Many investors leave tax planning until June, thinking that’s when it matters most. By that time, however, most opportunities to optimise your tax position have passed, and decisions are often rushed under pressure. The reality is simple: effective tax planning happens well before 30 June, and starting early can make a big difference to your financial outcomes.
The Problem with Last-Minute Planning
Waiting until June often means reacting to circumstances rather than shaping them. By this point, income has already been earned, expenses already incurred, and many investment or superannuation strategies may no longer be available. Decisions made in the final weeks of the financial year tend to focus on short-term fixes rather than long-term benefit, limiting both options and results.
Common challenges of last-minute tax planning include:
- Limited strategies available to reduce tax liabilities
- Rushed decisions under pressure
- Increased stress and risk of mistakes
- Missed opportunities to improve long-term financial outcomes
Timing Matters: Why January Is Ideal to Start Planning
A mid-year tax review is an important checkpoint to ensure your finances are on track and to make the most of opportunities before the end of the financial year. Key reasons include:
- Life changes
- Major events such as a job change, redundancy payout, marriage, divorce, the arrival of children, or buying/selling property can all affect your tax position. Reviewing mid-year allows you to adjust strategies accordingly.
- Income fluctuations
- Changes in salary, bonuses, or other income sources may impact your tax obligations. Adjusting your plan mid-year can help manage your liabilities and avoid surprises.
- Business performance
- For business owners, a mid-year review helps assess changes in business structure, profit and loss, and project performance for the remaining six months. This ensures you can make strategic decisions to optimise cash flow and tax outcomes.
- Maximise deductions and credits
- Consolidating expenses and reviewing eligible deductions mid-year can improve your tax position and ensure nothing is missed.
- Retirement and superannuation planning
- Checking your super contributions and investment choices ensures your long-term goals remain on track and may present opportunities for tax-effective contributions.
- Course-correction before EOFY
- January is an ideal time to catch issues early, make necessary adjustments, and implement strategies while there is still time. Mid-year reviews help you act proactively rather than reactively.
Starting tax planning before June gives you the flexibility and control to shape your financial year, rather than reacting to it. The earlier you review and plan, the more effective your strategies will be.
Take action now and start with a one on one with our team to review your current situation and plan the next 6 months ahead of EOFY.
