News — tax

The 'death tax' on super that catches most families by surprise

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The 'death tax' on super that catches most families by surprise

There are no death duties in Australia, but superannuation left to adult children is taxed - and most families only find out when the cheque arrives. Here's how the tax works, what it costs, and the four things you can do about it while you're alive and well.

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Noel in the News: Treasury softens on family trusts — at a price

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Noel in the News: Treasury softens on family trusts — at a price

Treasury has backed away from a 30% minimum tax on discretionary family trusts, but the alternative locks trustees into fixed distributions permanently. Noel Whittaker explains why that trade-off deserves careful thought before anyone signs.

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Noel in the News: how insurance bonds actually work

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Noel in the News: how insurance bonds actually work

In the August issue of Noel News, Noel Whittaker walks through the mechanics of insurance bonds — the 10-year rule, the 30 per cent rebate, and why they can bypass your estate entirely. Here's what it means for investors in their 40s and 50s.

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Salary sacrifice explained in plain English (and who it actually helps)

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Salary sacrifice explained in plain English (and who it actually helps)

Salary sacrifice sounds like something for high flyers with accountants, but it's simply redirecting part of your pre-tax pay into super — and between 45 and 60 it does its best work. Here's how the tax saving actually works in 2026–27, how much you're allowed to put in, and how to set it up.

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Noel in the News: the tax you can owe without selling a thing

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Noel in the News: the tax you can owe without selling a thing

In his August newsletter, Noel Whittaker warns that Victoria's Windfall Gains Tax — payable on paper gains from rezoning, with no sale required — could set a national precedent for taxing unrealised gains. Here's why property owners aged 40-60 should take note.

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