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Jon Kalkman

Hey Mr Bowen, the franking credit is part of my taxable income

The Labor franking credit proposal creates a group of people who count franking credits as taxable income, and another group that doesn't. A basic principle of tax should be horizontal equity between investment structures.

Taxpayers with lowest tax rate are hardest hit

Two studies dive into the numbers to argue that Labor's franking policy will hit low income earners the hardest, because a franking credit is a constant 30% of the taxable income.

What is Labor’s franking impact outside of super and pensions?

Labor’s policy on franking credits denies some taxpayers the benefit of taxes paid on their behalf, but a franking credit is money withheld by the ATO until the shareholder’s tax return is completed, just like a PAYG taxpayer.

The myth about Costello’s super generosity

Peter Costello's 2007 changes made payments from superannuation tax free after age 60 for those who are fully retired. Is he responsible for making super unaffordable which is now forcing policy changes?

Why an SMSF pension is tax-free and receives a refund

Denying imputation credit tax refunds to the SMSF as taxpayer will reduce its income, causing pension funds to deplete faster, and its members to turn to the age pension quicker. This isn’t an outcome the Government desires.

Tax-free super drives the politics of envy

Labor has been forced to exempt 'pensioners' from its franking credit refund policy, but the target remains the zero tax paid by large SMSFs in pension phase. That will sustain the class war.

Latest Updates

Are the government’s CGT changes better for young investors?

New CGT rules promise fairness, but could young investors lose out? A practical scenario reveals how changes impact deposit goals, investment choices, and long-term wealth building for the next generation.

Retirement

How to minimise tax with a will

Inheritance tax implications in Australia may surprise some, as poor estate planning without proper wills or trusts can lead to costly tax bills and delays for beneficiaries.

Investment strategies

AI can’t pick winning funds, but it can help you avoid losers

Machine learning has been touted a game changer investment management. But a new study overturns claims that AI can generate positive alpha in mutual funds. Here are some practical takeaways for investors.

Investment strategies

Inflation BIG picture: Boomers got lucky, next Gen not so much

A 150-year view shows inflation's upward bias, driven by shifting monetary regimes and war stocks. This marks an end to the low-inflation boom that enriched boomers and ushers in a higher-inflation era for younger investors.

Planning

Tax deductibility of financial advice improves affordability

A shrinking adviser workforce and rising costs are squeezing access to financial advice, just as demand surges. Expanded tax deductibility offers a modest but meaningful boost to affordability.

Retirement

Retirement in reality – 3 months in

A reflection on travel mishaps, smart decision-making, time pressures and rebuilding health habits. Three months in, here's how to navigate the surprising realities of life after work.

Taxation

Calculating the business cost of Australia’s new 'productivity tax'

Amid a national productivity crisis, new economic analysis finds the tax changes in the 2026 Federal Budget create Australia’s first-ever by design 'Productivity Tax', where young people will pay the biggest price.

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