EOFY 2026: Last-Minute Tax Moves to Make Before 30 June — and What Changes on 1 July

The 2025-26 Australian financial year ends on 30 June 2026. The short window before EOFY is the only time some tax strategies still count for this year — once the clock ticks over to 1 July, the opportunity is gone until next year.

This guide covers two things: the deliberate moves still worth making before 30 June, and the wave of changes landing on 1 July 2026 — a tax cut, a new $1,000 instant deduction, and the start of the $3 million super tax.

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Before 30 June: moves that still count this year

1. Top up your super (concessional contributions)

The concessional (pre-tax) contributions cap for 2025-26 is $30,000. Contributions are taxed at 15% inside super instead of your marginal rate (up to 47%), so for many people a top-up is one of the most tax-effective moves available.

Key timing rules:

• The contribution must be received by your fund by 30 June 2026 — not just sent. Allow several business days for clearing.
• If your total super balance was under $500,000 on 30 June 2025, you may be able to use carry-forward unused caps from the previous five years — potentially contributing well above $30,000.
• High earners should check Division 293 (an extra 15% on contributions once income + concessional contributions exceed $250,000).

2. Small business: the $20,000 instant asset write-off

If you run a business with turnover under $10 million, you can immediately deduct the full cost of eligible assets costing less than $20,000 each, provided they are installed and ready for use by 30 June 2026. Buying a needed tool, laptop or piece of equipment a few days early can bring the deduction forward a full year.

3. Prepay deductible expenses

Bringing deductible costs into this financial year reduces this year's taxable income:

• Interest on investment loans (many lenders allow up to 12 months prepaid)
• Income protection insurance premiums
• Professional subscriptions, memberships and work-related courses
• Donations of $2 or more to registered deductible gift recipients (DGRs)

4. Time your income and deductions

If you have flexibility, consider deferring income (e.g. issuing an invoice on 1 July rather than 28 June) and bringing deductions forward. Investors sitting on an asset showing a loss may also consider realising it before 30 June to offset capital gains crystallised earlier in the year — but never let the tax tail wag the investment dog.

5. Get your records straight now

Most missed deductions are simply undocumented ones:

• Working from home — the fixed-rate method is 70c per hour worked from home, or you can claim actual costs; either way you need a record of your hours.
• Motor vehicle — logbook or cents-per-kilometre.
• Rental properties — make sure you have a current depreciation schedule; it is one of the most under-claimed deductions for investors.

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From 1 July 2026: what's changing

A tax cut — the 16% bracket drops to 15%

From 1 July 2026, the second marginal rate (income between $18,201 and $45,000) falls from 16% to 15%. It is worth up to $268 a year to most taxpayers. It applies automatically — but it affects PAYG withholding, so it is worth checking your take-home pay updates correctly.

A new $1,000 instant deduction

From the 2026-27 year, the Government has proposed a $1,000 instant tax deduction for work-related expenses that you can claim without keeping receipts. The catch worth understanding: if your genuine work-related deductions exceed $1,000, you are better off claiming the actual amount — which means keeping records still pays. For many people with a rental property, a home office or professional expenses, "actual" will beat the flat $1,000.

The $3 million super tax begins (Division 296)

Also from 1 July 2026, Division 296 introduces an extra tax on superannuation earnings for people with a total super balance above $3 million. If that could be you — or you have an SMSF — this is a planning issue to address now, not in 2027. We cover it in detail in our Division 296 guide.

And on the horizon: CGT reform in 2027

The 2026-27 Budget's capital gains tax overhaul takes effect 1 July 2027. If you hold investment property or other growth assets, the structuring decisions are best made well ahead — see our 2026 CGT reform breakdown.

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How a registered tax agent earns their fee

Two things people routinely overlook:

1. A later lodgment deadline. If you lodge your own return, it is generally due 31 October. If you are on a registered tax agent's books before that date, you typically get a much later deadline — often into the following May — giving you time and cash-flow flexibility.
2. The fee is deductible. The cost of managing your tax affairs (including your agent's fee) is itself deductible next year.

But the real value is in the planning: a good agent finds the deductions you did not know you could claim, structures your affairs before changes hit, and keeps you out of trouble with the ATO. With a tax cut, a new deduction, the $3M super tax and CGT reform all in motion, FY2026-27 is not a year to wing it.

Book an EOFY tax review with CPL TaxWin →

You can also estimate your position with our free Australian income tax calculator.

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This article reflects rates and rules for the 2025-26 financial year and announced measures as of June 2026. Some 1 July measures remain subject to legislation. General information only — please seek advice specific to your circumstances before acting.