THE ADVISER MONTHLY | May 2026

VOLUME IV. ISSUE 5

Tax Time & Budget Insights: Simple Steps Before EOFY

Welcome to the May Edition of The Adviser Monthly!

As we move toward the end of the financial year, it’s a timely moment to pause and focus on the money decisions that can make the months ahead feel clearer and more manageable — from getting your tax paperwork organised to understanding what recent Budget announcements may mean for everyday costs and planning.

This month, we’re sharing practical ways to prepare early for EOFY, improve record‑keeping, and approach tax‑time decisions with confidence — whether you’re an employee, small business owner, investor, or using super as part of your longer‑term strategy.

You’ll find straightforward guidance on tax basics, thoughtful insights for investors, super and tax considerations, and simple EOFY checklists you can come back to as the year wraps up.

The aim is to help you stay informed without feeling overwhelmed.

At Make Work Optional, we’re here to help you navigate end‑of‑financial‑year decisions and keep your plans moving in the right direction.

Take a few minutes to explore this month’s articles below.

The top five things needed in the coming Budget

A sharp, investor‑lens take on what the next Federal Budget should prioritise: targeted relief (not a spending splash), spending restraint, real tax reform, and productivity fixes that actually lift long‑term growth.

Millions of Australians offered $1000 instant tax deduction under proposed law

The government is pushing a standard $1,000 work‑expense deduction to cut paperwork — but it’s $1,000 off taxable income, not a $1,000 refund. Worth knowing who benefits and what the realistic savings look like.

Future Focus: One of the most generous tax breaks in Australia

If life takes you overseas, interstate, or into a “rent-then-upgrade” plan, this explains the 6‑year main‑residence rule — and how getting it wrong can trigger a nasty CGT surprise later.

The property vs shares debate heats up

Bricks or brokerage? This breaks down the real trade‑offs — leverage vs liquidity, costs, diversification, and what matters most: your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon (not dinner‑party opinions).

The golden ATO rule for claiming tax deductions in 2026 revealed

Before you claim anything, remember the ATO’s simple test: you paid it, it relates to earning income, and you can prove it. Especially relevant with tighter scrutiny on work expenses, WFH claims, and rentals.

What are my options for drawing on my super savings?

A clear explainer of the big retirement-income choices: account‑based pensions, annuities, and lump sums — plus why flexibility, minimum drawdowns, and tax treatment should be part of your plan well before you stop work.

Join Our Email List

Please leave your email below to receive a notification about The Adviser Monthly, the official monthly digital publication of Make Work Optional. (No spam allowed.)

Have another question?

Get in touch and I’d be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.