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What is the Division 296 Tax?
Division 296 is a proposed tax measure announced prior to the last Federal Election by the Labor Government, intended to take effect from 1 July 2025. It introduces an additional tax of up to 15% on certain earnings associated with an individual's Total Superannuation Balance (TSB) that exceeds $3 million.
What’s the latest (last updated 12 September 2025)?
The Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions Bill 2023 (the ‘Bill’) where this Division 296 tax was initially proposed lapsed on 21 July 2025 and will need to be re-introduced back into Parliament for passage. This has not occurred and the re-introduction of the Bill has yet to be confirmed.
Who is affected by Division 296 Tax?
Division 296 tax will apply only if an individual's TSB exceeds $3 million at the end of each financial year.
This means:
- Individuals with high superannuation balances across all phases (accumulation and retirement) may be impacted.
- Even if part of the balance is in a tax-free retirement phase, it still contributes to the TSB and may trigger the tax.
- The measure is designed to target wealthier superannuation holders, but due to the lack of indexation, more people may be affected over time.
Do I need to take any actions right now?
The Bill has not yet been reintroduced into Parliament for passage and, until such time as legislation is passed by Parliament, the proposal is not yet law.
Caution should be exercised before making financial decisions based on unlegislated proposals. With this proposed tax, the full details of this bill have not yet been released - such as the assessment calculation for certain Defined Benefit accounts.
In many cases, whilst the proposed Division 296 tax does represent an additional amount of tax payable on an individual’s superannuation earnings, because of the calculation methodology, retaining a member’s balance above $3million in their superannuation fund may still provide the optimal outcome, despite the additional tax impost.
Other aspects may also be subject to change through the Parliamentary process such as the commencement date and the threshold above which Division 296 may apply.
However, if your super fund holds unlisted assets including real property, it is important to ensure that valuations of these unlisted assets are correctly obtained for the 2025 financial year.
Will there still be time to act once the Division 296 Tax is legislated?
To properly answer this question, the final legislation must first be passed by Federal Parliament. This has not yet occurred.
Based on what was previously announced by the government and in the now-lapsed draft legislation however, yes, you would have time to act once the tax regime was implemented if you wished to reduce or remove your exposure to it.
This is because the calculation of the tax under the proposal is based on having more than $3million in super as at the end of the financial year that it is implemented. The original proposal was intended to commence on 1 July 2025, so in that scenario, the first time your super balance would be looked for the purposes of Division 296 tax at would have been 30 June 2026. For example then, if a person with more than $3million in their super, had chosen to withdraw some of their super before this date, reducing their balance below $3million at the end of the financial year, then they would not have any exposure to this proposed tax for that financial year.
Who should seek advice?
We suggest that all clients who have at least $3 million in their superannuation balance, or are nearing this level, should arm themselves with information regarding how this proposed Div 296 tax may apply to them, in particular, you should consider seeking tailored tax and financial advice if you are in any of these situations:
- Single-asset SMSF
Particularly if the asset is illiquid, such as property or unlisted investments
- High-growth, low-income assets in super
If your super is heavily invested in growth assets that produce low income, cash flow within superannuation to assist with paying this tax could become an issue.
- Significant balance but no access to super
For example, if you haven’t met a “condition of release,” you may need a plan for how to fund the tax from outside super.
- Significant balance and able to access your super
You may have options that could limit the application of this proposed tax regime. These options should be reviewed holistically in conjunction with your overall investment strategy and any asset holdings and incomes outside of superannuation.
- Clients with specific estate planning requirements
Any strategies with regard to your superannuation balance should be considered in conjunction with any estate plans that you and your family have in place
Potential strategies to consider
The legislation for Division 296 is not yet law, and every individual’s circumstances are unique - seeking personalised financial advice is strongly recommended before taking any action.
Should you consider withdrawing funds and investing elsewhere, you can only do so if you meet an eligible condition of release. Once withdrawn from the superannuation environment you may be ineligible to recontribute these funds back.
