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Complete the Growthwise 2026 Tax Return
This is how we do things at Growthwise. Complete the checklist and we take it from there, no appointment needed. The checklist opens on the 1st July and we kick off preparing returns on the 18th July.
Tax Time 2026 — Everything You Need to Know
New to Growthwise, or just want a refresher on how the process works? This is the post to read first. Covers how we work, key dates, and what the ATO is watching this year.
FAQ — Personal Income Tax Returns
The most common questions we get, answered. How we work, how to pay, electronic signing, how long refunds take, and more.
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Deductions Guides
What Expenses Can I Claim as an Employee?
The practical guide to work-related deductions — what's in, what's out, and what proof you need.
Working from Home — What Can I Claim?
The 70 cents per hour fixed rate, the actual cost method, and the records you need to use either one.
I Drive a Lot for Work — What Can I Claim?
The two claiming methods for motor vehicle expenses, how to keep a logbook, and which trips actually count.
Super Contributions and Tax Deductions
What you can and can't claim for super contributions — concessional contributions, personal contributions deductions, and spouse contributions. Factual guide only.
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Investment & Property
Everything about rental income and expenses, depreciation, the repairs vs capital distinction, buying and selling, and the Budget 2026 changes to negative gearing and CGT.
Airbnb & Holiday Homes — What the ATO Is Looking At
Short-term rentals, apportionment rules, the "available for rent" test, and what you can and can't claim.
Crypto, ETFs, Shares & Managed Funds — Tax and the ATO
The ATO has your investment data. Here's what counts as a taxable event for each asset type and what records you need.
What the 2026 Federal Budget Means for Property Investors and Asset Holders
The negative gearing grandfathering rules and the CGT changes coming from 1 July 2027 — what they mean and what to do now.
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Income
Declaring All Your Income — Gig Work, Side Hustles and the Sharing Economy
Uber, Airtasker, freelance, cash jobs — all of it needs to be declared. Here's how it works.
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Getting it Right
Common Tax Return Mistakes — and How to Avoid an ATO Audit
What we see every year. What the ATO flags. How to make sure your return is solid.
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Tools & Downloads
Rental Property Income & Expense Spreadsheet
Use this to summarise your rental income and expenses if you self-manage your property.
Vehicle Logbook Template (Google Sheets)
Track your work-related kilometres properly throughout the year.
The ATO's own tool for storing receipts and tracking deductions on your phone.
Sharesight — Portfolio and Tax Reporting
If you've got shares or ETFs, Sharesight tracks cost bases, dividends, and DRP allocations and generates a tax report. We use it directly.
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Key Dates — FY2025–26
Returns open: Saturday 18 July 2026
ATO standard deadline: 31 October 2026
Extended deadline for Growthwise clients: The ATO deadline for clients on our agent listing is 15th May. We will not process any returns after 31st March 2027.
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Need Help?
Prefer to talk something through? Phone appointments are available with Alan & Steph
Email us: mailto:[email protected]