After being frozen for five years, the Centrelink deeming rates recently rose on 20 September 2025. Deeming rates are used to work out income from financial assets, thereby providing administrative ease in the application of the income means test. The process assumes that certain financial assets earn a set rate of income, rather than considering what they really earn.

2025 proved again to be a year of resilient global economic growth and strong returns for risk
assets. However, it certainly didn’t feel that way in early April as we all grappled with what
President Trump’s Liberation Day meant for economies and markets.

2025 proved again to be a year of resilient global economic growth and strong returns for risk
assets. However, it certainly didn’t feel that way in early April as we all grappled with what
President Trump’s Liberation Day meant for economies and markets.

High income earners will be familiar with the somewhat dreaded ‘Division 293 tax’. However, Division 293 tax does not only apply to those people who derive substantial income from employment or self-employment. The additional tax bill can crop up as a result of taxable income from other sources, including investment income, capital gains and other one-off events or payments (e.g. employment termination payments).

After sustained industry pushback, the Government has reshaped its Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions (BTSC) policy to remove the controversial tax on unrealised gains. From 1 July 2026, BTSC will apply only to realised earnings, introduce a two-tier framework for very large balances, and index the $3m and $10m thresholds to CPI (aligned with Transfer Balance Cap movements). The ATO will continue to assess liabilities, while funds – including SMSFs – will need the capability to attribute realised earnings to inscope members on a fair and reasonable basis.

A spouse contribution, when related to a contribution tax offset, is a way to boost a spouse’s super whilst managing tax. These contributions can also help address situations where one partner may have a lower super balance due to leave or reduced working hours.