With 30 June fast approaching, it is essential to take a proactive approach to year-end planning. The end of the financial year should be viewed not merely as a compliance deadline, but as a strategic opportunity to optimise tax outcomes and strengthen cash flow.
1. Superannuation Contributions (High Priority)
Maximise concessional contributions (tax deductible)
Cap for FY2025–26: $30,000 (includes employer SG + salary sacrifice)
Consider:
- Salary sacrifice top-ups before 30 June
- Personal deductible contributions (ensure Notice of Intent lodged)
- Ensure contributions are received by the fund prior to 30 June 2026 (Allow 3-5 business days minimum)
Use carry-forward (catch-up) contributions
- Available if total super balance < $500,000
- Use unused caps from the previous 5 years
- Ideal for executives who had large capital gains during the year
- Also ideal for non-taxed at source commission or bonus income
- Consider also if you are a Sole Trader
Non-concessional contributions
- Cap: $120,000/year or up to $360,000 under the bring-forward rule
- Useful for wealth accumulation, no immediate tax deduction
2. Timing of Income and Expenses
Defer income (if possible)
- Delay invoicing or bonuses to July. Negotiable bonuses paid in July rather than June
- Delay issuing invoices
Bring forward deductions
- Prepay deductible expenses
- Pay work-related costs before 30 June
3. Work-Related Expenses
Ensure all claims are:
- Directly related to earning income
- Substantiated (receipts, diary records)
Common deductions for executives:
- Home office expenses (fixed rate or actual method)
- Mobile phone/internet (work proportion)
- Professional memberships & subscriptions
- Self-education (role-related)
- Laptop, devices, office equipment
Instant asset write-off
For individuals: immediate deduction for assets < $300
Higher-cost items depreciated
4. Prepay Expenses
Eligible prepaid deductions (up to 12 months)
- Income protection insurance
- Interest on investment loans
- Subscriptions, memberships
Particularly useful for professionals with investment portfolios.
5. Investment & Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
Tax-loss harvesting
Sell underperforming assets to realise losses
Offset losses against capital gains
CGT discount eligibility
Ensure assets held >12 months for 50% CGT discount
Defer capital gains
Consider delaying asset sales until after 30 June
6. Interest & Investment Structuring
Review investment loans
- Ensure interest is deductible (clear nexus to income-producing assets)
- Consider prepaying interest on investment loans
Debt recycling strategies
Convert non-deductible debt into deductible investment debt
7. Private Health & Medicare Levies
Avoid Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS)
- Ensure appropriate hospital cover for the income tier
- Confirm policy is active before 30 June
Check Lifetime Health Cover loading implications
8. Income Protection Insurance
1. Ensure policy is structured outside super where tax effective
2. Premiums are generally tax-deductible
9. Family & Trust Structures
Review trust distributions
- Ensure resolutions are completed before 30 June
- Distribute to:
- Lower tax bracket beneficiaries
- Corporate beneficiaries (if applicable)
Division 7A compliance
Ensure minimum loan repayments are made on time
10. Fringe Benefits & Salary Packaging
Salary sacrifice:
- Super contributions
- Novated leases (EVs are particularly tax-effective currently)
11. Charitable Donations
Must be made before 30 June
Only deductible if to DGR-registered charities
12. Record Keeping & Documentation
Ensure all records:
- Receipts
- Logbooks (motor vehicle)
- Work-from-home records
13. PAYG Withholding & Instalments
Review PAYG instalments:
- Vary if income significantly changes
- Avoid overpaying for cash flow unnecessarily
Key Risk Areas (ATO Focus)
- Overclaimed work-from-home expenses
- Incorrectly claimed self-education
- Rental property interest apportionment
- Cryptocurrency & share trading activity
- Trust distributions and reimbursement agreements
Strategic Planning Points
Align tax strategy with:
- Long-term wealth plan
- Super vs non-super investments
- Estate planning considerations
Final Tip
Tax minimisation should never override commercial logic. The best strategies combine tax efficiency, asset protection, and long-term wealth growth.
Should you require further information on tax tips for executives and professionals, please feel free to contact Peter Quinn by submitting an enquiry or by calling us on +61 2 9580 9166.
The information in this document does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs, so you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it. It is important that your personal circumstances are taken into account before making any financial decision and it is recommended that you seek assistance from your financial adviser