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Professional Services & HR · Australia (Perth)

Tighten EOFY controls and verify advisory readiness now

Published Jun 5, 2026, 6:10 AM AWST•APAC•Full category signal
Ask AI
ATO flags top tips for trustees in lead-up to EOFY

In 60 seconds

Top move

ATO guidance on trustee resolutions creates immediate verification work for tax and payroll suppliers; buyers should expect last‑minute requests and need documented proof of deed reviews and valid resolutions

Key takeaways

  • ATO guidance on trustee resolutions creates immediate verification work for tax and payroll suppliers; buyers should expect last‑minute requests and need documented proof of deed reviews and valid resolutions.[1]
  • A Federal Court decision against a tax agent for promoting R&D exploitation schemes raises buyer-facing legal risk: advisers without strong controls or clear contract indemnities can transfer remediation exposure to clients.[3]
  • Client behaviour research shows many taxpayers delay professional help until deadlines, concentrating advisory demand and increasing the chance suppliers will shorten quote windows or charge premium rates for late work.[2]
  • AI promises efficiency but implementation and integration—not the tools—are the main operational constraint; expect vendors to separate licence costs from delivery labour and to include integration caveats.[5]
  • A Family Court ruling on discretionary/testamentary trusts adds legal complexity to trust advice and means buyers should check whether advisers are changing acceptance criteria, disclaimers or coordination with legal counsel.[4]

What changed since last run

  • Added a specific Federal Court ruling (Perez) as a concrete supplier legal-risk datapoint versus the prior brief's general TPB/cyber focus.
  • Included explicit ATO trustee-resolution guidance as an immediate operational trigger for EOFY verification and mobilisation checks.
  • Added behavioural evidence (H&R Block) that client procrastination will concentrate advisory demand and pressure supplier capacity near EOFY.

Key facts

  • Family Court decision affecting discretionary/testamentary trust treatment
  • Decision emphasises court powers to treat trust assets as relationship resources
  • Court decision found contravention of section 290-50(1) of the Tax Administration Act
  • Schemes involved notional R&D deductions across multiple taxpayers
  • ATO emphasises trustee resolutions and accurate determination of trust income
  • ATO warns of default beneficiary consequences if valid resolutions are not made

Why it matters

ATO guidance on trustee resolutions creates immediate verification work for tax and payroll suppliers; buyers should expect last‑minute requests and need documented proof of deed reviews and valid resolutions. A Federal Court decision against a tax agent for promoting R&D exploitation schemes raises buyer-facing legal risk: advisers without strong controls or clear contract indemnities can transfer remediation exposure to clients. Client behaviour research shows many taxpayers delay professional help until deadlines, concentrating advisory demand and increasing the chance suppliers will shorten quote windows or charge premium rates for late work. AI promises efficiency but implementation and integration—not the tools—are the main operational constraint; expect vendors to separate licence costs from delivery labour and to include integration caveats

Cost / money

  • Expect increased short-term advisory and mobilisation costs as suppliers triage missing trustee documentation and provide rapid deed reviews.[1]
  • Legal enforcement against advisers can push negotiation toward higher professional indemnity requirements, deposits or restricted liability clauses that raise supplier pricing or contracting friction.[3]
  • AI vendor models that separate tool licences from delivery work can shift ongoing integration and support costs to buyers, changing total cost of ownership assumptions.[5]

Supplier / commercial

  • Advisers will likely shorten quote validity and tighten client-acceptance criteria to manage EOFY surges, reducing buyer bargaining room for short-notice engagements.[2]
  • Suppliers with weaker documentation may ask for scope limits, additional warranties, or pass-through clauses to limit regulatory or remediation exposure.[3]
  • Vendors positioning AI as a headcount reducer may instead adopt two-tier pricing (tool + labour), requiring buyers to renegotiate commercial scope for automation work.[5]

Safety / operations

  • Rushed EOFY trustee and tax work increases the risk of errors in lodgements and payroll processing, which can cause operational interruptions and corrective workloads for HR teams.[1]
  • Regulatory actions against advisers can force rapid remediation work that compresses delivery windows and raises the chance of execution mistakes or staff churn at supplier firms.[3]

What to watch

  • Watch for supplier proposals that add broad indemnities, deposit requirements, or non-standard pass-through clauses following enforcement activity — these are early indicators that suppliers are shifting risk.[3]
  • Watch for vendors that cannot produce deed-review evidence or basic trustee documentation on request — treat them as higher risk for EOFY engagements.[1]

Top stories

Story 1Accountantsdaily•Jun 3, 2026

Family court continues attack on testamentary trusts following budget death tax

Signal moderateSource-grounded
Source notes [4]Read source

What happened

A recent Family Court decision has increased scrutiny on how discretionary and testamentary trusts are treated in relationship breakdowns. The ruling is operationally significant because it affects whether trust assets are treated as resources in property divisions, changing advisory outcomes for clients using trust structures. Buyers should watch whether advisers change client-acceptance criteria or add wider legal disclaimers when taking on trust work

Buyer takeaway

Require tighter cross-discipline verification for trust work because court outcomes can shift tax, payroll and property treatment rapidly

Cost / money

Expect higher advisory fees and more time spent coordinating legal and tax input when trust structuring or amendments are required

