Tax-saving strategies for tech professionals in the era of AI

1. Salary sacrifice your phone, laptop or tablet

Buying work tech out of pocket? There’s a smarter way. Salary packaging (or salary sacrifice) lets your employer buy items like a phone or laptop using your pre-tax salary, which lowers your taxable income and saves you money.

Usually, the ATO charges fringe benefits tax (FBT) when employers give non-cash perks, but work tools like phones, laptops, and tablets are FBT-exempt. That means no extra tax for your employer, and bigger savings for you.

You’re allowed to package one phone, one laptop, and one tablet per FBT year. To claim the benefit for this FBT year, the item must be purchased before 31 March. After that, the clock resets for the next FBT year.

Example: That $1,500 phone? It might only cost you $825 after tax savings.

Next step: Ask your HR or payroll team if your workplace offers salary packaging and which items are eligible. 

2. Contribute to your super the smart way

The concessional super cap is now $30,000 per year, and unused amounts can be carried forward for five years. This allows you to contribute extra in high-income years or to offset capital gains.

Example: A member earning $120,000 could save over $1,600 in tax by salary sacrificing $5,000 into super.

Super earnings are taxed at just 15%, compared to your marginal rate (which could be 32.5%–45%). That means your savings grow faster over time.

Next step: Log into your MyGov account to check your contribution history and carry-forward balance,or talk to your payroll team about setting up salary sacrifice into super. Harry recommends discussing it with your payroll or accountant to set up a salary sacrifice arrangement that suits your income and tax bracket.

3. Use your super to buy your first home

The First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) lets you contribute up to $15,000 per year, capped at $50,000 total, and withdraw it later for a home deposit.

While powerful, the process is complex. Harry shared how one of his colleagues, with no tax background, used AI tools like Genspark to generate a 10-step checklist for navigating the full FHSSS process, from eligibility to fund release.

Next step: Check your eligibility and contribution history via the ATO’s FHSSS page on MyGov. You can also use AI tools like Genspark to create a custom step-by-step plan, or speak to your accountant if you're unsure how to begin.

4. Thinking of getting an EV? Go FBT-free

If you salary package a qualifying electric vehicle, no FBT applies, potentially saving thousands.

Tip: Use a novated lease calculator to compare EVs and fossil-fuel vehicles.

Even small EVs can be a tax-effective commuting option, especially when paired with low-interest finance. Harry also noted that you don’t need to keep a logbook for eligible EVs under the exemption, a big win for simplicity.

Next steps: Use an EV novated lease calculator to estimate your savings, then talk to a leasing provider or your HR team to explore your options.

5. Use AI to simplify your financial planning

Harry’s firm uses tools like Genspark, Fellow, and GPT-4 to build workflows, interpret ATO rules, and create personalised advice, especially for clients dealing with super contributions, EVs, or the FHSSS.

Pro tip: Always verify AI outputs. Treat AI like a research assistant, not a replacement for professional advice.

Harry recommends using AI to:

• Draft super contribution workflows

• Compare lease options

• Explore savings scenarios (e.g. cash vs. super vs. ETF returns)

Next steps: Try AI to map out your personal goals. Harry suggested asking, “What’s the most tax-effective way for me to save $10,000 this year?

6. Don’t forget your ACS tax deductions

Harry reminded members that ACS membership fees are tax-deductible, and include professional indemnity insurance, a benefit often overlooked by tech contractors and consultants.

If you completed ACS short courses or certifications (including via Skillsoft or ACS Certifications), you may be able to claim them too provided they relate to your current job.

Special thanks to guest speaker, Harry Hoang

ACS extends a warm thank you to Harry Hoang, CEO of Tailored Accounts, for generously sharing his time and expertise. Harry’s practical advice and real-world examples continue to help tech professionals make smarter financial decisions. 

Want to dive deeper? 

Find out more by watching tax strategies and saving tips for ICT professionals event recording (ACS Members only access). 

👉 Explore more upcoming ACS events. 

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