The 2025/26 Federal Budget brings a mix of tax cuts, business relief, and regulatory reforms aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures and strengthening Australia’s economy. Whether you’re an individual taxpayer or a small business owner, here’s a quick look at what matters most.
💰Tax Relief for Individuals
From 1 July 2026, the 16% tax rate on incomes between $18,201 and $45,000 will drop to 15%, then to 14% in 2027. That means tax savings of up to $268 in 2027 and $536 by 2028.
The Medicare levy threshold has also increased—single individuals earning under $27,222 won’t pay the levy at all in 2025, with higher limits for families and seniors. This brings welcomed relief, especially amid rising living costs.
🎓Student Debt and HELP Repayments
Student loan holders will benefit from a 20% debt reduction, pending legislation, on top of previous indexation reforms. Even better, the repayment threshold is increasing to $67,000 in 2026—allowing more time before repayments kick in.
⚡Energy Relief for Households and Small Businesses
Eligible households and small businesses will receive two $75 rebates off electricity bills through 2025, offering modest yet meaningful help in managing utility costs.
🏠 Housing Access and Affordability
The Help to Buy scheme is expanding, with income caps raised to $100,000 for individuals and $160,000 for joint applicants, and price caps linked to average state prices. This opens homeownership to more first-time buyers.
Meanwhile, a two-year ban on foreign purchases of established homes (starting April 2025) aims to boost housing availability for locals, alongside new compliance efforts to reduce land banking.
🚫Banning Non-Compete Clauses
To support worker mobility, non-compete clauses will be banned for those earning under $175,000. This includes actions to stop businesses from using “no-poach” and wage-fixing agreements—empowering employees and encouraging fairer labor practices.
🧾Support and Protection for Small Businesses
The Budget allocates $12 million over four years to support small businesses and franchisees. Key initiatives include:
- Better enforcement of the Franchising Code of Conduct
- Stronger action against illegal phoenixing, especially in construction
- A new Social Enterprise Loan Fund for purpose-driven businesses
- Exploring unfair trading protections for small business contracts
🍻Boosts for Hospitality and Alcohol Producers
Hospitality venues, brewers, distillers, and wine producers can breathe a little easier. The Government will pause draught beer excise indexation for two years (from August 2025) and increase the annual cap on excise and wine rebates to $400,000—a boost for local industry.
🕵️Cracking Down on Tax Avoidance and Scams
The ATO is getting nearly $1 billion over four years to expand its fight against the shadow economy, under-reported income, and large-scale tax avoidance. This ensures fairer competition and protects revenue.
Also, the National Anti-Scam Centre gets an extension to help protect consumers and businesses from rising scam threats.
Takeaway:
From individual tax cuts to small business protections and energy relief, the 2025/26 Budget is a multi-layered response to economic pressure and structural reform. Whether you’re filing a tax return, hiring staff, brewing beer, or buying a home—these changes could directly affect your financial decisions.
Need help understanding what it means for your specific situation? Please give us a call to make an appointment so we can help you understand it.