Supplier / commercial

Suppliers may narrow scopes or demand clearer instructions and disclaimers before accepting trust work

Safety / operations

Misclassification of trust assets can lead to incorrect payroll or tax treatment and downstream correction work

What to watch

Watch for advisers adding legal disclaimers, limiting acceptance of trust clients, or requesting additional sign-offs

Key facts

  • Family Court decision affecting discretionary/testamentary trust treatment
  • Decision emphasises court powers to treat trust assets as relationship resources

Source excerpts

The family court's powers over how the assets of discretionary trusts are treated in the event of a relationship breakdown can be problematic for those seeking to leverage trust arrangements to protect wealth against relationship misadventure
Issues such as the origin of the trust assets and restrictions imposed under the trust deeds were ones which are only relevant to the consideration of contributions of the parties, not to the threshold categorisation of the trusts themselves
primarily because the terms of each of the trust deeds permitted the husband to exercise those powers for his own benefit. Ultimately, the husband had the requisite control to make the assets of the trusts property of the husband, being 'control over a person or entity who, by reason of the powers contained in the trust deed can obtain, or effect the obtaining of, a beneficial interest in the property of the trust' (see Harris & Dewell (2018) FLC 93-839)
Story 2Accountantsdaily•Jun 4, 2026

Court makes rulings in tax evasion case involving R&D incentives

Signal strongSource-grounded
Source notes [3]Read source

What happened

The Federal Court found a tax agent contravened the Tax Administration Act by promoting R&D-related tax exploitation schemes. The decision covers multiple taxpayer schemes and identifies adviser conduct as the core compliance issue. Watch for enforcement follow-ups and whether advisers tighten client acceptance and contract liability clauses

Buyer takeaway

Treat adviser track record and documented controls as procurement filters because regulatory enforcement is now a buyer-facing commercial risk

Cost / money

Expect negotiation to shift toward higher insurance, restricted liability, or deposit requirements to cover potential remediation

Supplier / commercial

Suppliers will likely seek to limit scope, shorten quote windows, or add compliance warranties to avoid downstream exposure

Safety / operations

Regulatory follow-up can force rapid remediation work that compresses delivery windows and increases execution risk

What to watch

Watch for supplier requests to change SLAs or invoicing terms after this ruling — these can signal shifting risk to buyers

Key facts

  • Court decision found contravention of section 290-50(1) of the Tax Administration Act
  • Schemes involved notional R&D deductions across multiple taxpayers

Source excerpts

The Federal Court of Australia has determined that a tax agent contravened the Tax Administration Act by allegedly promoting tax evasion schemes
Justice Geoffrey Kennett stated that if Perez had studied the definition of R&D activity in any serious way "it would have been apparent to him that the Click and Collect project did not qualify"
Miranda has over a decade of experience reporting on the financial services and accounting sectors, working on a range of publications including SMSF Adviser, Investor Daily and ifa
Story 3Accountantsdaily•Jun 4, 2026

ATO flags top tips for trustees in lead-up to EOFY

Signal strongSource-grounded
Source notes [1]Read source

What happened

The ATO issued reminders for trustees to review trust deeds, determine distributable income correctly, and make valid resolutions ahead of the EOFY deadline. The guidance makes trustee administration and documentation a concrete, near-term compliance task that advisers must support now. Buyers should watch for a surge in trustee-related requests and documentation gaps from suppliers

Buyer takeaway

Treat the ATO guidance as an operational trigger for verification because missed resolutions can create tax and payroll exposure for clients and vendors

Cost / money

Buyers may face increased short-term advisory fees or mobilisation costs as suppliers triage missing trustee documentation

Supplier / commercial

Suppliers lacking documented processes will struggle to meet demand and may shorten quote windows or add rapid-service premiums

Safety / operations

Incomplete trustee records can lead to incorrect payroll or tax lodgements, affecting HR continuity and creating correction work

What to watch

Watch for suppliers that cannot produce deed reviews or valid resolutions on request — treat them as higher risk for EOFY engagements

Key facts

  • ATO emphasises trustee resolutions and accurate determination of trust income
  • ATO warns of default beneficiary consequences if valid resolutions are not made

Source excerpts

Clarity, record keeping, and staying up to date with requirements are some of the areas trustees should pay attention to as the trust resolutions deadline approaches, the Tax Office has said. With the trust resolutions deadline on 30 June approaching, the ATO emphasised the importance of trustees and advisers being clear about their obligations
If trustee documents do not comply with rules, franking credits cannot be claimed unless an exception applies
With the trust resolutions deadline on 30 June approaching, the ATO emphasised the importance of trustees and advisers being clear about their obligations. The ATO emphasised the importance of trustees being familiar with their trust deeds and accurately determining the income of the trust estate for each financial year
Story 4Accountantsdaily•Jun 4, 2026

‘Confidence gap’ costing Australians money at tax time: H&R Block

Signal moderateDirectional
Source notes [2]Read source

What happened

H&R Block research shows many taxpayers underestimate complexity and delay seeking professional help, producing a late scramble at EOFY. That behaviour translates into a higher volume of rushed advisory engagements and pressure on supplier capacity and quality. Buyers should prepare for sudden demand spikes in retail and SME tax work and confirm which suppliers can absorb surge volumes