Investing in your personal name (tax up to 45% plus Medicare levy), a company (typically taxed at 30%), or a family trust (subject to beneficiaries’ personal tax rate) may offer different outcomes.
Even with Division 296, the super environment may still offer better after-tax returns, particularly if your fund is either wholly or partially in retirement phase.
You may consider spouse contribution splitting or contribution strategies if your spouse or adult children have lower balances (subject to eligibility).
Ensure your fund has sufficient liquidity to meet the Division 296 tax, should it become payable.
Consider Capital Gains Tax implications and transaction costs if liquidating assets.
Review your investment portfolio(s) with a view to structuring them differently.
If you use your superannuation as asset protection or it forms part of your estate plan, you will need to consult with your estate planning adviser to ensure there would be no unintended consequences of changing your superannuation interests.
Got questions about Division 296 and your super?
Speak with our team today to get personalised guidance tailored to your financial situation.
Your best interests at heart
When your financial world is complex, you need more than just advice – you need a team that sees the full picture. Perpetual and Fordham work together to deliver a seamless, end-to-end experience that brings together strategic investment advice, financial planning, and specialist tax, accounting and business advisory expertise.
Whether you're navigating investments, structuring your business, or planning for retirement, our integrated approach means you don’t have to go anywhere else. Sit down with your Perpetual financial adviser and Fordham tax specialist – together. With one team aligned around your goals, you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Meet the team
Fordham Partners
BBus (Acc), CA, CTA, RG146, FBA, Specialist Accredited Advisor
Lead Partner
Darren Wilson
Darren Wilson
BBus (Acc), Grad Dip Tax, MTax, CA, FTI Lead Partner
Phone
03 9611 6713
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For more than twenty years, Darren has been providing business, taxation and asset protection solutions to the owners of privately-owned businesses. His passion lies in not only looking after their business needs, but also ensuring the growth and protection of his clients’ family wealth.
Darren has managed many projects to a successful conclusion for his clients including sale of business, matrimonial disputes and ATO audits. He also has significant experience assisting clients with estate planning, business acquisition and business divestment.
His experience covers a broad range of industries including retail, wholesale, professional services and property development. Darren has substantial practical experience in taxation matters and leads Fordham’s internal tax excellence group. This puts him at the forefront of tax minimisation strategies for income tax, capital gains tax, superannuation and GST.
Having completed a Master of Taxation degree to add to his Chartered Accounting qualification and Fellow status of the Tax Institute of Australia, Darren is a regular tax presenter at industry events.
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Michael Sutherland
Michael Sutherland
BBus (Acc), CA, CTA, RG146, FBA, Specialist Accredited Advisor Lead Partner
Phone
03 9611 6733
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Michael joined Fordham in 2001 and is now the lead partner of a team of 30 with clients in Property & Construction, Retail/Ragtrade, Transport, Manufacturing and Franchising. He started his career in 1991 with one of the Big Four accounting firms and joined Fordham 10 years later to focus specifically on medium-sized, privately-owned businesses.
As a Chartered Tax Advisor with a wealth of experience in corporate advisory, as well as private businesses, Michael brings this unique perspective to help his clients’ businesses grow and overcome adversity. He helps clients across the broad range of business and personal issues they face including arranging external financing, modelling/forecasting, reporting, shareholder issues, structuring and valuations.
In this role Michael enjoys undertaking strategic planning for his clients and often participates as Board Chair. He runs executive leadership team meetings focused on driving accountability and meaningful improvements to operational performance. He is a regular presenter and author of industry articles for the building and property development sector, as well as Ragtrade industry segments. When not at work, he is chauffeuring four daughters to school, rep basketball and football.
Industry specialisation: Property & Construction, Retail, Manufacturing, Transport, Franchising
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Sharon Parker
Sharon Parker
BBus (Acc), CA Lead Partner
Phone
03 9611 6650
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Sharon assists business owner clients across a broad range of industries, helping them to navigate their personal and business wealth journey and weigh up important decisions along the way. She has broad experience in taxation and business with particular expertise in complex tax advice and structuring, planning for succession and retirement and dealing with complex family and community issues.
