Tax Planning
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Maximise Tax Savings in 2025: Year-End Opportunities & Red Flags for Brisbane Businesses

ByMichelle Baraza

Want to pay less tax in the 2025 financial year (FY)?  
Here are 3 easy ways to increase your refund – and 3 common mistakes to avoid.

3 Smart Tax Moves

1. Grow Your Super & Save Tax

Best for: those under 75 and looking to build retirement savings 
What: Add extra money to your super before June 30 and claim it in your tax deductions 
How much: $30,000 per year (including employer payments).
Bonus: If your super balance was under $500,000 last year, you might claim unused amounts from the last 5 years.

Tip: Sold shares or property? Contribute more to your super to reduce income tax, sales tax, CGT and more.

2. Claim Charitable Donations

Best for: Those donating to registered charities (DGRs)
What: Claim tax deductions on the full amount you donate 
How much: Higher earners save more. For example, a $10,000 donation to a DGR can create a…

  • $3,250 deduction for someone earning $120,000 
  • $4,500 deduction for someone earning $180,000+

Pro tip: Set up a private ancillary fund. Claim the full amount now, then distribute funds over time.

3. Maximize Investment Property Claims

Best for: Landlords with properties available for rent
What: Get a depreciation schedule, and claim deductions on wear and tear
How much: A proper depreciation schedule can save thousands every year

Pro tip: repairs can be claimed immediately, upgrades must be spread over time.

3 Costly Mistakes to Avoid

1. Work-From-Home Claim Errors

Risk: ATO paying extra attention this year and rejecting more claims
Watch out for: 

  • Claimable: Power (70c/hour), internet, phone
  • NOT claimable: Coffee, toilet paper, household items

Must do: Keep 4-week diary of actual hours worked and all receipts (estimates not accepted)

2. Incorrect Investment Property Deductions

Risk: ATO audits check for holiday homes and whether the properties were available to rent 
Watch out for: 

  • only claim for the period during which the property was available for rent 
  • if you’re claiming interest on loan borrowed for the rental property, be sure not to claim any money used for personal needs (school fees, holidays etc.,)
  • Repairs (like replacing a fence paling) are deductible immediately. Major upgrades (like a new kitchen or hot water system) must be claimed over time.
  • Claims must match your legal ownership percentage, even if one person pays the bills.

3. Undeclared Side Income

Risk: Penalties for unreported platform earnings
Watch out for: 

  • ATO is matching data with 40+ sharing platforms including Uber, Airbnb, YouTube, and more 
  • this includes freebies and payments held in your account.

Deadline June 30th 

This is a good time to review your super, donations, and property deductions. 
Good tax planning could save you thousands, but any mistakes can also attract ATO attention.
If you’re unsure about anything, speak with your accountant or tax advisor before 30 June.

Need Help?

Contact us or call 07 3483 0100 for a free consultation 

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