Tax Insights Survey | April 2025

In this edition of RSM’s Tax Insights Survey, we asked Australians to identify the area of tax reform they believe should be a priority in the potential October Federal Budget.

Survey Results

Relief for small businesses and individuals tops the list!

Our survey revealed a clear preference for targeted support measures, with the majority of respondents hoping to see relief for individuals and small businesses:

57% want relief for individuals and small businesses

33% prefer harsher measures against larger corporate taxpayers

8% support additional ATO funding

2% call for GST reform

What does this tell us?

The results underscore a strong desire among Australians for practical, immediate relief for those feeling the pressures of inflation, rising costs, and uncertain economic conditions. Many small businesses and individuals are still recovering from the financial strain of recent years — and are calling for tangible tax relief that supports resilience and growth.

Interestingly, a significant portion (33%) of respondents are also calling for greater scrutiny and tougher tax measures on large corporates, signalling concerns around fairness and equity in the current system.

Meanwhile, GST reform and increased ATO funding remain low on the public’s tax reform wish list — possibly due to their complexity or indirect impact on day-to-day finances.

The path ahead

With the October Federal Budget potentially on the horizon, these insights offer a valuable snapshot of taxpayer sentiment. Whether or not the government aligns with public opinion, it's clear that expectations for reform are high — particularly for small businesses and everyday Australians.

At RSM, we continue to monitor policy developments closely. Our team is here to help you adapt your tax strategy to stay compliant, competitive, and prepared — whatever the Budget may bring.