Date posted: 16/10/2026
Keeping track of 2026 budget announcements – as at 16 October 2026
Consultation papers, exposure drafts and legislation with very short consultation periods about tax reforms are being issued. This page helps you keep track of developments
In brief
- Negative gearing legislative changes are almost finalised, with ATO guidance yet to commence
- Capital gains tax changes are being progressed in tranches with much legislation still to come
- Draft discretionary trust changes are complex with many questions yet to be answered
The May 2026 Budget contained many tax announcements. Keeping track of how these announcements are progressing is difficult. This page, last updated on 16 October 2026, helps you know what are the latest developments.
Individuals
- Standard deduction – has been legislated and the ATO has issued a draft LCR. The deduction applies for the 2026/27 and later income years
- Reduced minimum tax rate for 2026/7 and 2027/8 – was legislated back in 2025
- $250 working Australian offset – has been legislated and applies for the 2027/28 and later income years
- Phasing out of the FBT exemption for electric vehicles - draft legislation with Treasury consultation, CA ANZ submission
Business
- Permanent instant asset write-off for small business entities – has been legislated, CA ANZ submission·
- Permanent loss carry back – has been legislated, CA ANZ submission
- Refundable loss carry back – legislation is expected in 2027
- R&D changes – exposure draft with Treasury consultation
- Venture capital changes – exposure draft legislation with Treasury consultation
- Innovative Business CGT Concession (IBCC) – draft legislation with Treasury consultation
- CGT real property definition for non-residents – has been legislated, CA ANZ submission on draft legislation
- 50% CGT discount for renewable energy projects – has been legislated, CA ANZ submission on draft legislation
- Global and domestic minimum tax changes – unknown expected date
Negative gearing
- Basic legislative changes – have been legislated with only Senate consultation, CA ANZ submission
- New residential dwelling – Bill introduced to parliament and referred to Senate Committee, CA ANZ submission on draft legislation
- Deceased estates and marriage breakdown – legislated without consultation
- ATO yet to provide guidance
Capital gains tax changes
- Basic legislative changes - have been legislated with only Senate consultation, CA ANZ submission
- Second tranche covering apportionment – exposure draft with Treasury consultation, CA ANZ submission
- Third tranche – covering non-residents, clarifying apportionment, MITs and AMITs, loss-ordering, deferred gains from CGT events and exemptions for certain trusts - Bill introduced to parliament and referred to Senate Commitee.
- Fourth tranche – yet to be released to cover, value shifting, deeming rules, consolidated groups, listed investment companies, employee share schemes, options and demergers
- Deceased estates and marriage breakdown – legislated without consultation
- ATO yet to provide details about simplified valuation or any guidance
Trusts changes
- Consultation paper by Treasury, CA ANZ submission
- Exposure draft legislation, by Treasury CA ANZ submission
- Bill introduced to parliament and referred to Senate Committee.
- Second tranche – yet to be released to cover interactions with residency, capital gains tax, international taxation, administrative and reporting requirements and integrity provisions
Parliamentary sitting dates remaining for 2026
26-29 October House of Representatives
16-19 November Senate
23-26 November both Houses of Parliament
Australian Federal Budget 2026-27
CA ANZ’s 2026-27 Australian Federal Budget commentary on the night.
Read moreFederal Budget 2026-27 Overview
This budget fundamentally changes how capital gains and trusts are taxed by introducing a 30% minimum tax rate and many other changes.
Read more