AustAsia Group

07/10/2026

🔐 Australia's new AML/CTF rules – what they mean for you

From 1 July 2026, new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws apply to accounting and advisory firms like AustAsia Group for the first time.

This means we're now legally required to verify the identity of all our clients, existing and new, before we can provide certain services. These rules apply to the whole industry. They aren't a sign that anything is wrong with your account or affairs.

In our latest article, we explain:

✔️ What AML/CTF is and why the "Tranche 2" reforms now apply to firms like ours
✔️ Which services are affected, and which routine services generally aren't
✔️ What information you may be asked to provide as an individual, company, trust or SMSF
✔️ How the verification process works and how to know a request from us is genuine
✔️ Why a current, signed engagement agreement is now required

👉 Read the full article here:

https://www.austasiagroup.com/news/australias-new-aml-ctf-ruleswhat-they-mean-for-you/

You can expect to hear from us about this in the coming months. If you have any questions in the meantime, reach out to us. As always, we're here to help!

From 1 July 2026, new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws require us to verify the identity of all clients, existing and new, before we can provide certain services. It is a legal requirement across our industry, not a sign that anything is wrong with your account or...

03/09/2026

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ What a fantastic achievement for AAG at this year’s City to Surf!

We had an incredible 30 staff, family and friends take part, with 28 completing the 4km event and two taking on the 12km event.

It was a great reflection of the commitment and teamwork we have across AAG, and we couldn’t have asked for a better day. Beautiful sunshine, blue skies and not a cloud in sight! ☀️

A huge congratulations to everyone who participated. You should all feel very proud of what you achieved!

Well done, Team AAG! 💙

14/08/2026

Great to be at the Curtin Jobs & Employability Day today! 👋

It was fantastic meeting so many students, hearing about their career goals and chatting about opportunities to gain real-world experience with AustAsia Group.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by for a chat!

11/08/2026

Another great day connecting with students at the UWA Careers Fair! 👋

We loved hearing about your career goals and sharing how an internship with AustAsia Group can help turn your studies into real-world experience.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by for a chat, we hope to see some familiar faces again soon!

27/07/2026

𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀: 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁

𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝟭𝟮 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲? 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱

Everyone has heard about the negative gearing changes, and how this has all been designed to help new, first-time home owners in order to help them with lower demand. As usual, the effect is not just limited to the tax effect. There is a knock-on effect to how much you can borrow as someone with an investment property. It has just made the landscape more complex.

We recently modelled a real client scenario to demonstrate the effect of the negative gearing tax changes to borrowing money. A couple earning $400k combined were looking to buy a $1.3m investment property and refinance $1.3m in existing loans. Total loan required: $2.665m.

Before the negative gearing changes, both a major bank and a non-bank lender had more than enough capacity to approve it - the loans were between $2.785m and $2.816m.

After 12 May 2026, with negative gearing no longer counted in the servicing assessment for new investment property purchases, that capacity dropped to between $2.353m and $2.6125m, which means either the client is now short with a major bank, or, even at a non-bank lender's higher interest rate, the loan still falls short of what is required.

Like some of the ads on TV - Same income. Same expenses. Same rent. Compare the pair. On these numbers, neither lender can provide sufficient funds to complete purchase.

That's a swing of around 16% in borrowing power, purely from a change in policy - not a change in your finances. That means many clients who were looking to buy an investment property now, in order to plan out their future, may need to rethink their approach.

𝗔 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴:
→ Property bought before 12 May 2026? No change to your existing loans. This may also change the way that you may want to consider your new purchase. It may be that you purchase a new property to live in, and then you rent out your old property. But, this needs more tax advice and assistance in the way that this is structured so that you don't miss out on the tax deductions for your existing property. You may want to review our previous article on structuring of your home loans.
→ Buying a new build? Negative gearing is preserved either way.
→ Buying an existing investment property from here? Your borrowing capacity for servicing purposes could take a real hit - and which lender you use now matters more than ever.

If you're planning your next purchase, or have an application sitting in a lender's pipeline, get in touch before you go further - it could be the difference between a deal that stacks up and one that doesn't.

