High Net Worth Tax Advice in Melbourne
Big changes are coming for super, trusts and capital gains. We help families and business owners understand what applies, model the numbers, and adjust their structures in time.
The short answer
From 1 July 2026, super balances above $3 million pay extra tax under Division 296. The Government has also announced a minimum tax on discretionary trusts and changes to the CGT discount, though these are not yet law. If you have large super, family trusts or property, now is the time to review your structure.
What’s changing
| Change | Status (Nov 2026) | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Div 296 – extra tax on large super balances | Law. Starts 1 July 2026 | Earnings on the part of your total super balance above $3m face extra tax, with a further increase above $10m. Thresholds are indexed. Unrealised gains are not taxed. |
| Minimum tax on discretionary trusts | Announced 12 May 2026. Not yet law | Proposed 30% minimum tax at trustee level from 1 July 2028, with a credit for individual beneficiaries. Rollover relief to restructure is proposed from 1 July 2027. |
| CGT discount replaced | Announced. Not yet law | Proposed from 1 July 2027: indexation of cost base instead of the 50% discount, plus a minimum tax on net gains. Gains before that date are proposed to keep current treatment. |
| Negative gearing limits | Announced. Not yet law | Proposed limits for established homes bought after 7:30pm AEST on 12 May 2026, from 1 July 2027. See our investor page. |
How we help
Div 296 modelling
We estimate your extra tax, check both spouses’ balances and look at whether to keep, withdraw or rebalance super.
Trust review
We map your family group, check distribution patterns and prepare for the proposed trust tax and rollover window.
CGT planning
Timing of sales, record of cost bases and valuations before 1 July 2027, and holding structures for new assets.
Business owners
Company groups, Div 7A, small business CGT concessions and planning a sale or handover.
Succession
Working with your lawyer on wills, trust deeds, binding nominations and passing wealth to the next generation.
SMSFs
Accounting, strategy and Div 296 cost-base elections for self-managed funds. See our SMSF page.
How it works
- Discovery call. A free 15-minute call to understand your situation.
- Structure map. We collect returns, trust deeds and super statements and draw your whole group on one page.
- Modelling. Clear numbers for each option, under current law and under the announced changes.
- Action plan. A written plan with dates, and we coordinate with your lawyer and financial adviser.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Div 296 super tax apply to me?
It applies if your total super balance is above $3 million. It is assessed per person, so a couple can have up to $3 million each before it applies. It starts from 1 July 2026, and the first year uses your balance at 30 June 2027.
Will Div 296 tax unrealised gains?
No. The final law taxes realised earnings only. Gains built up before 1 July 2026 are also removed, and SMSFs can elect to reset asset cost bases.
Is the 30% minimum tax on family trusts law?
Not yet. It was announced in the May 2026 Budget to start from 1 July 2028. Details may change, so we recommend preparing but not acting on it alone.
Should I restructure my trust now?
Usually not yet. Restructuring can trigger CGT and stamp duty today. Proposed rollover relief from 1 July 2027 may make it cheaper later. We’ll model both paths.
What happens to the CGT discount?
The Government has proposed replacing the 50% discount with cost-base indexation and a minimum tax from 1 July 2027. Gains made before then are proposed to keep the current rules. It isn’t law yet.
Do you work with our financial planner and lawyer?
Yes. We handle tax and structuring and work with your adviser and lawyer so everyone follows one plan.