“Big shoutout to my silent business partner, Anthony,” Cocobelle Beauty salon owner Michelle wrote on Facebook.
“Emphasis on silent. He’ll be taking 47 per cent of the profits without ever answering a phone, changing a treatment bed, or doing a Hydrafacial.”
An AI-generated photo of Michelle and Albanese accompanied the caption.
It’s one of a slew of memes touting the same “47 per cent figure”.
The number refers to changes to the capital gains tax discount introduced in last week’s federal budget.
Under the new measures, the 50 per cent CGT discount will end, leaving business owners facing the possibility of paying 47 per cent tax if they sell their company.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the government will work to do right by start-ups and business founders, leaving open the possibility of exemptions to the rule.
“We think you are a really important part of the economy, in lots of ways the hope of the side when it comes to dynamism and productivity, and we will reflect and recognise that in our policy,” Chalmers said in parliament last week, addressing notional start-up founders.
The backlash to the police began – meme-wise, at least – in the tech sector, but has migrated to other small businesses.
‘That is just so unfair’: Boost Juice founder lashes budget tax reform
“I would put my house on the line, I put everything on the line, and then I work my absolute butt off, risk everything, be away from my family, etc,” she said.
“To eventually make a profit and give nearly half to the government?
“Oh my god, that is just so unfair. It doesn’t allow you to get ahead, it doesn’t inspire you to actually take the risks that you need to take.”
Negative gearing will be limited to new builds and no longer apply to any existing properties bought after 7.30pm on May 12.
Both policies are commonly used for property, but the capital gains tax discount can apply to most capital assets, like managed funds, while negative gearing can apply to other income-producing assets like shares.
Allis said she believed the changes would kill ambition to start a business and ward off investment from global businesses.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
By
