The key ATO changes affecting Australian tradies this financial year — updated tax rates, super guarantee increase, instant asset write-off rules and what to watch for.
📋 In This Article
Every 1 July, the ATO rolls out changes that affect how much tax you pay, how much super you must contribute, and what you can claim. Here's what actually changed for the 2025–26 financial year and what it means for your back pocket.
📋 Key Changes at a Glance
Individual Tax Rates 2025–26
The Stage 3 tax cuts that came into effect July 2024 continue to apply in 2025–26. The key rates for most tradies:
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate | Tax Payable | Impact on Tradies |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 – $18,200 | Nil | $0 | Tax-free threshold |
| $18,201 – $45,000 | 19c per $1 | Up to $5,092 | Starting out |
| $45,001 – $135,000 | 32.5c per $1 | Up to $31,217 | Most tradies sit here |
| $135,001 – $190,000 | 37c per $1 | Up to $51,667 | Higher earners |
| Over $190,000 | 45c per $1 | 45c on every dollar | Top rate |
Super Guarantee Rate — Now 11.5%
The Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate increased to 11.5% from 1 July 2024 and remains at 11.5% for 2025–26. It increases to 12% from 1 July 2025.
What this means for you:
- If you employ staff: You must pay 11.5% of their ordinary time earnings into super by the quarterly due dates. Missing this triggers the Superannuation Guarantee Charge — which is not deductible and includes penalties.
- If you're self-employed: There's no legal requirement to pay yourself super, but the concessional cap (below) gives you a tax-effective reason to do so.
Instant Asset Write-Off — Know the Current Rules
The instant asset write-off has had a complicated few years. For 2025–26, the current rules allow eligible small businesses (turnover under $10 million) to immediately deduct eligible assets costing less than $20,000.
Important: Assets costing $20,000 or more must be depreciated through the small business depreciation pool. This is different from previous years when the threshold was $150,000+.
Check the ATO website for any updates — the threshold has changed multiple times and may change again with the federal budget.
Super Contribution Caps 2025–26
| Contribution Type | 2025–26 Cap | Tax Rate Inside Fund | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concessional (before-tax) | $30,000 | 15% | Best tax saving for most tradies |
| Non-concessional (after-tax) | $120,000 | 0% | Good once concessional cap used |
| Carry-forward unused concessional | Up to 5 prior years | 15% | Great after a big-income year |
GST and BAS — No Changes for 2025–26
Good news: GST remains at 10% and the registration threshold remains at $75,000 annual turnover. BAS lodgement deadlines are unchanged.
The one thing to watch: the ATO has increased its data matching activity, particularly around contractors and gig economy workers. If you're earning income without an ABN, expect scrutiny.
Your 2025–26 Action Checklist
- ☐ Confirm your super rate — if you have employees, check you're paying 11.5%
- ☐ Check asset write-off threshold — confirm current rules before purchasing equipment
- ☐ Review your super contributions — are you making concessional contributions up to the $30,000 cap?
- ☐ Logbook — if yours is more than 5 years old, start a new one
- ☐ BAS lodgement dates — Q1 (Jul–Sep) due 28 October; Q2 (Oct–Dec) due 28 February
- ☐ PAYG instalments — if the ATO has set these up for you, make sure you're paying them
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