Budget 2025–26: A Bit of Tax, A Splash of Rebates & One Cold Beer Win

Here's a cheeky breakdown for small biz legends and the humble taxpayer of the 2026 Federal Budget

Let’s be honest—when the government brought the 2025–26 Federal Budget forward from May to March, we all leaned in, thinking, “Ooooh, what’s the rush? Surely something juicy is coming.”

Well… turns out the only real sizzle in this sausage was a pause on beer tax. Yep, we’re not joking. But let’s not cry over cold brews—here’s what is in the budget, minus the political fluff and plus a healthy dose of cheek.

☕ SMALL BUSINESS: WHERE’S THE LOVE?

❌ Instant Asset Write-Off? Still in limbo!

The $20,000 instant asset write-off? Was proposed for 2025 but still hasn’t passed Parliament so we don't know if there is one. Super helpful isn't it? Said no-one ever! We'll just go ahead and assume that it will eventually pass.

⚡ Energy Rebate Extended (Barely)

$325 relief extended to 31 December 2025
Automatically applied to energy accounts
Pair it with the household $300 rebate if you're running your biz from home and call it a double win

🏨 Hospitality Gets Some Help (Finally!)

The government’s popped a few olives into the hospitality martini this year—and while it’s not a full platter, it’s more than crumbs:

🍻 Booze producers rejoice: The excise remission cap for brewers, distillers, and winemakers is getting a bump—from $350K to $400K per year starting 1 July 2026.

🍷 Wine and spirits join the party: The WET producer rebate is getting the same upgrade. More cellar door vibes, less tax on your tastings.

🍽️ Targeted support for venues: There’s funding for hospitality and regional tourism-focused businesses to help manage rising costs and staffing struggles.

🍃 Energy efficiency grants: Grants of up to $25K for upgrades like fridges, heating, and ventilation systems. Time to swap the energy-guzzling oven for one that doesn’t break the budget—or the circuit.

🍺 Draft beer tax paused: The big headline? No indexation on draught beer excise from August 2025 to August 2027. Cheers to two years of price certainty on your pints.

🛡️ CYBER & DIGITAL HELP FOR SMALL BIZ

Cyber threats are real, and the government knows it. Over $60 million has been invested to help small businesses stay safe and smart online. Programs include:

Cyber Wardens training for staff
Cyber Health Checks for your systems
Resilience support for bounce-back after breaches

If your password is still “admin123,” it’s time to level up.

🚫 BAN ON NON-COMPETE CLAUSES

Now here is a strange one. Biz owners, take note: From now on, you can’t include non-compete clauses in contracts for employees earning under $175K.

It’s meant to boost worker mobility and reduce wage pressure, but for employers, it means you’ll need to work harder to retain talent—because legally, they’re free to walk to a competitor the next day.

💸 FOR INDIVIDUALS: LITTLE TAX CUTS, BIG REBATES & A HELP DEBT WIN

🎉 Tax Cuts Coming in 2026–27 and 2027–28

Income from $18,201–$45,000? Your tax rate will:
- Drop to 15% from 1 July 2026
- Drop again to 14% from 1 July 2027

💸 Result? Around $268 back in your pocket each year, and double that the year after. It’s not much, but hey—free money is free money, even if it only covers your weekly iced oat latte habit.

💡 Energy Rebate for Households Continues

$75 per quarter = $300 total
Automatically credited to your electricity bill
Running until December 2025

We’ll take it. Especially if you’re running your biz from home and seeing double digits on the energy bill.

🎓 Student Debt? Big Win.

20% cut to HELP loan balances before indexation hits on 1 June 2025
That’s a win for over 3 million Aussies
If you’ve got student debt, this one’s worth a happy dance

👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILIES: LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG SUPPORT

From Jan 2026: 3-day early childhood education guarantee—no activity test required
Fee-free TAFE continues (construction, care, clean energy = priorities)
Wage top-ups for early childhood educators and aged care workers

Parents, carers and tradies-to-be: this one's for you.

🧓 SUPER: STILL BORING (AND UNDECIDED)

No new announcements this year
Still waiting on the law for the extra 15% tax on super balances >$3M
The 12% Super Guarantee rate still kicks in 1 July 2025
Payday Super (SG paid at the same time as wages) starts from 1 July 2026

🔔 TAX PLANNING SEASON IS COMING...

And just a reminder that tax planning season is coming—and trust us, you’ll want a game plan before 30 June hits. With EOFY creeping up, write-offs expiring, and super changes on the horizon, now’s the time to get smart, save cash, and stay stress-free. We’re All In on smart advice, no jargon, and making your money work for you. Let’s book in your session now—before the EOFY chaos hits.

TL;DR – The Budget in One Line?

More band-aids than bold moves. But still some goodies to grab.

Whether you’re a small biz boss, side hustler, student, or super-saver, we’re here to help you make the most of the wins—and plan around the yawns.

PS. None of these measures are legislated yet—so while they’ve been announced, they’re still sitting in the “maybe” pile until passed by Parliament. Keep the champagne corked (for now). 🥂

Disclaimer: The information provided is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice