Trusts that distribute can dodge new 30% minimum tax

Family trusts can skip a new 30% minimum tax on certain income. They just need to make fixed distributions to beneficiaries. This saves them stamp duties and restructuring costs.

Why it mattersSmall business operators who use trusts can now plan their taxes without large stamp duty bills. They also won't be forced to restructure.

AustraliaAbout 350,000 Australian small businesses use discretionary trusts; this change lets many avoid tens of thousands in stamp duties while the government still expects $4.5 billion from the 30% tax in its first year.

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Small businesses get workaround to dodge trust tax restructuring costs

Small businesses with discretionary trusts now have a choice. They can make fixed payments to chosen beneficiaries. This lets them escape a 30 per cent minimum tax coming to trusts in 2028. They won't need to restructure.

Why it mattersMost small businesses use discretionary trusts because their income varies. The workaround forces fixed payments, so it won't help them much. Stamp duties stay a major cost for those who restructure.

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Bathla Group seeks funds as 2,000 homes sit unfinished in Sydney

Bathla Group's administrators are seeking short-term funding to keep the developer running. But they warn it would only buy weeks to find longer-term money. The company has about 2,000 homes and apartments under construction. These span 45 projects, mostly in western Sydney.