In addition to working with business owners, Sharon is passionate about leading Fordham’s Indigenous Consulting Team, which is part of Perpetual’s broader service offering to Aboriginal communities. This team provides Executive Office and consulting services to communities across Australia.
Clients enjoy Sharon’s attentiveness, responsiveness, her ability to listen, and to provide targeted and practical advice. She is exceptionally talented at developing strong, long-term relationships, and is known for her ability to communicate complex issues in a way that is easy to understand.
Industry specialisation: Property & Construction, Retail, Native Title
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Neil Cahir
Neil Cahir
BCom/BEcon, CA Partner
Phone
03 9611 6717
Email
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Bio
Neil discovered Fordham at a university open day and was immediately drawn to our focus on people, private businesses and premium service. After a recommendation from a friend already working for us, Neil joined Fordham in 2005 as a graduate with our Motor Dealer Services team.
Since then, Neil has worked with a wide variety of clients and tackled a diverse range of issues – from simple family and business issues, to complex sales, acquisitions and everything in-between. In addition to having outstanding taxation and business-structuring capability, Neil also has a deep expertise in commercial advisory services and business optimisation, with a focus on privately-owned motor retailers. In addition to his clients in the motor industry, Neil uses his knowledge and experience to assist business owners across a range of industries.
He has a passion for guiding his clients through the Fordham Wealth Journey®, with a particular focus on the taxation, structuring, profit improvement and succession planning components that are so sought after by today’s business owners.
Happily, Neil’s instincts as a young university graduate were correct. He loves his role at Fordham, loves helping his clients, and it shows … for every client, every day.
Industry specialisation: Motor Dealer Services
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Brett Marshall
Brett Marshall
BCom/BArts, CA Partner
Phone
03 9611 6636
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In Brett’s 15 years at Fordham, he has developed a very thorough understanding of the property & construction industry. During this time, he has advised a broad range of businesses from large land developers to residential and commercial builders, civil construction companies, and project management businesses. Brett also assists business owners and their families in the retail, publishing, manufacturing and finance industries.
For many of his clients, Brett acts as chair of both their operating and family boards. In these roles he plays a key part in facilitating discussion with business owners, their families, and senior management teams regarding business performance, profit improvement, optimal business structures, and business acquisition and sale opportunities.
Brett has a deep knowledge of the Australian tax system and in particular the specialist tax issues applicable to the property and construction industry. He is also a leader of Fordham’s internal taxation excellence group. In this role he is responsible for strategies to assess the impact and maximise opportunities available with respect to the following:
- Income Tax
- Capital Gains Tax
- Small Business Capital Gains Tax Concessions
- GST (including the margin scheme)
- Stamp duty
- Land tax.
Brett is a member of the Taxation Institute of Australia and Advanced Property Development accredited (PCA). He is also a member of the Taxation & Finance Committee for the Urban Development Institute of Victoria, which advocates for policy improvements to the industry.
Industry specialisation: Property & Construction, Manufacturing, Retail
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Stuart Le Cornu
Stuart Le Cornu
BCom (Hons), MTax, CA, CTA Partner
Phone
02 9229 9192
Email
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Having worked in tax and accounting since 1997, Stuart has a wealth of experience helping business owners achieve their financial, business and personal goals.
Stuart Le Cornu assists companies to meet their objectives with strategic planning, including financial and taxation planning. He particularly relishes the challenge of helping clients manage their complex lives. This includes interpreting the intricacies of international tax, foreign controlled entities, resident and non-resident trusts, and large public and private companies.
As one of our tax advisory specialists, Stuart is an expert in all taxation matters. His approach to tax planning includes a thorough review of existing structures, interrelationships between entities, location of assets, liabilities and IP, history, capital gains cost bases, loan accounts, previous tax strategies and future plans. He regularly presents at Tax Institute seminars in matters such as the taxation of trusts, Division 7A and small business Capital Gains Tax matters.
