FBT Essentials Series 2026
The ATO is watching.
Are you ready?
Three focused online sessions. Every FBT category the ATO is scrutinising. Practical, up-to-the-minute guidance from Paul Mather, Australia's leading FBT specialist.
Wednesday 16, 23, & 30 September 2026 | 3 CPD points each session
Introducing the FBT Essentials Series 2026
FBT compliance has never been under more scrutiny. In 2026, the ATO publicly identified gaps in practitioners' FBT knowledge, intensified its audit program, and handed down four significant court decisions —including the landmark Toowoomba Regional Council car parking ruling — that change how employers calculate their obligations. The rules around electric vehicles, PHEVs, and salary packaging are also in flux, with proposed changes creating genuine confusion for even experienced advisors.
The FBT Essentials Series gives you practical, current guidance across every major FBT category in three focused online sessions you can fit around a busy schedule. Presented by Paul Mather, one of Australia's most respected FBT specialists, each session is built around worked examples, real-world scenarios and tools you can apply immediately — whether you're managing FBT for your own business, advising employer clients, or building a more robust FBT framework for your practice.
Session 1
Wednesday 16 September 2026
Session 2
Wednesday 23 September 2026
Session 3
Wednesday 30 September 2026
Time
11 am – 2 pm AEST
Location
Online
Single session
$399 excl. GST
Bundle — all 3 sessions
$999 excl. GST (save $198)
Full series
Up to 9 CPD hours
Per session
3 CPD hours
Why attend
The ATO said it out loud
The ATO has publicly warned that gaps in practitioners' FBT knowledge are leading to errors in client returns. With approximately 90% of all FBT returns lodged by tax agents, that responsibility lands squarely on advisors. This series closes the gap session by session.
Four court decisions. One series.
Four significant FBT cases were decided in the past 12 months, including the Full Federal Court's Toowoomba car parking ruling and two motor vehicle decisions in early 2026. Paul Mather unpacks each one and tells you exactly what it means for your clients or your own FBT return.
EVs, PHEVs and the exemption confusion resolved
The government's proposed changes to the EV FBT exemption have created real confusion about what qualifies, what doesn't, and what happens to PHEVs. Session 2 cuts through the noise with worked examples, charging cost guidance, and clarity on associated car expenses.
For your practice, not just your knowledge
Session 3 is built specifically for accounting firms and bookkeepers. It covers the ATO's shift to a 'self-assessment' approach, recent penalties, and how to build a practice FBT framework that protects both your clients and your professional reputation.
Three hours. Real tools. Immediate application.
No theory for theory's sake. Every session is structured around practical worked examples, real-world scenarios, and content you can apply the next morning — whether you're preparing an FBT return, advising on salary packaging, or reviewing a car parking policy.
Watch live or on demand — up to 12 months
Can't make the live date? Every registrant receives recording access for up to 12 months. Watch on your schedule, revisit complex topics before lodgement season, and share with colleagues. Register with confidence even if your diary changes.
Who should attend
Accountants
Accounting firms' partners
Tax agents
Accounting firms' directors
BAS agents
In-house tax managers
Finance managers
Payroll managers
HR managers
Bookkeepers
Presenter
Paul Mather
FBT and Salary Packaging Specialist
Paul Mather is one of Australia's leading FBT specialists, with extensive experience advising employers and accounting practices on FBT compliance, planning and risk management. Paul is known for his practical, worked-example approach that makes complex FBT rules accessible and immediately applicable.
Topics covered
Session 1
16 September 2026
Key learnings from FBT season 2026
Entertainment & FBT, Minor Benefits Exemption, Employee Expenses, Car Parking (Toowoomba ruling), Living Away From Home & Relocations
Relevant for: Accountants, accounting firm's partners, accounting firm's directors, tax agents, BAS agents, In-house tax managers, finance managers, payroll managers, HR managers, bookkeepers
Session 2
23 September 2026
Motor Vehicles & FBT
Car fringe benefits, Logbooks & Operating Cost Method, 2026 case law (SEPL, Prestige Form Group), Utes, EV/PHEV exemption, Novated Leases & Salary Packaging
Relevant for: Accountants, accounting firm's partners, accounting firm's directors, tax agents, BAS agents, In-house tax managers, finance managers, payroll managers, HR managers
Session 3
30 September 2026
ATO FBT Audits — Coming to a Firm Near You
ATO focus & self-assessment approach, Recent penalties & audit outcomes, Building a practice FBT framework, Client engagement strategies, FBT services for accounting firms
Relevant for: Accountants, accounting firm's partners, accounting firm's directors, tax agents, BAS agents, bookkeepers
Frequently asked questions
The FBT Essentials Series is a three-part online workshop series from Thomson Reuters covering every major FBT category the ATO is actively scrutinising in 2026. Each session is three hours, focused on a specific area of FBT, and presented by Paul Mather — one of Australia's most respected FBT specialists. Sessions can be purchased individually or as a bundle.
Yes. Each session can be purchased individually. The bundle price is available if you register for all three sessions.
All registered attendees receive on-demand recording access for up to 12 months following each live session. Watch on your schedule, revisit complex topics, and share with colleagues — register with confidence even if your diary changes.
Four significant FBT court decisions were handed down in the past 12 months, including the Full Federal Court's Toowoomba car parking ruling. The ATO has publicly identified knowledge gaps among practitioners, intensified its FBT audit program, and proposed changes to the EV FBT exemption are creating widespread confusion. This series covers every development.
Please contact eventsanz@thomsonreuters.com for transfer and cancellation enquiries.
For content enquiries, please contact the events team at eventsanz@thomsonreuters.com
Secure your spot
FBT is one of the most actively audited areas in the Australian tax system right now and 2026 has brought more change than any recent year. Register for one session or the full series and get the practical guidance you need, from Australia's leading FBT specialist. Available live or on demand for up to 12 months.
Contact us
Attendee inquiries: eventsanz@thomsonreuters.com