IFC Articles
BAS Statements in Australia: Best Practices for Small Business Owners
Running a business in Australia comes with many responsibilities, and one of the most important is staying on top of your tax obligations. For most businesses, this means regularly lodging a Business Activity Statement (BAS) with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). While BAS can feel complicated, having the right systems and practices in place can make the process much easier.
Case Study: Emma and Jack — Should they use the 5% deposit scheme or put down more?
Emma and Jack are both 32, renting in Brisbane and eager to buy their first home. They’ve saved $120,000 together over the past five years. Their combined household income is $160,000 a year. They are looking at a house priced at $800,000.
Private vs government-funded elderly care: what’s best for your loved one?
Older Australians can access both government-funded and private aged care services, each with different costs, eligibility rules and flexibility. Understanding the differences between these options can help you or your loved ones make informed choices about the right support at home or in care.
Should you take advantage of the 5% Deposit if you have a larger deposit
Buying with 5%? How the Australian Government’s Home Guarantee (5% deposit) works and whether you should use it if you already have a bigger deposit
Tax Time in Australia: What You Need to Do Before the Deadline
Every year, tax time comes around faster than we expect. Whether you are an employee, a contractor, or a small business owner, preparing for your tax return can feel overwhelming. The good news is that by knowing the deadlines and having a clear checklist, you can make the process smoother and avoid penalties.
Know your new limits under the age pension tests
Receiving the full government Age Pension, or even a partial pension payment, can provide eligible retirees with a significant amount of income over time that can supplement income earned from other assets.
How behavioural biases could be hurting your investment returns
Even the most experienced investors can fall prey to subtle psychological traps.
Trusts are back in the ATO spotlight
With more than 947,000 trusts operating across Australia, it’s no surprise the ATO continues to keep a close eye on how these structures are managed. Trusts remain central to many wealth and succession plans, but their complexity means they also attract compliance scrutiny.
If I Was Ready to Buy My First Home, Here’s Exactly What I’d Do
Buying a first home is one of those life goals that feels both exciting and terrifying at the same time. With the government’s expanded First Home Guarantee scheme rolling out from 1 October 2025, the path into homeownership looks a little smoother, but I know it still comes with plenty of decisions, risks, and responsibilities.
The gig life - balancing freedom AND financial stability
The gig economy sounds like a dream, and for many it is. Being your own boss, setting your own hours, working in pyjamas - what's not to love? Whether you're freelancing full-time or juggling a juicy side hustle, there’s magic in earning money on your terms.
But let’s not get too starry-eyed. It's not all almond-milk lattes and laptop-at-the-beach vibes.
Australian Government’s Expanded First Home Guarantee: What You Need to Know
Buying your first home in Australia has always been a big milestone, but also one of the toughest financial hurdles many people face. With rising property prices and the struggle to save a 20% deposit, it can often feel out of reach. That’s why the Australian Government has recently expanded its First Home Guarantee scheme, removing income caps, lifting property price limits, and making places unlimited from 1 October 2025. Designed to help first-home buyers get into the market sooner with just a 5% deposit and no Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance, the scheme could be a game-changer—if you know how to navigate it wisely.
Trump’s tariffs have finally kicked in, so what happens next?
Donald Trump’s new international trade tariffs have landed. Some are lower than others, some deals have been done, but overall they are the highest they have been in 100 years.
The super changes coming into effect in the 2025-26 financial year
Australian superannuation laws changed once again in the 2025-26 financial year as the nation’s fast-growing retirement savings system continues to evolve.
Important tax update: deductions for ATO interest charges scrapped
If you're carrying an Australian Taxation Office (ATO) debt there is a good chance that it will cost you even more from 1 July 2025 onwards. This is because from 1 July 2025 two types of interest charges imposed by the ATO are no longer deductible.
Finfluencers: bad tax advice could cost you
They’re advising from your insta and TikTok feeds, they’ve got huge followings, they speak with conviction - financial influencers or ‘finfluencers’. Please heed our caution, taking advice from unqualified sources can have serious consequences. We’re seeing examples of misleading claims, exaggerated deductions and outright misinformation. Relying on this advice could not only leave you out of pocket but also expose you to ATO penalties, fines or in the worst case scenario - prosecution.
Forging new bonds - how bonds work
Bonds are not usually the flashy upstarts of the investment world with their every move reported, like stocks.
Are your adult children ready for the wealth transfer?
The inheritance wave is building but most people are unprepared for the ride.
5 steps towards a financially fit retirement
If retirement is just around the corner, the current financial climate may make you feel a little uneasy. Watching the markets fluctuate might leave you worrying about whether your superannuation will be enough to see you through.
Div 296 super tax and practical things to consider
Division 296 super tax is a controversial Federal Government proposal to impose an extra 15% tax on some superannuation earnings for individuals if their total superannuation balance (TSB) is over $3 million as at 30 June of the relevant income year.
The First Home Buyer Grant in Queensland – What You Need to Know in 2025
Buying your first home is a moment you’ll never forget – but it can also feel overwhelming. From saving your deposit to navigating banks and government policies, there’s a lot to wrap your head around. The good news? If you’re buying or building a new home in Queensland, you might be eligible for a $30,000 First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) to help make your dream a reality..