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As the global tax community gathers in Melbourne for the 78th IFA Congress, we take the opportunity to share some of the latest Tax and Tax Controversy insights from our Australian member firm, Corrs Chambers Westgarth.
Spotlight on the Australian tax landscape: three recent developments
Three Australian developments in 2026 stand out for their broad reach and practical significance to taxpayers, particularly international investors, and multinational entities generally. This spotlight briefing distils the key points: what has changed, what it means, and what to look out for.
Of particular relevance to this year’s Congress, which examines the taxation of royalties and intangibles, Corrs has recently published detailed analysis of guidance released by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) that broadens the circumstances in which cross-border software payments may be treated as royalties and become subject to withholding tax.
No looking back, but a challenging road ahead: foreign resident CGT reforms enter Parliament
Corrs provides commentary on the Bill introduced into Parliament on 2 July 2026 to amend Australia’s foreign resident capital gains tax (CGT) regime. The analysis looks at how the Bill has changed since the exposure draft and what it means for foreign investors with Australian assets.
Part IVA: Federal Court upholds the Commissioner’s assessment of the Hilton Hotel sale
Corrs explores the decision in Hilton International Australia Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation (No 2) [2026] FCA 1325, handed down on 9 September 2026, which may prove to be a watershed case for the current version of Part IVA, Australia’s general anti-avoidance rule.
Minimum tax on discretionary trusts: Definitional challenges would broaden impact
Corrs considers the Australian Treasury’s proposed 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts, due to take effect from 1 July 2028, and how its scope could extend beyond the income-splitting arrangements it targets to capture other types of trust.
Read more insights from Corrs.
View the full Scientific Programme at this year’s IFA Congress here
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