Australia: Tax Authorities

Victoria's Vacant Residential Land Tax has expanded statewide from 2025, introducing progressive tax rates of up to 3% on properties left unoccupied for more than six months annually. Property owners across Victoria now face strict notification requirements and substantial penalties, with rates escalating based on consecutive years of vacancy.

The Australian Taxation Office has released its Decision Impact Statement following the High Court's landmark Bendel judgment on unpaid present entitlements and Division 7A. While some taxpayers who maintained passive arrangements may find relief, significant questions remain about the application of anti-avoidance provisions and the Commissioner's discretionary powers. The statement signals important changes to longstanding ATO guidance and raises critical considerations for trust and corporate beneficiary

Directors who lodge their company's Activity Statements on time may still face personal liability through Director Penalty Notices if they underreport tax obligations. This article examines a critical but often misunderstood distinction in the legislation: timely lodgement alone doesn't prevent lockdown DPNs—directors must also accurately notify the Commissioner of the correct amounts owed.

Commercial property acquisitions in Australia involve significant financial exposure and long-term commitment. Whether the asset is a warehouse, retail premises, shopping centre or office building...

The 2026 Federal Budget has introduced significant changes to how discretionary trusts, including testamentary discretionary trusts (TDTs), will be taxed. If passed, these changes have far-reaching implications for estate planning strategies that many families use to protect and pass on wealth.

The Federal Budget announced on 12 May 2026 introduces significant structural tax reforms that will materially impact wealth creation, investment strategies, and business/holding structures.

Early legal input at the structuring stage often makes the difference between a development model that withstands regulatory scrutiny and one that becomes costly to unwind.

The Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Bill 2025 and the Superannuation Guarantee Charge Amendment Bill 2025...

On 3 December 2025, the Full Court Federal Court handed down its judgment in Commissioner of Taxation v Hicks [2025] FCAFC 171.