Bendigo Accounting & Finance Blog

The 2026 Federal Budget has sparked plenty of discussion, particularly around property investing, capital gains tax and family trusts. If you've seen the headlines, you might be wondering whether it's time to change your investment strategy, restructure your business or rethink your plans altogether. Not necessarily. Most of the changes being talked about are still proposals, and there is a long way to go before any new rules come into effect. But that doesn't mean they should be ignored.

The Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) year ended on 31 March. If your business provides benefits to employees, now is the time to review how those benefits have been treated.

From 1 July 2026, a new tax is coming into play for Australians with larger super balances. It’s called Division 296, and while it won’t affect most people, it’s important to understand if you’re getting close to the threshold. Here’s what it means, in plain English.

Working from home has become common for many Australians. Whether you are a sole trader, freelancer or small business owner, operating from home can be convenient and cost-effective.

Electric vehicles are no longer a fringe option. They are becoming a genuine part of how Australians travel to work, run businesses and manage fleets. One of the biggest drivers of this shift has been the Federal Government’s Electric Car Discount, which has helped reduce the real cost of owning or leasing an electric vehicle.

If you are one of the thousands of Victorians who volunteer for our emergency services, your hard work and sacrifice are deeply appreciated. To recognise this incredible contribution, the Victorian Government has created the Eligible Volunteers Rebate Scheme. This scheme offers a rebate on the new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) liability, which has replaced the old Fire Services Property Levy on council rates notices from 1 July 2025. It is a way of saying thank you for the vital work you do. Understanding how to claim this rebate can feel a bit complicated, so we have broken down the key details to help you navigate the process.