The Reserve Bank of Australia made it official on 5th May 2026: the cash rate has been lifted by 25 basis points to 4.35%. It's the third consecutive hike in 2026, and it fully unwinds the three rate cuts Australians benefited from last year.

For mortgage holders, the reaction is predictable (more pain). But for business owners, the picture is more nuanced.

Yes, borrowing costs are rising.

Yes, customers are tightening their belts.

But this environment also creates a set of very specific tax planning opportunities that most business owners aren't taking advantage of.

Here's what those businesses are doing differently right now.