Budget 2026: Key Tax Changes
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Budget 2026: Key Tax Changes for Australian Businesses

10 min read
Published: 5 March 2026
Intermediate

The 2025-2026 Federal Budget introduces significant tax changes affecting Australian businesses. From instant asset write-offs to superannuation guarantee increases, here is what you need to know to plan effectively.

Budget Highlights

  • Instant asset write-off threshold increased to $30,000
  • Superannuation guarantee rate rises to 11.5% from 1 July 2026
  • Small business company tax rate remains at 25%
  • Technology Investment Boost extended for eligible businesses
  • Skills and Training Boost increased to 20% bonus deduction

Instant Asset Write-Off Increase

The instant asset write-off threshold has been increased from $20,000 to $30,000 for eligible businesses with an aggregated annual turnover of less than $10 million.

What This Means

Eligible businesses can immediately deduct the business portion of the cost of eligible assets costing less than $30,000. This applies to assets:

  • • First used or installed ready for use from 1 July 2025
  • • Costing less than $30,000 (GST exclusive)
  • • Used in carrying on a business for a taxable purpose

Eligible Assets

The instant asset write-off applies to most depreciating assets including:

  • Office equipment (computers, printers, furniture)
  • Tools and equipment
  • Vehicles (subject to car limit for passenger vehicles)
  • Technology and software

Superannuation Guarantee Increase

From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee (SG) rate will increase from 11% to 11.5%. This is part of the legislated increase path that will see the SG rate reach 12% by 1 July 2027.

SG Rate Timeline

  • 1 July 2025 - 30 June 2026: 11% (current)
  • 1 July 2026 - 30 June 2027: 11.5%
  • 1 July 2027 onwards: 12%

Impact on Your Business

This increase affects your payroll costs. For an employee earning $100,000 per year:

  • Current (11%): $11,000 per year in super contributions
  • From 1 July 2026 (11.5%): $11,500 per year ($500 increase)
  • From 1 July 2027 (12%): $12,000 per year ($1,000 increase from current)

Exacc will automatically update SG rates on 1 July 2026, so your payroll calculations remain accurate without manual intervention.

Technology Investment Boost Extension

The Technology Investment Boost has been extended until 30 June 2027, providing a 20% bonus tax deduction for eligible expenditure on business expenses and depreciating assets that support digital adoption.

Eligibility

  • Businesses with aggregated annual turnover less than $50 million
  • Expenditure between $100 and $100,000 per income year
  • Eligible digital operations expenses or depreciating assets

Eligible Expenditure

Digital enabling items:

Portable payment devices, cyber security systems, computer and cloud-based services

Digital adoption items:

Subscriptions to cloud-based services, web-based applications, data backup and cloud storage

Skills and Training Boost Increase

The Skills and Training Boost has been increased from 10% to 20% for eligible expenditure on external training provided to employees by registered training providers.

Eligibility Requirements

  • • Businesses with aggregated annual turnover less than $50 million
  • • Training provided by registered providers (universities, TAFEs, registered training organisations)
  • • Applies to expenditure incurred from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2027
  • • 120% total deduction (100% standard + 20% bonus)

Small Business Tax Rates

The company tax rate for small and medium businesses (aggregated turnover less than $50 million) remains at 25% for the 2025-2026 income year.

The small business income tax offset for unincorporated businesses also remains at 16% of the basic income tax liability that relates to small business income, up to a maximum of $1,000.

Other Notable Changes

PAYG Instalments

Businesses can choose to vary their PAYG instalments if their current year income is expected to differ significantly from prior year income, potentially improving cash flow.

FBT Exemptions

The Fringe Benefits Tax exemption for electric vehicles has been extended, continuing the incentive for businesses to transition to zero and low emissions vehicles.

R&D Tax Incentive

The Research and Development Tax Incentive rates remain unchanged, with the refundable tax offset for eligible entities with aggregated turnover less than $20 million continuing at the base rate plus 18.5 percentage points.

What You Should Do Now

1. Review Your Asset Purchases

Consider bringing forward asset purchases under $30,000 to take advantage of the instant asset write-off before the end of the financial year.

2. Budget for Increased Super

Factor the 11.5% SG rate into your cash flow planning from 1 July 2026. Calculate the additional cost for your payroll.

3. Plan Technology Investments

Take advantage of the Technology Investment Boost for eligible digital expenses incurred before 30 June 2027.

4. Consider Employee Training

Invest in employee training through registered providers to claim the 20% Skills and Training Boost.

5. Consult Your Tax Adviser

Speak with your tax adviser or accountant to understand how these changes specifically affect your business and tax planning strategies.

Further Resources

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