InvestmentMarkets offers insights to help you reset your finances and set the tone for the year ahead
As the 2024-2025 financial year draws to a close, Australian investors have a valuable window to sharpen their tax strategies, rebalance portfolios, and set the foundations for the year ahead.
According to leading fintech, InvestmentMarkets, EOFY isn’t just about ticking off paperwork, it’s about making proactive decisions that can create real financial impact. Whether you’re managing an SMSF, rethinking your super contributions, or realising gains and losses, now’s the time to take action.
Here are five expert-backed EOFY strategies every investor should consider:
EOFY is the perfect time to take stock - literally. That means reviewing your full investment portfolio, not just what’s sitting in your main trading app. Consider listed and unlisted investments across all brokers and platforms, including shares, ETFs, managed funds, and alternative assets.
For SMSF trustees, this is also when accurate valuations are critical. The ATO requires all fund assets be it, property, private investments, and securities to be reported at market value as of 30 June. These valuations also feed into each member’s total super balance, influencing contribution limits, transfer caps, and broader strategy eligibility.
Capital gains tax (CGT) is assessed based on the contract date of a sale, not settlement, so the timing of any transactions before 30 June could materially affect your tax position. This is particularly important if you’ve realised significant capital gains throughout the year.
Keep in mind that if an asset is sold after being held for less than 12 months, the full gain is taxed at your marginal rate. Hold it for longer and you may qualify for the 50% CGT discount. With capital gains forming an increasing share of household income, careful CGT timing has never been more important, especially with super tax changes on the horizon.
EOFY offers a strategic opportunity to review underperforming assets and consider tax loss harvesting, selling investments at a loss to offset capital gains elsewhere. It’s a smart way to reduce your tax bill and rebalance your portfolio.
Just be cautious of ‘wash sales’. The ATO has flagged these, where investors sell and quickly repurchase the same or a similar asset as tax avoidance strategies subject to penalties. Instead, think of this as a chance to cut underperformers and reallocate to better long-term opportunities.
While super may not always be top of mind, EOFY is the ideal time to revisit your strategy. This year, you can contribute up to $30,000 in concessional (pre-tax) contributions, and up to $360,000 in after-tax contributions using the bring-forward rule.
Spouse contributions or downsizer contributions of up to $300,000 per person from the sale of a family home can also be effective ways to boost your retirement savings while potentially reducing tax. And from July 2025, super balances over $3 million are set to attract a higher tax rate of 30%. Reviewing your asset mix now could help you stay ahead of these upcoming changes.
For SMSF trustees, EOFY comes with a few critical deadlines. Ensure all minimum pension payments have been made, contributions are within caps, and assets are accurately valued with clear documentation. Auditors are placing greater emphasis on independent evidence, so get ahead of it now.
It’s also worth reviewing your fund’s investment strategy. If your asset mix has drifted or if your members’ circumstances have changed, make sure the strategy is updated to reflect your current goals and market conditions.
Think of EOFY as more than just a deadline, it’s an opportunity to pause, plan and position yourself for what’s ahead. By making a few smart moves now, investors can strengthen their financial footing and step into the new financial year with greater clarity and confidence.
Whether it’s reviewing your portfolio, managing capital gains, or making the most of your super, EOFY is the time to take control and start the new year on the front foot.
For more information, please visit https://www.investmentmarkets.com.au/