Industry specialisation: Manufacturing, Franchising
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Ian Ng
Ian Ng
BCom (Acc/Comm Law), MBA, CPA Associate Partner
Phone
02 9229 9852
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Ian has over 20 years’ experience in tax and accounting administration and advice on Australian superannuation structures, specifically Small-APRA (SAF) and Self-Managed (SMSF) funds. He also specialises in risk and compliance consultancy on the impact of legislative and regulatory pronouncements on SAFs and SMSFs.
In addition, Ian has a wealth of experience in accounting and advice on Australian charitable structures, specifically Private Ancillary Funds, Public Ancillary Funds and Testamentary Charitable Trusts, as well as risk and compliance consultancy on the impact of AASB and ACNC pronouncements on these charitable structures.
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Perpetual Private Partners
Roxanne Gorman
Roxanne Gorman
Partner, NSW
Phone
0408 371 519
Email
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Bio
Roxanne is an experienced and highly qualified wealth management professional having held various leadership and adviser roles within Private Banking and Private Client segments over the past 20 years.
As a Partner within Perpetual Private Clients Roxanne leads teams of Senior Financial Advisers and Associate Advisors across NSW and the ACT - providing exceptional service and holistic advice to retail and wholesale clients.
Roxanne also manages a select number of high net worth client relationships ensuring objectives are consistently met. Roxanne works with clients to bring clarity, direction and discipline to their financial and investment affairs.
As a leader and financial adviser Roxanne is focussed on developing strong client relationships with a particular interest in Family Wealth taking into account investment strategies and market conditions.
Roxanne has a Bachelor of Arts (Economics), Master of Financial Planning and a MBA. Roxanne is also a CFP member of the FPA and has completed all FASEA requirements.
Richard McClelland
Richard McClelland
Partner, NSW
Phone
+612 9229 9340
Email
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Bio
Richard McClelland helps High Net Worth individuals and families secure their financial future.
Supported by Perpetual’s broad range of services, Richard helps his clients build, protect and transfer their wealth to the next generation.
Richard’s strengths lie in his ability to obtain a deep understanding of his client’s circumstances, take into consideration their goals; and then develop and monitor a plan to align the two.
Richard is the definition of a holistic Financial Adviser. He has more than 15 years’ experience; has achieved a Masters in Financial Planning, and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
- His area of specialties encompass:
- Financial Planning
- Superannuation (Inc. SMSF and SAF)
- Wealth protection and asset structuring
- Investment, asset allocation and portfolio construction
- General estate planning
- Charitable planning and philanthropy
When not working Richard enjoys spending time with his family including his Canadian wife and two sons on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Richard enjoys keeping active via a range of outdoor activities including surfing, mountain biking, running and anything snow related.
Carolyn O'Reilly
Carolyn O'Reilly
Partner, VIC
Phone
03 8628 0403
Email
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Bio
Carolyn has over 25 years of wealth management and financial markets experience.
As a Partner within Perpetual Private Carolyn specialises in providing complex strategic and investment advice to high net worth individuals and families. She also specialises in providing financial advice to women and is passionate about improving female financial literacy, enabling women to make financial decisions which promotes security, stability and financial freedom.
Prior to joining Perpetual Private in 2009 Carolyn held roles at Macquarie Private Bank and JP Morgan Chase.
Carolyn has a Bachelor of Economics, Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance, Diploma of Financial Planning and is also a CFP member of the FPA and has completed all FASEA requirements.
Carolyn is also a board member of The Beautiful Bunch, a social enterprise which provides training and employment opportunities for young refugee women.
Tony Mastromanno
Tony Mastromanno
Partner, VIC
Phone
0439 451 641
Email
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Tony is the Associate Partner of VIC’s High Net Worth division.
Tony provides sophisticated financial advice to Perpetual’s private clients. He has extensive experience in investment management, retirement planning, superannuation, taxation, estate planning and recommending appropriate strategic structures.
Tony enjoys working closely with clients to develop highly effective investment strategies and structures which help to ensure that their financial goals are achieved.
Tony has a Diploma in Financial Planning – Financial Planning Association of Australia, 2003. He joined the financial services industry in 1993 and has been with Perpetual since 2002. His previous roles and experience in financial services include Financial Adviser and Client Relationship Manager with AMP and the Commonwealth Bank.
