Australian Budgets Extend Tax Relief and Add R&D Funding for Small Businesses

The Australian federal budget for 2026‑27 introduces a permanent $20,000 instant asset write‑off for businesses with turnover under $10 million, a $250 annual tax offset for sole traders and workers from 2027‑28, and allows companies up to $1 billion to claim refunds of tax losses from the previous two years. Additional measures include flexible PAYG instalments, expanded mental‑health and financial‑counselling services for owners, and an estimated $890 million boost to small‑business cash flow over five years.

South Australia’s 2026‑27 state budget adds a $50 million Research and Development Productivity Fund to attract university, Commonwealth and private investment, and allocates $1.8 million to double funding for the Business Chamber’s Growth Accelerator program. While several temporary grant schemes are winding down, the budget retains export‑support services aimed at helping more than 500 firms and continues advisory programs for regional and women‑owned businesses.