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. 

 

Why Should You Attend?

Because 2026 is the worst year to let your FBT knowledge slide. 

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 

• Built for the people the ATO is watching most closely. 
• Whether you're advising employers or managing FBT obligations in-house, 2026 is not the year to be underprepared. 
• Accountants, partners and directors at accounting firms: All 3 sessions — Session 3 is a must-attend
• Tax agents and BAS agents: All 3 sessions
•  In-house tax managers and finance managers: Sessions 1 & 2
• Payroll managers and HR managers: Sessions 1 & 2 (particularly motor vehicles, EVs, salary packaging, car parking)
• Payroll specialists and salary packaging administrators: Session 2 (novated leases, EVs, associated car expenses)
• Bookkeepers: Sessions 1 & 3

 

What you’ll cover across the series 

Three sessions. Three hours each. Every FBT category the ATO is scrutinising in 2026. 

Session 1 — 16 Sep Key Learnings from FBT Season 2026 (3 CPD Hours)

Entertainment & FBT, Minor Benefits Exemption, Employee Expenses, Car Parking (Toowoomba ruling), Living Away From Home & Relocations

Session 2 — 23 Sep Motor Vehicles & FBT (3 CPD Hours)

Car fringe benefits, Logbooks & Operating Cost Method, 2026 case law (SEPL, Prestige Form Group), Utes, EV/PHEV exemption, Novated Leases & Salary Packaging 

Session 3 — 30 Sep ATO FBT Audits — Coming to a Firm Near You (3 CPD Hours)

ATO focus & self-assessment approach, Recent penalties & audit outcomes, Building a practice FBT framework, Client engagement strategies, FBT services for accounting firms

TOTAL — Full Series Bundle (9 CPD Hours)

All FBT categories covered

 

Pricing

Single Session: $399 excl. GST

Bundle (all 3 sessions): $999 excl. GST (save $198)