Buyer takeaway

Plan for supplier capacity constraints because client procrastination concentrates demand and forces short-notice engagements

Cost / money

Expect suppliers to charge premium rates or shorten quote validity for last-minute work to manage surge demand

Supplier / commercial

Vendors may tighten acceptance criteria for new clients or require deposits to manage EOFY load

Safety / operations

Rushed work increases the risk of mistakes in lodgements and payroll, which can trigger corrections and client complaints

What to watch

Watch for sudden shifts in supplier onboarding terms or refusal to accept new small clients without upfront guarantees

Key facts

  • Many taxpayers consider their returns straightforward despite complicating factors
  • A substantial share only seek professional help when complexity becomes apparent

Source excerpts

Changes in work, income or finances can affect what you can claim and how you should lodge,” he said
This gap between perceived simplicity and actual complexity suggests many taxpayers should pause before lodging and consider seeking professional advice this EOFY. Chapman said for Australians who are not confident completing their tax return, a professional could help them avoid costly errors at tax time
Some Australians are missing out on important tax deductions by underestimating the complexity of their tax affairs, H&R Block research has revealed
Story 5Accountantsdaily•Apr 9, 2026

The AI-assisted future of accounting

Signal limitedDirectional
Source notes [5]Read source

What happened

Industry commentary highlights AI tools as a path to efficiency in accounting but stresses success depends on integration and ongoing support rather than the tool itself. The operational detail is that early adopters gain advantage only if they plan integration, support and data controls. Watch vendor proposals for hidden integration fees, separate labour pricing, and unsupported headcount-reduction claims

Buyer takeaway

Validate implementation plans and support models because tool claims often understate integration work and ongoing dependency

Cost / money

Total cost of ownership may include integration and ongoing support beyond licence fees

Supplier / commercial

Vendors may separate tool access from delivery labour, creating two-tier pricing that shifts costs to buyers

Safety / operations

Automation without clear uptime and data controls can create dependencies that affect payroll and reporting continuity

What to watch

Watch for vendor promises about headcount reduction without clear evidence of integration plans or SLA-backed uptime commitments

Key facts

  • AI adoption presented as an efficiency and burnout-reduction tool
  • Success conditioned on implementation plans, not just tool availability

Source excerpts

Drew’s thoughts on how AI is reshaping the business model of accounting
Why success depends on implementation, not just tools
How AI can save time and alleviate burnout

VP Snapshot

Executive Risk & Action View

ATO guidance on trustee resolutions creates immediate verification work for tax and payroll suppliers; buyers should expect last‑minute requests and need documented proof of deed reviews and valid resolutions.

Overall
66
Cost
79
Supply
25
Schedule
38
Compliance
15

Top signals

30-180dcost

Signal 1: Cost / money

Expect increased short-term advisory and mobilisation costs as suppliers triage missing trustee documentation and provide rapid deed reviews.

Signal 2: Cost / money

Legal enforcement against advisers can push negotiation toward higher professional indemnity requirements, deposits or restricted liability clauses that raise supplier pricing or contracting friction.

Signal 3: Cost / money

AI vendor models that separate tool licences from delivery work can shift ongoing integration and support costs to buyers, changing total cost of ownership assumptions.

30-180dcommercial

Signal 4: Supplier / commercial

Advisers will likely shorten quote validity and tighten client-acceptance criteria to manage EOFY surges, reducing buyer bargaining room for short-notice engagements.

Signal 5: Supplier / commercial

Suppliers with weaker documentation may ask for scope limits, additional warranties, or pass-through clauses to limit regulatory or remediation exposure.

Signal 6: Supplier / commercial

Vendors positioning AI as a headcount reducer may instead adopt two-tier pricing (tool + labour), requiring buyers to renegotiate commercial scope for automation work.

Recommended actions

CategoryDue 3d

Request proof of trustee-deed review and a one-paragraph declaration of trustee-resolution readiness from core tax and payroll suppliers.

Verified deed-review evidence and resolution status on file for active suppliers handling trust work.

ContractsDue 3d

Ask core tax/payroll vendors for current professional indemnity certificates and a short control statement on how they screen R&D claims.

PI evidence and written control statements received to inform near-term engagements.

CategoryDue 21d

Run a supplier capacity and mobilisation scan to identify which advisers can absorb EOFY surge work without changing SLAs or mobilisation fees.

Supplier capacity matrix indicating who can handle surge work and which suppliers will require premium mobilisation terms.

ContractsDue 21d

Update SOW and panel clauses to require explicit pass-through limits, breach-notification timelines, and audit access for trust and tax services.

Revised templates that reduce buyer remediation exposure and standardise notification obligations for trust/tax engagements.

OpsDue 60d

Pilot an AI-adoption due-diligence scorecard for accounting and payroll vendors covering integration effort, support model, data ownership and headcount impact.

A scorecard used in vendor selection that flags integration, data and operational dependency risks for AI-enabled suppliers.

CategoryDue 60d

Assess panel-level insurance and liability limits for tax advisory panels and negotiate addenda where needed to standardise PI and pass-through protections.

Panel addenda that align PI requirements and limit unexpected pass-through remediation exposure across core advisers.

