Legislation restricting SMSFs using residential property LRBAs has now passed Parliament The Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No 1) Bill 2026 ( the Reform No 1 Bill ) was passed by Parliament on Thursday 25 June 2026. Schedule 5 of the Reform No 1 Bill amends section 67A of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 to restrict future limited recourse borrowing arrangements ( LRBAs ) on real property to investments in “business real property” (as defined in section 66 of the SIS Act). Residential property of any kind is excluded from the definition of “business real property” in section 66 of the SIS Act. We note this also excludes newly constructed residential property, which is a distinction at odds with recent exemptions being given to new-builds with other Budget Night tax changes relating to negative gearing and restricting the CGT 50% discount. Super funds are not generally allowed to borrow for investments, but there has been a concession allowing a self-managed super fund ( SMSF ) to borrow money to buy single assets like property, if their loans were set up in line with particular requirements, known as LRBAs. This change means an SMSF will not be able to borrow to buy residential property after the start date of these changes.

A strategy often used to reduce taxable income (and, in turn, tax payable) in an income year is to bring forward any expected or planned deductible expenditure from a later income year. However, any individuals with potentially reduced income for the 2026 tax season may want to instead consider deferring any deductible expenditure (if possible).

Many business clients like to review their tax position before the end of the income year and evaluate any strategies that may be available to legitimately reduce their tax. Traditionally, year-end tax planning for profitable small businesses is based around accelerating deductions and deferring income. The Year End Checklist in the link below explains some common strategies that may be considered for all business taxpayers.

Year-end tax checklists for Individuals and Businesses We have recently prepared two Year End Checklists which help explain some common strategies that may be considered for Individual and Businesses taxpayers. Year End Checklist for Individuals – click here Year End Checklist for Businesses – click here

Planning for Superannuation Contributions before 30 June 2026 As the end of the financial year is approaching, we take this opportunity to remind you of the various superannuation thresholds, opportunities, obligations and changes, including topics such as:  Concessional contributions Non-concessional contributions Superannuation guarantee Impending changes to superannuation from 1 July 2026