Mark Vignaroli
Mark Vignaroli
Partner, VIC
Phone
+61 3 8628 0454
Email
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Bio
Mark is a Partner in a team that specialises in providing a fully integrated wealth management solution to successful business owners and high net wealth families.
Mark is highly qualified and experienced Private Wealth professional with over 25 years’ experience in wealth management and capital markets.
Over the years with the backing of Perpetual’s specialist teams in accounting, tax, philanthropy, investment strategy and research Mark has successfully assisted business owners transition their business wealth to personal wealth, empowered families to achieve their aspirations and successfully transfer wealth to the next generation.
Mark’s main areas of expertise are:
- Intergenerational family wealth planning and inheritance advice
- Retirement planning
- Investment management and asset allocation advice
Philanthropy.
Mark has a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance, Accredited Estate Planning Strategist and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
Steven de Natris
Andrew Parker
Andrew Parker
Partner, Private Clients SA
Phone
08 8418 5611
Email
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Andrew is the Partner of SA’s Not For Profit division.
With over 32 years experience, Andrew specialises in advice to large complex organisations, family offices, not-for-profit clients and philanthropic trusts. He has a deep understanding of the unique needs and strategic objectives of not-for-profit organisations and helps his clients implement best practice investment policies. Andrew also connects clients to other parts of the Perpetual business, including Philanthropic services.
Prior to joining Perpetual, Andrew held senior adviser roles within commercial and private banking based in Adelaide for the last 9 years. Andrew has also held senior manager roles in institutional banking at JPMorgan Chase, Deutsche Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland in Tokyo, Singapore, London, New York and Sydney over a period of 20 years.
Andrew has a Bachelor of Business (Finance), Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning, is an accredited Self- Managed Super Fund adviser (SMSFA) and speaks several languages.
Frequently asked questions
No. Division 296 is still only a proposal. The Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions Bill 2023 lapsed on 21 July 2025, and will need to be reintroduced to Parliament before it can become law.
Yes, if you are likely to be impacted. Fordham Business Advisors works closely with Perpetual’s financial advisers to provide a coordinated service across accounting, taxation, and advisory needs. This joined-up approach helps ensure clients receive tailored guidance for their circumstances.
Individuals with more than $3 million in total superannuation member entitlements, across both pension and accumulation accounts, may be impacted.
Yes. Earnings linked to super balances above $3 million may include amounts from increases in the value of investments that have not yet been sold.
Losses under Division 296 can generally be carried forward and may be applied against future taxable earnings.
You could potentially reduce exposure if you are able to bring your super balance under $3 million before the assessment date. However, this usually only provides a partial benefit and may create other tax or retirement planning consequences.
Possible strategies may involve restructuring assets, timing contributions and withdrawals, or spreading growth across entities. Professional advice is essential to assess what works best in your situation.
No. The proposed legislation sets the $3 million cap as a fixed threshold, not linked to inflation.
As many people have their superannuation spread across multiple accounts or super funds, Division 296 tax is assessed to the individual, not to their super fund directly. Individuals will have the option to either pay their Division 296 assessment personally, or elect for the payment to be made on their behalf from their superannuation fund.
No. If the value of an individual’s super balance declines on the prior year, or their balance falls below $3million, there is no mechanism to claim a refund for any Division 296 tax paid in a prior year. An individual can claim a decline in earnings as a “carried forward loss” of sorts, that would offset positive earnings in a future year, however, there is also the potential that they may never be able to claim this loss.
This information has been prepared by Fordham Business Advisors Pty Ltd (Fordham) ABN 77 140 981 853. Fordham’s liability is limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. It is general information only and is not intended to provide you with advice or take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider, with a financial adviser, whether the information is suitable for your circumstances. To the extent permitted by law, no liability is accepted for any loss or damage as a result of any reliance on this information. This information is believed to be accurate at the time of compilation and is provided in good faith. Fordham is a subsidiary of Perpetual Limited ABN 86 000 431 827.
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