#321: ATO Tax Stats Revealed - What They Mean for Investors, Income Earners and the Property Market

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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!

💰 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.

🏘️ 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.

🧾 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.

🧠 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.

🔍 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.

Shownotes:  https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/08/04/latest-ato-stats-revealed/