January 2026 Newsletter
Contents:
- ATO income splitting crackdown: what business owners need to know
- Elder abuse ‘complex’ and ‘poorly understood’
- LHA: Criminal charges filed against horticulture business owner
- Who are a Charity’s “Responsible Persons”?
- The consequences of underpaying a pension
- Key apprentice employer incentives extended in 2026
- Announcements
ATO income splitting crackdown: what business owners need to know
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released updated guidance that could affect thousands of professionals, tradespeople, and small business owners who use trusts, companies, or partnerships to structure their income. If you’re a lawyer, doctor, architect, accountant, IT professional, electrician, plumber, or any other skilled professional operating through a business structure, this is essential reading.
Elder abuse ‘complex’ and ‘poorly understood’
Elder abuse is complex, under-reported, and frequently occurs within families, a new report has found, but the report stops short of recommending new specific criminal offences.
A pre-election commitment from the LNP, the 12-month Queensland parliamentary inquiry was tasked with investigating the extent of elder abuse and making recommendations to the state government.
LHA: Criminal charges filed against horticulture business owner
The Labour Hire Authority (LHA) has filed eight criminal charges against the owner of a labour hire company, alleging that he knowingly provided false information to LHA.
The charges carry a maximum total penalty of more than $220,000.
Who are a Charity’s “Responsible Persons”?
If your organisation is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), you are required to notify the ACNC of the appointment of people responsible for governing the charity. These are known as “Responsible Persons”. Essentially, they are entrusted with making decisions on behalf of the charity and determining how the organisation should be run.
Key apprentice employer incentives extended in 2026
The Federal Government has extended its $5,000 employer incentive under the Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP) for housing and clean energy sectors until December 2026.
This decision follows strong uptake since the program began on 1 July 2025, with more than 6,600 apprentices commencing under the housing construction stream and over 15,400 new energy apprentices starting training under KAP and the New Energy Apprenticeship Program (NEAP).
Announcements:
A huge month for work anniversaries, Paula (33), Lee (25), Xavier (5), Katrina (6) & Grant (24) are all bringing milestones!We also wish Andrew, Gabi & Kelly a very happy birthday this month!
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Important ATO Dates
| Lodgement Program | Date |
| December monthly activity statements | 21/01/26 |
| Quarter 2 (October–December) PAYG instalment activity statement | 21/01/26 |
| Quarter 2 (October–December) – super guarantee contributions | 28/01/26 |
Other News
Rupanyup Office Closure
An important update regarding our Rupanyup office. It is with mixed emotions that we announce the permanent closure of our Rupanyup office. Our last day trading from this location will be Tuesday, December 23, 2025. We want to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible support, loyalty, and friendship you have shown us since we first opened our doors here in Rupanyup.Continuing Your Service
While the Rupanyup office is closing, please be assured that we remain fully committed to supporting all our clients. You will continue to receive the same dedicated service through our nearby offices:
| Location | Address | Phone Number |
| Horsham | 44 Wilson Street | 03 5382 3001 |
| Stawell | 142 Main Street | 03 5358 5066 |
| Ararat | 70 Vincent Street | 03 5352 4738 |
Contact Us Please contact us at 03 5382 3001 or email mail@wattsprice.com.au to schedule your next appointment or if you have any questions about this transition. We sincerely look forward to continuing our professional relationship with you from our other offices.
Thank you once again, from the entire team at Watts Price Accountants.
P.S. The office premises at 16 Cromie Street, Rupanyup is available for sale. Interested parties should contact Peter Knights.
Important Reminder re Rupanyup Mail
To ensure all correspondence and documents are processed efficiently and without delay, please refrain from sending mail to our PO Box 95 Rupanyup, Victoria 3388 address.Going forward, please use mailing address: PO Box 118 Horsham, VIC 3402 Please update your records with this new address.
The above change also affects mail you have going directly from your financial institutions to us like bank, broker, real estate statements etc.
We appreciate your cooperation and attention to this matter. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sertori & Co Update
Buildings For Sale: Ararat & Stawell OfficesPlease be advised that the landlord for both the Ararat and Stawell office buildings has decided to put the two properties up for sale. We want to assure you that this decision does not affect our current lease agreements or the day-to-day operations of our business. The service we provide to you will continue without interruption!
Future Rebranding
We will in the coming months rebrand and operate solely under the Watts Price Accountants name. Rest assured, your service will continue without interruption throughout this process.
Transition
Nigel Keating, the former owner has, after a planned 3 month transition, stepped away from the firm’s day-to-day operations and ownership to focus entirely on his Ballarat Lending business. We wish Nigel all the best!
Christmas Office Hours
All the best from the Watts Price Team!