Loss refundability for small start-up companies (May Federal Budget 2026)

The Government will introduce loss refundability for small start-up companies. For tax years commencing on or after 1 July 2028, start-up companies with aggregated annual turnover of less than $10 million that generate a tax loss in their first two years of operation will be able to utilise the loss to generate a refundable tax offset. The offset will be limited to the value of fringe benefits tax and withholding tax on wages paid in respect of Australian employees in the loss year.

This measure is expected to support up to 25,000 new businesses each year.