Accord Insights

Expert Blogs & Articles

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Highlights

Busy but not more profitable? Here is why

For many business owners, rising sales feels like proof that the business is moving in the right direction. More jobs, more customers and more turnover usually sound like good news. But higher revenue does not always mean higher profit. We regularly see businesses working harder, turning over more, and still feeling pressure on cash flow. In many cases, the issue is not a lack of sales. It is margin leakage. Costs creep in, pricing falls behind, discounts become habitual, or

Tax

David Tilley

Mar 27

Holiday homes and short-stay rentals: why the ATO is taking a closer look

The ATO has sharpened its focus on holiday homes and short-stay rental properties, particularly where owners are claiming deductions while also using the property themselves. With the rise of Airbnb and other short-term accommodation platforms, more property owners are earning income from properties that are not traditional long-term rentals. In response, the ATO has released new guidance aimed at clarifying when income must be declared and when deductions can be claimed. The

Tax

Josh Tilley

Mar 27

FBT season is approaching: are your work vehicle arrangements up to date?

As fringe benefits tax season approaches, work vehicles remain one of the most common areas of confusion for business owners. If your business owns or leases vehicles that are used by employees or directors, it is important to understand that fringe benefits tax may apply where there is private use. This continues to be an area of ATO focus, particularly where vehicles are held in companies or trusts and made available for personal use. The rules can be more complex than many

Tax

Josh Tilley

Mar 27

Busy but not more profitable? Here is why

Tax

David Tilley

Mar 27

Do not be fooled by “no receipts required” tax deductions

With the ATO continuing to focus heavily on work-related deductions, one of the most common issues that arises in reviews and audits is not whether an expense was potentially deductible, but whether the taxpayer can prove it. If you cannot demonstrate what you spent and why it relates to earning your income, the ATO may deny the claim, even where a concession applies. The starting point: the taxpayer must prove the deduction For most deductions, the burden of proof sits wit

Tax

Josh Tilley

Feb 2

Student loan debts: what you need to know about the latest changes

If you are one of the more than three million Australians with a student loan, there is some welcome news. The Government has introduced a significant one-off reduction to student loan balances, along with changes to how compulsory repayments are calculated. For many people, these updates could reduce their overall debt and lower their annual repayments going forward. The 20% debt reduction: how it works A 20% reduction to eligible student loan balances is now being applied

Tax

Josh Tilley

Feb 2

Navigating the Shift: Understanding the New Division 296 Super Tax

The landscape for high-balance superannuation in Australia has shifted significantly. Following intense industry consultation and a major redesign in late 2025, the government has released the draft Treasury Laws Amendment (Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions) Bill 2025 . For individuals with substantial super balances, the "new" Division 296 is a different beast than what was first whispered about in 2023. Here is a breakdown of the evolution of this tax and what you

Super

David Tilley

Feb 2

Accessing Super After 60: What You Need To Know About Taking Lump Sums

For many Australians, turning 60 marks a major shift in how superannuation can be accessed. Once you have met a condition of release, you can withdraw lump sums from your super at any time, and for most people those withdrawals will be completely tax-free. This can be a valuable tool when managing debts, funding major expenses, assisting family members, or implementing strategies such as recontributions. Before drawing on your retirement savings, it is important to understand

Super

David Tilley

Nov 26, 2025

Update: Government Retreats on Superannuation “Div 296” Tax Proposal

Two years ago, Treasurer Jim Chalmers released what quickly became one of the most contentious superannuation proposals in recent memory: a new tax on members with super balances above $3 million. The major concern was the mechanism. The original proposal sought to tax unrealised gains, meaning individuals could have been taxed on increases in asset values that had not been sold and may never be realised. Compounding this issue, the $3 million threshold was not indexed, ensu

Tax

Josh Tilley

Nov 26, 2025

Attention Employers: Payday Super Begins 1 July 2026

The Government has passed legislation introducing Payday Super , a significant reform that will change how employers meet their superannuation guarantee (SG) obligations. From 1 July 2026 , employers must pay super within seven business days of each payday , instead of quarterly. The aim is to close the estimated $5 billion SG gap and ensure employees receive their entitlements on time. While well intentioned, the Government once again appears not to have considered the prac

SME's

Josh Tilley

Nov 26, 2025