Understanding the new investment property servicing rules effective 12 May 2026, and what they could mean for your next purchase. What Has Changed Following the negative gearing legislation that took effect on 12 May 2026, lenders have updated how they assess borrowing capacity for investment proper...

19/07/2026

🚨 The ATO is ramping up debt collection – are your personal assets at risk?

The ATO has significantly increased its debt recovery efforts, and directors, business owners and taxpayers with outstanding tax debts should be aware of the potential consequences.

Understanding your obligations and taking action early can help you avoid unnecessary financial and legal risks.

In our latest article, we cover:
✔️ Why the ATO is increasing debt collection activity
✔️ When personal assets may be at risk
✔️ The powers available to the ATO to recover outstanding debts
✔️ Steps you can take if you're experiencing difficulty meeting your tax obligations

👉 Read the full article here:
https://www.austasiagroup.com/news/accountingtax/the-ato-is-ramping-up-debt-collection-are-your-personal-assets-at-risk/

If you have concerns about outstanding tax debts, acting early can make all the difference. Reach out to us to discuss your options - we're here to help with practical advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

The ATO is issuing Director Penalty Notices again, and directors' personal assets are genuinely at risk.

06/07/2026

📢 Tax Update: Three important developments you should know about

Recent legislative changes and court decisions could have significant implications for investors, business owners and SMSF trustees. We've summarised the key developments to help you stay informed.

🔹Federal Budget Tax Reforms
The Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026 has now passed both Houses of Parliament and is awaiting Royal Assent. The reforms include changes to:
✔️ Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
✔️ Negative gearing
✔️ Small business CGT concessions
✔️ WATO
✔️ The new $1,000 tax deduction

Read more: https://www.austasiagroup.com/news/accountingtax/federal-budget-tax-reformskey-changes-amendments/

🔹 SMSF Residential Property Borrowing Ban
Proposed reforms may significantly affect how Self-Managed Super Funds can borrow to invest in residential property. If you're an SMSF trustee or considering using an SMSF for property investment, it's important to understand what these changes could mean.

Read more: https://www.austasiagroup.com/news/accountingtax/smsf-residential-property-borrowing-ban-what-trustees-need-to-know/

🔹 Bendel High Court Decision – Division 7A & UPEs
The High Court's Bendel decision has provided important clarification on the treatment of unpaid present entitlements (UPEs) under Division 7A, with potential implications for trusts, private companies and their beneficiaries.

Read more: https://www.austasiagroup.com/news/accountingtax/bendel-high-court-decision-division-7a-and-unpaid-present-entitlements/

These developments highlight how quickly the tax landscape can change. Understanding how they apply to your circumstances is key to making informed financial decisions.

If you have any questions about how these changes may affect you, your business or your investments, reach out to us - as always, we're here to help with advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

The High Court's Bendel ruling is a major Division 7A win for trusts. What it means for you.

19/03/2026

🏡 Boost your super before retirement with the downsizer contribution

If you’re aged 55 or over and considering selling your home, there may be a valuable opportunity to strengthen your retirement savings.

The downsizer contribution allows eligible individuals to contribute up to $300,000 (or $600,000 per couple) from the sale of their home directly into super, without the usual contribution caps or work test restrictions.

In our latest article, we explain:

✔️ Who is eligible for the downsizer contribution
✔️ How much you can contribute
✔️ Key timing rules and requirements
✔️ Important considerations before making a decision

This strategy can be a powerful way to boost your super balance as you approach retirement, but it’s important to get the details right.

👉 Read the full article here:

https://www.austasiagroup.com/news/investments/boost-your-super-retirement-savings-downsizer-contribution/

If you’re thinking about selling your home or want to understand how this strategy could benefit you, reach out to us today. As always, we’re here to help!

Aged 55 or more? Downsizing your home might be good for you.

18/03/2026

Great to be at the UWA Careers Fair 👋

It was fantastic meeting so many students and chatting about careers in accounting, finance and taxation, along with internship opportunities at AustAsia Group.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by!

06/03/2026

Great meeting so many students at the Curtin University Careers Fair today 👋

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the AustAsia Group booth to chat about careers in accounting, finance and taxation and our internship opportunities.