Risk register

RiskTriggerMitigation
Watch for supplier proposals that add broad indemnities, deposit requirements, or non-standard pass-through clauses following enforcement activity — these are early indicators that suppliers are shifting risk.Watch for supplier proposals that add broad indemnities, deposit requirements, or non-standard pass-through clauses following enforcement activity — these are early indicators that suppliers are shifting risk.Confirm exposure with category, contracts, and operations before the next supplier commitment.
Watch for vendors that cannot produce deed-review evidence or basic trustee documentation on request — treat them as higher risk for EOFY engagements.Watch for vendors that cannot produce deed-review evidence or basic trustee documentation on request — treat them as higher risk for EOFY engagements.Confirm exposure with category, contracts, and operations before the next supplier commitment.

CM Snapshot

Category Manager Decision Detail

Today's priorities

Request proof of trustee-deed review and a one-paragraph declaration of trustee-resolution readiness from core tax and payroll suppliers.

because the ATO has emphasised trustee resolutions and record-keeping ahead of the EOFY deadline, and documented proof reduces buyer-side compliance exposure.

Due 3d

high

CM move

Use this as the immediate supplier or contract action to move before the next sourcing gate.

Ask core tax/payroll vendors for current professional indemnity certificates and a short control statement on how they screen R&D claims.

because the Federal Court found an adviser promoted R&D exploitation schemes, and proof of PI plus documented controls limits buyer liability and informs selection decisions.

Due 3d

high

CM move

Use this as the immediate supplier or contract action to move before the next sourcing gate.

Run a supplier capacity and mobilisation scan to identify which advisers can absorb EOFY surge work without changing SLAs or mobilisation fees.

because research shows client procrastination concentrates demand near deadlines, and knowing supplier capacity reduces the chance of surprise premium fees or quality degradation.

Due 21d

high

CM move

Use this as the immediate supplier or contract action to move before the next sourcing gate.

Update SOW and panel clauses to require explicit pass-through limits, breach-notification timelines, and audit access for trust and tax services.

because enforcement against advisers and ATO focus increase the risk of remediation costs being passed to buyers unless contracts limit pass-throughs and define notification obl...

Due 21d

high

CM move

Use this as the immediate supplier or contract action to move before the next sourcing gate.

Supplier radar

Accountantsdaily

high

Observed supplier signal

Advisers will likely shorten quote validity and tighten client-acceptance criteria to manage EOFY surges, reducing buyer bargaining room for short-notice engagements.

Commercial implication

Advisers will likely shorten quote validity and tighten client-acceptance criteria to manage EOFY surges, reducing buyer bargaining room for short-notice engagements.

Next step: Validate the source-backed signal with incumbents and alternates before the next award or pricing decision.

Accountantsdaily

high

Observed supplier signal

Suppliers with weaker documentation may ask for scope limits, additional warranties, or pass-through clauses to limit regulatory or remediation exposure.

Commercial implication

Suppliers with weaker documentation may ask for scope limits, additional warranties, or pass-through clauses to limit regulatory or remediation exposure.

Next step: Validate the source-backed signal with incumbents and alternates before the next award or pricing decision.

Accountantsdaily

high

Observed supplier signal

Vendors positioning AI as a headcount reducer may instead adopt two-tier pricing (tool + labour), requiring buyers to renegotiate commercial scope for automation work.

Commercial implication

Vendors positioning AI as a headcount reducer may instead adopt two-tier pricing (tool + labour), requiring buyers to renegotiate commercial scope for automation work.

Next step: Validate the source-backed signal with incumbents and alternates before the next award or pricing decision.

Negotiation levers

Request proof of trustee-deed review and a one-paragraph declaration of trustee-resolution readiness from core tax and payroll suppliers.

When to use: because the ATO has emphasised trustee resolutions and record-keeping ahead of the EOFY deadline, and documented proof reduces buyer-side compliance exposure.

Expected outcome: Verified deed-review evidence and resolution status on file for active suppliers handling trust work.

Commercial mechanism to carry into the next supplier conversation

Ask core tax/payroll vendors for current professional indemnity certificates and a short control statement on how they screen R&D claims.

When to use: because the Federal Court found an adviser promoted R&D exploitation schemes, and proof of PI plus documented controls limits buyer liability and informs selection decisions.

Expected outcome: PI evidence and written control statements received to inform near-term engagements.

Commercial mechanism to carry into the next supplier conversation

Run a supplier capacity and mobilisation scan to identify which advisers can absorb EOFY surge work without changing SLAs or mobilisation fees.

When to use: because research shows client procrastination concentrates demand near deadlines, and knowing supplier capacity reduces the chance of surprise premium fees or quality degradation.

Expected outcome: Supplier capacity matrix indicating who can handle surge work and which suppliers will require premium mobilisation terms.

Commercial mechanism to carry into the next supplier conversation

Update SOW and panel clauses to require explicit pass-through limits, breach-notification timelines, and audit access for trust and tax services.

When to use: because enforcement against advisers and ATO focus increase the risk of remediation costs being passed to buyers unless contracts limit pass-throughs and define notification obl...

Expected outcome: Revised templates that reduce buyer remediation exposure and standardise notification obligations for trust/tax engagements.

