Tax Scenarios

Compare common tax situations to make informed decisions. See how different choices affect your outcome before you commit.

Tax planning isn't just about knowing what you owe—it's about understanding how your decisions change that number. These scenarios help you compare alternatives: Should I salary sacrifice? Will the Medicare Levy Surcharge cost more than private health insurance? What happens if I sell this year instead of next?

Each scenario explains the key tax rules involved, shows you the trade-offs, and helps you ask better questions before speaking to an accountant.

Explore by topic

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Capital gains tax scenarios

Compare timing, ownership, and income strategies for selling assets.

  • Sell now vs hold
  • 12-month CGT discount
  • PPOR exemption
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Income tax scenarios

Compare different income situations—HELP/HECS repayments, Medicare Levy Surcharge, and tax offsets.

  • HELP repayment thresholds
  • MLS vs private health insurance
  • Low-income tax offset
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Superannuation scenarios

Understand how salary sacrifice, contribution caps, and timing affect your super and tax.

  • Salary sacrifice trade-offs
  • Concessional cap planning
  • Carry-forward contributions
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Tax deduction scenarios

Compare different methods for claiming work-related expenses and deductions.

  • Fixed rate vs actual cost WFH
  • Home office methods
  • Asset depreciation
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First home buyer scenarios

Compare strategies for saving for your first home and maximising tax benefits.

  • FHSS vs bank savings
  • Stamp duty concessions
  • Super contribution timing
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Investment property scenarios

Understand the tax implications of different investment property strategies.

  • Negative gearing trade-offs
  • Depreciation benefits
  • Capital growth vs cash flow
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Cryptocurrency tax scenarios

Compare tax strategies for cryptocurrency investors and traders.

  • Hold 12+ months vs trade
  • CGT discount eligibility
  • Cost base tracking
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How scenarios work

  • Each scenario compares two or more situations side by side
  • Key tax rules are explained in plain language
  • Trade-offs and common mistakes are highlighted
  • Where available, you can adjust numbers to match your situation
  • Results are estimates based on 2025–26 Australian tax rules

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tax scenario?

A tax scenario compares two or more situations to help you understand how a decision affects your tax outcome. Rather than just calculating a number, scenarios show you the difference between options—like salary sacrificing vs not, or selling an asset this year vs next year.

How are scenarios different from calculators?

Calculators give you a single result based on your inputs. Scenarios show you side-by-side comparisons so you can weigh up alternatives. They're designed for decision-making, not just number-crunching.

Are these scenarios personalised?

Each scenario starts with example numbers to illustrate the concept. Where interactive tools are available, you can adjust the inputs to match your situation and see how the comparison changes.

Looking for quick calculations instead?

View all tax calculators →