ETF tax traps, CGT, cost base adjustments and what Australians need to know

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask is joined by Navarre Trousselot, founder of Navexa, to unpack why the proposed 2026 Federal Budget tax changes could make ETF record-keeping and capital gains reporting much messier for everyday investors. Instead of glossing over the hard bits, they walk through how capital gains tax works in Australia, why parcel selection matters, and why ATO pre-fill can give ETF investors a false sense of security. Navarre explains the trap most ETF investors miss: annual cost base adjustments. If you have been dollar-cost averaging into ETFs for years, every member statement can change the cost base of earlier parcels, which means your future CGT calculation is probably more complicated than you think. Owen and Navarre also explore how tools like Navexa can model rebalancing decisions, compare FIFO with lower-gain methods, and estimate the tax impact before you sell. They also discuss what the mooted post-July 2027 rules could mean in practice, why better records may become non-negotiable, and how investors can avoid handing extra money to the ATO just because their admin is a mess. If you own ETFs, buy shares regularly, or expect to rebalance in the years ahead, this is a practical episode worth hearing before tax time gets even trickier. DISCLAIMER This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider if the information is appropriate for your situation before acting on it. If you’re unsure, consult a licensed financial planner. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial adviser, or tax professional. You can access The Rask Group’s Financial Services Guide (FSG) here: https://www.rask.com.au/fsg