Commercial mechanism to carry into the next supplier conversation

Talking points

ATO guidance on trustee resolutions creates immediate verification work for tax and payroll suppliers; buyers should expect last‑minute requests and need documented proof of deed reviews and valid resolutions.
A Federal Court decision against a tax agent for promoting R&D exploitation schemes raises buyer-facing legal risk: advisers without strong controls or clear contract indemnities can transfer remediation exposure to clients.
Client behaviour research shows many taxpayers delay professional help until deadlines, concentrating advisory demand and increasing the chance suppliers will shorten quote windows or charge premium rates for late work.
AI promises efficiency but implementation and integration—not the tools—are the main operational constraint; expect vendors to separate licence costs from delivery labour and to include integration caveats.

Supplier radar

SupplierSignalImplicationNext stepConfidence
AccountantsdailyAdvisers will likely shorten quote validity and tighten client-acceptance criteria to manage EOFY surges, reducing buyer bargaining room for short-notice engagements.Advisers will likely shorten quote validity and tighten client-acceptance criteria to manage EOFY surges, reducing buyer bargaining room for short-notice engagements.Validate the source-backed signal with incumbents and alternates before the next award or pricing decision.high
AccountantsdailySuppliers with weaker documentation may ask for scope limits, additional warranties, or pass-through clauses to limit regulatory or remediation exposure.Suppliers with weaker documentation may ask for scope limits, additional warranties, or pass-through clauses to limit regulatory or remediation exposure.Validate the source-backed signal with incumbents and alternates before the next award or pricing decision.high
AccountantsdailyVendors positioning AI as a headcount reducer may instead adopt two-tier pricing (tool + labour), requiring buyers to renegotiate commercial scope for automation work.Vendors positioning AI as a headcount reducer may instead adopt two-tier pricing (tool + labour), requiring buyers to renegotiate commercial scope for automation work.Validate the source-backed signal with incumbents and alternates before the next award or pricing decision.high

Negotiation levers

  • Request proof of trustee-deed review and a one-paragraph declaration of trustee-resolution readiness from core tax and payroll suppliers. — because the ATO has emphasised trustee resolutions and record-keeping ahead of the EOFY deadline, and documented proof reduces buyer-side compliance exposure. — Verified deed-review evidence and resolution status on file for active suppliers handling trust work.

    high confidence

  • Ask core tax/payroll vendors for current professional indemnity certificates and a short control statement on how they screen R&D claims. — because the Federal Court found an adviser promoted R&D exploitation schemes, and proof of PI plus documented controls limits buyer liability and informs selection decisions. — PI evidence and written control statements received to inform near-term engagements.

    high confidence

  • Run a supplier capacity and mobilisation scan to identify which advisers can absorb EOFY surge work without changing SLAs or mobilisation fees. — because research shows client procrastination concentrates demand near deadlines, and knowing supplier capacity reduces the chance of surprise premium fees or quality degradation. — Supplier capacity matrix indicating who can handle surge work and which suppliers will require premium mobilisation terms.

    high confidence

  • Update SOW and panel clauses to require explicit pass-through limits, breach-notification timelines, and audit access for trust and tax services. — because enforcement against advisers and ATO focus increase the risk of remediation costs being passed to buyers unless contracts limit pass-throughs and define notification obl... — Revised templates that reduce buyer remediation exposure and standardise notification obligations for trust/tax engagements.

    high confidence

What to do / What to watch

What to do now

  • Request proof of trustee-deed review and a one-paragraph declaration of trustee-resolution readiness from core tax and payroll suppliers.

    Why: because the ATO has emphasised trustee resolutions and record-keeping ahead of the EOFY deadline, and documented proof reduces buyer-side compliance exposure.

    Owner: Category

    Expected outcome: Verified deed-review evidence and resolution status on file for active suppliers handling trust work.

    [1]
  • Ask core tax/payroll vendors for current professional indemnity certificates and a short control statement on how they screen R&D claims.

    Why: because the Federal Court found an adviser promoted R&D exploitation schemes, and proof of PI plus documented controls limits buyer liability and informs selection decisions.

    Owner: Contracts

    Expected outcome: PI evidence and written control statements received to inform near-term engagements.

    [3]

Next few weeks

  • Run a supplier capacity and mobilisation scan to identify which advisers can absorb EOFY surge work without changing SLAs or mobilisation fees.

    Why: because research shows client procrastination concentrates demand near deadlines, and knowing supplier capacity reduces the chance of surprise premium fees or quality degradation.

    Owner: Category

    Expected outcome: Supplier capacity matrix indicating who can handle surge work and which suppliers will require premium mobilisation terms.

    [2]
  • Update SOW and panel clauses to require explicit pass-through limits, breach-notification timelines, and audit access for trust and tax services.

    Why: because enforcement against advisers and ATO focus increase the risk of remediation costs being passed to buyers unless contracts limit pass-throughs and define notification obl...

    Owner: Contracts

    Expected outcome: Revised templates that reduce buyer remediation exposure and standardise notification obligations for trust/tax engagements.

    [3][1]

Longer view

  • Pilot an AI-adoption due-diligence scorecard for accounting and payroll vendors covering integration effort, support model, data ownership and headcount impact.

    Why: because AI efficiency claims often understate integration and ongoing support work, and a standard scorecard helps compare total execution exposure before scaling automation.

    Owner: Ops

    Expected outcome: A scorecard used in vendor selection that flags integration, data and operational dependency risks for AI-enabled suppliers.

