductions that you could potentially claim on your tax return.
Work related car expenses: how to claim cents per km or the logbook method
The ATO has rules for how to calculate car deductions. Find out how new car deduction rules may affect you (and your tax refund).
