OC Grant Accountants and Advisory | Tax + Super | July 2026
This overview reflects the original newsletter. Tax and superannuation rules may have changed since publication.
Our July newsletter examines family trusts and the Bendel decision, capital gains tax planning, foreign residency, SMSF borrowing and retirement considerations.
Family trusts: a changing tax landscape
The July issue brings together two developments affecting family trusts: the proposed minimum tax on trust income and the High Court’s decision in the Bendel case. It considers why trustees and beneficiaries may need to review their arrangements.
The opening feature distinguishes the longer-term Budget proposal from the court decision. It encourages readers to consider the terms of their own trust and obtain advice about the implications for distributions and corporate beneficiaries.
The Bendel decision and unpaid present entitlements
A dedicated article explains an unpaid present entitlement: income allocated to a beneficiary that has not yet been paid across. It reviews the High Court’s decision reported in the newsletter and the relationship between such entitlements and Division 7A.
The feature emphasises that the result depended on the arrangements examined by the Court. It does not suggest that all unpaid entitlements can be ignored or that every trust will have the same outcome.
Capital gains and the timing of a sale
The July edition discusses the CGT changes it reports as legislated and examines how the timing of an asset sale could affect the outcome. It considers the treatment of gains on either side of the changeover date described in the issue.
A later feature looks specifically at self-funded retirees and the minimum tax on capital gains, including the interaction with government payment eligibility. These articles form part of the July 2026 archive; current legislation and individual circumstances should be checked before acting.
Selling an Australian home as a foreign resident
Another feature examines the main residence exemption where a seller is a foreign resident for tax purposes. It highlights the significance of residency status and the timing of the sale contract.
The article also discusses narrowly defined life-event exceptions and relationship breakdown scenarios. It is a reminder to review the tax position before moving overseas or selling, particularly when a former family home is involved.
Borrowing through an SMSF
The newsletter explains limited recourse borrowing arrangements and the restrictions on the assets an SMSF can acquire using borrowed funds. It then discusses the residential property borrowing change and commencement date reported in the July issue.
Existing arrangements, refinancing and contracts signed before the stated start date are covered in the source article. Anyone considering an SMSF transaction should confirm the rules that apply to the proposed acquisition before making a commitment.
Talk to OC Grant
If a topic in this issue relates to your business, property or retirement plans, contact OC Grant Accountants and Advisory on (07) 3522 2400 or email [email protected] to discuss your circumstances.
Adapted from the OC Grant July 2026 client newsletter. © Content in partnership with the Institute of Financial Professionals Australia.
General information only. This content has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, consider its appropriateness for your circumstances and seek professional advice.