    [5]
  • Assess panel-level insurance and liability limits for tax advisory panels and negotiate addenda where needed to standardise PI and pass-through protections.

    Why: because recent court rulings and regulatory scrutiny make inconsistent indemnity and liability language a direct cost and continuity risk for buyers.

    Owner: Category

    Expected outcome: Panel addenda that align PI requirements and limit unexpected pass-through remediation exposure across core advisers.

    [3]

What to watch

  • Watch for supplier proposals that add broad indemnities, deposit requirements, or non-standard pass-through clauses following enforcement activity — these are early indicators that suppliers are shifting risk
  • Watch for vendors that cannot produce deed-review evidence or basic trustee documentation on request — treat them as higher risk for EOFY engagements
  • Watch for supplier proposals that add broad indemnities, deposit requirements, or non-standard pass-through clauses following enforcement activity — these are early indicators that suppliers are shifting risk.: Watch for supplier proposals that add broad indemnities, deposit requirements, or non-standard pass-through clauses following enforcement activity — these are early indicators that suppliers are shifting risk
  • Watch for vendors that cannot produce deed-review evidence or basic trustee documentation on request — treat them as higher risk for EOFY engagements.: Watch for vendors that cannot produce deed-review evidence or basic trustee documentation on request — treat them as higher risk for EOFY engagements
  • ATO guidance on trustee resolutions creates immediate verification work for tax and payroll suppliers; buyers should expect last‑minute requests and need documented proof of deed reviews and valid resolutions
  • A Federal Court decision against a tax agent for promoting R&D exploitation schemes raises buyer-facing legal risk: advisers without strong controls or clear contract indemnities can transfer remediation exposure to clients
  • Client behaviour research shows many taxpayers delay professional help until deadlines, concentrating advisory demand and increasing the chance suppliers will shorten quote windows or charge premium rates for late work
  • AI promises efficiency but implementation and integration—not the tools—are the main operational constraint; expect vendors to separate licence costs from delivery labour and to include integration caveats

Market pulse

IndexLatestChangeAs of
Accenture (ACN)345 +0.00 (+0.00%)Jun 4, 2026, 10:13 PM
ADP (ADP)245 +0.00 (+0.00%)Jun 4, 2026, 10:13 PM
Robert Half (RHI)72 +0.00 (+0.00%)Jun 4, 2026, 10:13 PM
S&P 500 (SPX)5,125 pts+0.00 (+0.00%)Jun 4, 2026, 10:13 PM
  • Robert Half: Labour-demand signal relevant to EOFY advisory demand and payroll workloads
  • ADP: Payroll services index useful as a proxy for supplier margin pressure during EOFY processing

Sources

Inline citations jump here. Expand a source to read the excerpt, the AI interpretation, and the original link.

[1] ATO flags top tips for trustees in lead-up to EOFY

accountantsdaily.com.au · Jun 4, 2026

Expand

AI reading

The ATO issued reminders for trustees to review trust deeds, determine distributable income correctly, and make valid resolutions ahead of the EOFY deadline. The guidance makes trustee administration and documentation a concrete, near-term compliance task that advisers must support now. Buyers should watch for a surge in trustee-related requests and documentation gaps from suppliers

Buyer takeaway

Treat the ATO guidance as an operational trigger for verification because missed resolutions can create tax and payroll exposure for clients and vendors

Cost / money

Buyers may face increased short-term advisory fees or mobilisation costs as suppliers triage missing trustee documentation

Supplier / commercial

Suppliers lacking documented processes will struggle to meet demand and may shorten quote windows or add rapid-service premiums

Safety / operations

Incomplete trustee records can lead to incorrect payroll or tax lodgements, affecting HR continuity and creating correction work

What to watch

Watch for suppliers that cannot produce deed reviews or valid resolutions on request — treat them as higher risk for EOFY engagements

Key facts

  • ATO emphasises trustee resolutions and accurate determination of trust income
  • ATO warns of default beneficiary consequences if valid resolutions are not made

Source excerpts

Clarity, record keeping, and staying up to date with requirements are some of the areas trustees should pay attention to as the trust resolutions deadline approaches, the Tax Office has said. With the trust resolutions deadline on 30 June approaching, the ATO emphasised the importance of trustees and advisers being clear about their obligations
If trustee documents do not comply with rules, franking credits cannot be claimed unless an exception applies
With the trust resolutions deadline on 30 June approaching, the ATO emphasised the importance of trustees and advisers being clear about their obligations. The ATO emphasised the importance of trustees being familiar with their trust deeds and accurately determining the income of the trust estate for each financial year

Used in this brief

  • Next 72 hours — Request proof of trustee-deed review and a one-paragraph declaration of trustee-resolution readiness from core tax and payroll suppliers.. Rationale: because the ATO has emphasised trustee resolutions and record-keeping ahead of the EOFY deadline, and documented proof reduces buyer-side compliance exposure.. Owner: Category. KPI: Verified deed-review evidence and resolution status on file for active suppliers handling trust work
  • Watch for vendors that cannot produce deed-review evidence or basic trustee documentation on request — treat them as higher risk for EOFY engagements
  • The ATO issued reminders for trustees to review trust deeds, determine distributable income correctly, and make valid resolutions ahead of the EOFY deadline. The guidance makes trustee administration and documentation a concrete, near-term compliance task that advisers must support now. Buyers should watch for a surge in trustee-related requests and documentation gaps from suppliers
Open original source

