What is the core reason Wilson Asset Management opposes the proposed startup tax concession?

Wilson Asset Management opposes the federal government's proposed startup capital gains tax arrangements because the firm believes narrow carve-outs reinforce higher taxes on risk-bearing capital.

What are the financial criteria required for companies to qualify for the proposed startup concession?

To qualify for the government's proposed concession, startups must generate less than $50 million in annual turnover and be incorporated for less than 10 years.

What alternative tax strategy does Wilson Asset Management recommend instead of the startup carve-out?

Wilson Asset Management recommends that the federal government retain the current 50% capital gains tax discount for all registered domestic firms and productive Australian assets.

How does Wilson Asset Management believe the policy eligibility should change if the government proceeds?

Wilson Asset Management (Market:WAM) advocated that eligibility must extend to every registered Australian company if the government proceeds with the policy.

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Wilson Asset Management slams Australia's startup tax proposal

Written by Heidi Cuthbert Published Jul 13, 2026, 1:45 AM

Wilson Asset Management criticised the federal government's proposed startup capital gains tax concession.
The investment firm warned the changes could discourage entrepreneurship and reduce investment in productive Australian businesses.
The company recommended retaining the current 50% capital gains tax discount for all registered domestic firms.

Wilson Asset Management lodged a submission to the Treasury opposing the government's proposed startup capital gains tax arrangements to protect investment in local businesses.

The investment manager stated that the planned carve-out reinforces higher taxes on risk-bearing capital, while a dozen tech executives separately warned the policy would send startup investors offshore.

"The government is trying to create a narrow carve-out for startups because it knows its broader capital gains tax changes will hurt startup investment," said Wilson Asset Management Chair and Chief Investment Officer Geoff Wilson.

The proposed concession targets startups with less than $50 million in turnover incorporated for less than 10 years, though the Australian Industry Group stated the complex rules would make it too hard to qualify.

The firm advocated that eligibility should extend to every registered Australian company, including businesses raising growth capital on the ASX, if the government proceeds with the policy.

The investment manager stated that the cleanest response would be to retain the 50% capital gains tax discount for all productive Australian assets.