March Quote of the Month
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Month: March 2025
Ban on Foreign Property Purchases
From 1 April 2025, foreign investors will be barred from purchasing established homes in Australia until March 2027. The policy aims to curb speculative land banking and ensure housing availability for local buyers. While exemptions exist, they are limited, and foreign buyers of vacant land must now meet stricter development conditions.
Trade Wars and Tariffs
Global Google searches for ‘tariffs’ surged by 900% in early 2025, reflecting growing concerns over U.S. trade policies. The Biden administration has reinstated tariffs on steel and other imports, while China, Canada, and Mexico have responded with their own trade barriers. With rising costs and disrupted supply chains, businesses worldwide—including in Australia—must prepare for increased volatility in international markets.
FBT 2025: What you need to know
The Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) year ends on 31 March, and with it comes important updates for employers. Electric vehicle exemptions remain, but plug-in hybrids will lose their FBT-free status from April 2025 unless a prior commitment exists. Businesses offering work-from-home setups should also review tax implications, while contractors need to be correctly classified to avoid compliance risks. Meanwhile, new ATO guidelines aim to ease record-keeping burdens.