[2] ‘Confidence gap’ costing Australians money at tax time: H&R Block

accountantsdaily.com.au · Jun 4, 2026

Expand

AI reading

H&R Block research shows many taxpayers underestimate complexity and delay seeking professional help, producing a late scramble at EOFY. That behaviour translates into a higher volume of rushed advisory engagements and pressure on supplier capacity and quality. Buyers should prepare for sudden demand spikes in retail and SME tax work and confirm which suppliers can absorb surge volumes

Buyer takeaway

Plan for supplier capacity constraints because client procrastination concentrates demand and forces short-notice engagements

Cost / money

Expect suppliers to charge premium rates or shorten quote validity for last-minute work to manage surge demand

Supplier / commercial

Vendors may tighten acceptance criteria for new clients or require deposits to manage EOFY load

Safety / operations

Rushed work increases the risk of mistakes in lodgements and payroll, which can trigger corrections and client complaints

What to watch

Watch for sudden shifts in supplier onboarding terms or refusal to accept new small clients without upfront guarantees

Key facts

  • Many taxpayers consider their returns straightforward despite complicating factors
  • A substantial share only seek professional help when complexity becomes apparent

Source excerpts

Changes in work, income or finances can affect what you can claim and how you should lodge,” he said
This gap between perceived simplicity and actual complexity suggests many taxpayers should pause before lodging and consider seeking professional advice this EOFY. Chapman said for Australians who are not confident completing their tax return, a professional could help them avoid costly errors at tax time
Some Australians are missing out on important tax deductions by underestimating the complexity of their tax affairs, H&R Block research has revealed

Used in this brief

  • Next 2-4 weeks — Run a supplier capacity and mobilisation scan to identify which advisers can absorb EOFY surge work without changing SLAs or mobilisation fees.. Rationale: because research shows client procrastination concentrates demand near deadlines, and knowing supplier capacity reduces the chance of surprise premium fees or quality degradation.. Owner: Category. KPI: Supplier capacity matrix indicating who can handle surge work and which suppliers will require premium mobilisation terms
  • H&R Block research shows many taxpayers underestimate complexity and delay seeking professional help, producing a late scramble at EOFY. That behaviour translates into a higher volume of rushed advisory engagements and pressure on supplier capacity and quality. Buyers should prepare for sudden demand spikes in retail and SME tax work and confirm which suppliers can absorb surge volumes
  • Buyer bottom line: Client behaviour will likely concentrate advisory workload near deadlines, pressuring supplier capacity and increasing the chance of SLA or quality trade-offs
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[3] Court makes rulings in tax evasion case involving R&D incentives

accountantsdaily.com.au · Jun 4, 2026

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AI reading

The Federal Court found a tax agent contravened the Tax Administration Act by promoting R&D-related tax exploitation schemes. The decision covers multiple taxpayer schemes and identifies adviser conduct as the core compliance issue. Watch for enforcement follow-ups and whether advisers tighten client acceptance and contract liability clauses

Buyer takeaway

Treat adviser track record and documented controls as procurement filters because regulatory enforcement is now a buyer-facing commercial risk

Cost / money

Expect negotiation to shift toward higher insurance, restricted liability, or deposit requirements to cover potential remediation

Supplier / commercial

Suppliers will likely seek to limit scope, shorten quote windows, or add compliance warranties to avoid downstream exposure

Safety / operations

Regulatory follow-up can force rapid remediation work that compresses delivery windows and increases execution risk

What to watch

Watch for supplier requests to change SLAs or invoicing terms after this ruling — these can signal shifting risk to buyers

Key facts

  • Court decision found contravention of section 290-50(1) of the Tax Administration Act
  • Schemes involved notional R&D deductions across multiple taxpayers

Source excerpts

The Federal Court of Australia has determined that a tax agent contravened the Tax Administration Act by allegedly promoting tax evasion schemes
Justice Geoffrey Kennett stated that if Perez had studied the definition of R&D activity in any serious way "it would have been apparent to him that the Click and Collect project did not qualify"
Miranda has over a decade of experience reporting on the financial services and accounting sectors, working on a range of publications including SMSF Adviser, Investor Daily and ifa

Used in this brief

  • ATO guidance on trustee resolutions creates immediate verification work for tax and payroll suppliers; buyers should expect last‑minute requests and need documented proof of deed reviews and valid resolutions. A Federal Court decision against a tax agent for promoting R&D exploitation schemes raises buyer-facing legal risk: advisers without strong controls or clear contract indemnities can transfer remediation exposure to clients. Client behaviour research shows many taxpayers delay professional help until deadlines, concentrating advisory demand and increasing the chance suppliers will shorten quote windows or charge premium rates for late work. AI promises efficiency but implementation and integration—not the tools—are the main operational constraint; expect vendors to separate licence costs from delivery labour and to include integration caveats
  • Next 72 hours — Ask core tax/payroll vendors for current professional indemnity certificates and a short control statement on how they screen R&D claims.. Rationale: because the Federal Court found an adviser promoted R&D exploitation schemes, and proof of PI plus documented controls limits buyer liability and informs selection decisions.. Owner: Contracts. KPI: PI evidence and written control statements received to inform near-term engagements
  • Next 2-4 weeks — Update SOW and panel clauses to require explicit pass-through limits, breach-notification timelines, and audit access for trust and tax services.. Rationale: because enforcement against advisers and ATO focus increase the risk of remediation costs being passed to buyers unless contracts limit pass-throughs and define notification obl.... Owner: Contracts. KPI: Revised templates that reduce buyer remediation exposure and standardise notification obligations for trust/tax engagements
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[4] Family court continues attack on testamentary trusts following budget death tax

