_{1.20 – Cate kicks off the ATO Tax Stats ep – noting the lag time is two years.}

_{3.55 – $74,240 is the average Australian taxable income, yet the median income is only $55,868.}

_{12.43 – The median net tax paid rose 16.6% in a single year… Mike and Cate unpack this issue: bracket creep.}

_{17.11 – Who owns property? And how many properties to Aussie investors now own?}

_{21.52 – Mike chats about net rental losses and what this data is really telling us.}

_{29.49 – Mike suggests that the property market is consolidating… and he discusses the structural nuances of the tax system.}

_{34.35 – Cate touches on some of the gender inequalities showing up in the ATO stats.}

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🎙️ In this data-rich episode of The Property Trio, Cate and Mike dive deep into the just-released 2022–23 ATO Tax Stats. From personal income and superannuation to rental property outcomes and tax quirks, this episode sheds light on who’s winning — and who’s hurting — in Australia’s current economic environment. Cate and Mike have broken down this episode into five parts. We hope you enjoy!

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💰 Part 1: The Income Illusion

The average taxable income is now $74,240 — but the median is only $55,868. That $18K gap shows how averages mask the reality for most Aussies. Cate explains how this affects outcomes and affordability, while Mike highlights the gender gap: Men earn $24k more than women on average.

📉 Superannuation stats also expose a gender wealth divide:

• Median male super: $68,568
• Median female super: $54,349
  It’s not just about pay — it’s about lost compounding interest benefits, care duties, and time out of the workforce.

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🏘️ Part 2: Who’s Actually Investing?

2.26 million Australians own rental property — but 72% of property investors own just one property.
Only 0.85% of all property investors own six or more investment properties.

🧮 And many are feeling the pinch:
Nearly half of all investors (49.4%) recorded a net rental loss in 2022–23 — up from 41.9%. The pain is concentrated among small-scale investors. Over 120,000 individuals slipped from profit to loss in just one year.

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🧾 Part 3: Systemic Gaps and Hidden Structures

The tax system favours those with higher incomes and good advice:

• A $10k loss is far more valuable to someone earning $180k than $70k
• 0.2% of individuals claimed 46% of capital gains
• Many low-income investors don’t even claim depreciation

🚺 Women miss out disproportionately due to lower incomes, fewer property holdings, and reduced access to professional financial advice.

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🧠 Part 4: Industry Takeaways

Cate encourages buyers to educate themselves beyond property features. The property metrics are vital to success. From tax offsets, to depreciation, and ownership structures, there is more to property investing than just physical attributes.

📈 Mike reminds investors that they don’t need ten properties — just a well-structured one. Understanding your tax position and planning your post-tax cash flow is key.

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🔍 Part 5: What the Data Reveals

• Median income is up slightly, but tax paid is up 16.6%
• Small investors are under stress
• Gender inequality remains stark
• Tax rules reward those already ahead

📊 This is essential listening for investors, advisors, and anyone who wants to understand the real financial picture behind the headlines.

And our gold nuggets!…..

Cate Bakos’s gold nugget: While they are young, with one property in the portfolio, now is a great time to consider investing in a property plan.

David Johnston’s gold nugget: James and his fiancee are really good with their money! Dave encourages them to keep up that habit. Good money management habits will set them up for success.

Mike Mortlock’s gold nugget: Knowing the numbers is the key to making the decision. Without the visibility, the decision is much harder to make.

Related episodes:

Ep. 87           Optimising tax deductions – top mortgage and loan strategy tips

Ep. 250        Investment Borrowing Masterclass – Maximise Tax Deductions and Advanced Mortgage Strategies for Long-Term Wealth Creation

Ep. 256        Property Investor and Taxpayer Insights from the ATO Unveiled – Exploring the Shifting Sands of the Property Investment Landscape

Ep. 282        The Ultimate Guide to Property Depreciation – Maximise Your Investment Returns with Expert Advice on Tax Deductions

Ep. 286        Is Investing in Property Still Worth It? Navigating the Shifting Property Landscape

Upcoming ep: #322: Expert Tips for Interpreting Data – Why Suburb Medians and Cheap Buys Can Be a Trap for Property Buyers

Resources:

Who are our Aussie property investors?