accountantsdaily.com.au · Jun 3, 2026

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AI reading

A recent Family Court decision has increased scrutiny on how discretionary and testamentary trusts are treated in relationship breakdowns. The ruling is operationally significant because it affects whether trust assets are treated as resources in property divisions, changing advisory outcomes for clients using trust structures. Buyers should watch whether advisers change client-acceptance criteria or add wider legal disclaimers when taking on trust work

Buyer takeaway

Require tighter cross-discipline verification for trust work because court outcomes can shift tax, payroll and property treatment rapidly

Cost / money

Expect higher advisory fees and more time spent coordinating legal and tax input when trust structuring or amendments are required

Supplier / commercial

Suppliers may narrow scopes or demand clearer instructions and disclaimers before accepting trust work

Safety / operations

Misclassification of trust assets can lead to incorrect payroll or tax treatment and downstream correction work

What to watch

Watch for advisers adding legal disclaimers, limiting acceptance of trust clients, or requesting additional sign-offs

Key facts

  • Family Court decision affecting discretionary/testamentary trust treatment
  • Decision emphasises court powers to treat trust assets as relationship resources

Source excerpts

The family court's powers over how the assets of discretionary trusts are treated in the event of a relationship breakdown can be problematic for those seeking to leverage trust arrangements to protect wealth against relationship misadventure
Issues such as the origin of the trust assets and restrictions imposed under the trust deeds were ones which are only relevant to the consideration of contributions of the parties, not to the threshold categorisation of the trusts themselves
primarily because the terms of each of the trust deeds permitted the husband to exercise those powers for his own benefit. Ultimately, the husband had the requisite control to make the assets of the trusts property of the husband, being 'control over a person or entity who, by reason of the powers contained in the trust deed can obtain, or effect the obtaining of, a beneficial interest in the property of the trust' (see Harris & Dewell (2018) FLC 93-839)

Used in this brief

  • A recent Family Court decision has increased scrutiny on how discretionary and testamentary trusts are treated in relationship breakdowns. The ruling is operationally significant because it affects whether trust assets are treated as resources in property divisions, changing advisory outcomes for clients using trust structures. Buyers should watch whether advisers change client-acceptance criteria or add wider legal disclaimers when taking on trust work
  • Buyer bottom line: Trust advice now requires closer legal coordination and tighter documentation — treat trust engagements as higher-touch advisory work
  • Require tighter cross-discipline verification for trust work because court outcomes can shift tax, payroll and property treatment rapidly
Open original source

[5] The AI-assisted future of accounting

accountantsdaily.com.au · Apr 9, 2026

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AI reading

Industry commentary highlights AI tools as a path to efficiency in accounting but stresses success depends on integration and ongoing support rather than the tool itself. The operational detail is that early adopters gain advantage only if they plan integration, support and data controls. Watch vendor proposals for hidden integration fees, separate labour pricing, and unsupported headcount-reduction claims

Buyer takeaway

Validate implementation plans and support models because tool claims often understate integration work and ongoing dependency

Cost / money

Total cost of ownership may include integration and ongoing support beyond licence fees

Supplier / commercial

Vendors may separate tool access from delivery labour, creating two-tier pricing that shifts costs to buyers

Safety / operations

Automation without clear uptime and data controls can create dependencies that affect payroll and reporting continuity

What to watch

Watch for vendor promises about headcount reduction without clear evidence of integration plans or SLA-backed uptime commitments

Key facts

  • AI adoption presented as an efficiency and burnout-reduction tool
  • Success conditioned on implementation plans, not just tool availability

Source excerpts

Drew’s thoughts on how AI is reshaping the business model of accounting
Why success depends on implementation, not just tools
How AI can save time and alleviate burnout

Used in this brief

  • Next quarter — Pilot an AI-adoption due-diligence scorecard for accounting and payroll vendors covering integration effort, support model, data ownership and headcount impact.. Rationale: because AI efficiency claims often understate integration and ongoing support work, and a standard scorecard helps compare total execution exposure before scaling automation.. Owner: Ops. KPI: A scorecard used in vendor selection that flags integration, data and operational dependency risks for AI-enabled suppliers
  • Industry commentary highlights AI tools as a path to efficiency in accounting but stresses success depends on integration and ongoing support rather than the tool itself. The operational detail is that early adopters gain advantage only if they plan integration, support and data controls. Watch vendor proposals for hidden integration fees, separate labour pricing, and unsupported headcount-reduction claims
  • Buyer bottom line: AI can reduce effort but introduces integration, support and data-ownership questions that must be evaluated before shifting delivery models
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[6] Robert Half

finance.yahoo.com · n.d.

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[7] ADP

finance.yahoo.com · n.d.

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