Resources

Tax Rates:
- 0% tax rate for income up to $18,200
- 19% tax rate for income between $18,201 and $45,000
- 32.5% tax rate for income between $45,001 and $120,000
- 37% tax rate for income between $120,001 and $180,000
- 45% tax rate for income over $180,000
Company Tax Rates:
- Flat rate of 30% for most companies
Partnership Tax Rates:
- Partnerships themselves do not pay income tax. Instead, the partners are individually responsible for reporting and paying tax on their share of the partnership’s net income at their individual tax rates.
Trust Tax Rates:
- Trusts are generally not taxed at the entity level. Instead, the trust’s net income is distributed to the beneficiaries who are then responsible for reporting and paying tax on their share of the trust’s net income at their individual tax rates.
Non-Resident Tax Rates:
- Non-resident taxpayers are subject to different tax rates depending on their residency status, type of income, and other factors. For specific information on non-resident tax rates, it is best to consult with a qualified tax professional or refer to the ATO website.
Holiday Visa Holder Tax Rates:
- Holiday visa holders (such as Working Holiday Visa subclass 417 or 462) are generally treated as non-resident taxpayers and are subject to different tax rates depending on their residency status, type of income, and other factors. For specific information on tax rates for holiday visa holders, it is best to consult with a qualified tax professional or refer to the ATO website.
Again, please note that tax rates can change, and it is important to refer to the ATO website or consult with a qualified tax professional for the most accurate and up-to-date tax rate information for different entities in Australia.
Medicare Levy
The Medicare levy is an amount you pay in addition to the tax you pay on your taxable income.
The Medicare levy helps fund some of the costs of Australia’s public health system known as Medicare. The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income.
You may get a reduction or exemption from paying the Medicare levy, depending on you and your spouse’s income and circumstances. You need to consider your eligibility for a reduction or an exemption separately.
We calculate your Medicare levy when you lodge your income tax return. Generally, the pay as you go amount your employer withholds from your salary or wages includes an amount to cover the Medicare levy.
Medicare Levy is a tax imposed by the Australian government to help fund the country’s public healthcare system, known as Medicare. It is calculated as a percentage of an individual’s taxable income, and the revenue collected is used to fund various healthcare services provided to Australian residents.
Here are some key points about Medicare Levy in Australia:
- Rate: As of the 2021-2022 tax year, the standard Medicare Levy rate is 2% of an individual’s taxable income. However, there are certain exemptions and reductions available based on income thresholds and circumstances.
- Medicare Levy Surcharge: In addition to the standard Medicare Levy, higher-income earners who do not have private hospital cover may be subject to the Medicare Levy Surcharge. The surcharge is calculated as a percentage of their income and applies on top of the standard Medicare Levy. The surcharge is aimed at encouraging individuals to take up private health insurance and reduce the burden on the public healthcare system.
- Exemptions and Reductions: Some individuals may be eligible for exemptions or reductions in Medicare Levy based on their income, family status, or medical condition. For example, low-income earners, certain pensioners, and individuals with specific medical conditions may be exempt from paying the Medicare Levy. There are also reductions available for individuals with income below a certain threshold.
- Medicare Levy and Foreign Residents: Foreign residents are generally not required to pay the Medicare Levy, as they are not eligible for Medicare benefits. However, they may still be liable for the Medicare Levy Surcharge if they meet the income threshold criteria.
- Medicare Levy Collection: The Medicare Levy is collected by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as part of the individual’s annual income tax assessment. It is calculated based on the individual’s taxable income for the financial year and included in their tax return.
- Medicare Levy and Tax Planning: It’s important to consider the Medicare Levy and Medicare Levy Surcharge when planning your tax affairs in Australia. Strategies such as optimizing deductions, managing income, and considering private health insurance coverage can impact your Medicare Levy liability and overall tax outcome.
It’s recommended to seek professional advice from a qualified accountant or tax professional to understand the Medicare Levy rules, exemptions, and reductions, and ensure compliance with Australian tax laws.
Medicare Levy Surcharge:
The Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) is an additional tax imposed on high-income earners in Australia who do not have private hospital cover. The MLS rate is calculated as a percentage of the individual’s income and applies on top of the standard Medicare Levy.
As of the 2021-2022 tax year, the Medicare Levy Surcharge rates for singles and families without private hospital cover are as follows:
- Individuals earning over $90,000 and up to $105,000: 1.0% of taxable income
- Individuals earning over $105,000 and up to $140,000: 1.25% of taxable income
- Individuals earning over $140,000 and up to $180,000: 1.5% of taxable income
- Individuals earning over $180,000: 2.0% of taxable income
For families, the MLS thresholds are higher, based on combined family income.
It’s important to note that the MLS is in addition to the standard Medicare Levy, which is 2% of taxable income for most individuals. The MLS is designed to encourage high-income earners to take up private health insurance and reduce the reliance on the public healthcare system.
It’s recommended to consult with a qualified accountant or tax professional to understand the MLS rules, exemptions, and reductions, and ensure compliance with Australian tax laws.
Super Contribution
- Concessional Super Contributions: Concessional super contributions are contributions made to your super fund before tax has been paid on them. These contributions are generally taxed at a concessional rate of 15% when they are received by your super fund. Concessional contributions include employer contributions (such as Superannuation Guarantee contributions), salary sacrifice contributions, and contributions made by self-employed individuals for which a tax deduction is claimed.
There are annual limits on concessional contributions, also known as concessional contributions caps. For the 2022-2023 financial year, the concessional contributions cap is $27,500 for individuals of all ages. It’s important to be aware of these caps as exceeding them may result in additional tax liabilities.
- Non-Concessional Super Contributions: Non-concessional super contributions are contributions made to your super fund from your after-tax income, on which you have already paid tax. Non-concessional contributions do not attract any additional tax when they are received by your super fund, as they have already been taxed at your marginal tax rate.
There are also annual limits on non-concessional contributions, known as non-concessional contributions caps. For the 2022-2023 financial year, the non-concessional contributions cap is $110,000 or up to $330,000 over a three-year period for individuals under 67 years of age, subject to certain conditions.
It’s important to note that superannuation rules and regulations are complex and subject to change, and it’s recommended to seek professional advice or refer to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding concessional and non-concessional super contributions.
Rental Property
- Claiming Rental Property Expenses: You can claim various expenses related to your rental property as tax deductions, such as mortgage interest, property management fees, repairs and maintenance, insurance premiums, council rates, and depreciation of assets. Properly tracking and documenting these expenses can help reduce your taxable income, resulting in lower tax liabilities.
- Maximizing Depreciation Deductions: Depreciation is the gradual wear and tear of a rental property and its assets over time, and it can be claimed as a tax deduction. Engaging a qualified quantity surveyor to prepare a tax depreciation schedule can help identify and claim maximum depreciation deductions, which can significantly reduce your taxable income and tax payable.
- Timing of Expenses and Income: Carefully timing your rental property expenses and income can impact your tax planning. For example, you may choose to bring forward deductible expenses into the current financial year or defer rental income to the next financial year to optimize your tax position.
- Consideration of Negative Gearing: Negative gearing refers to when the expenses associated with a rental property (such as mortgage interest and other deductions) exceed the rental income, resulting in a net rental loss. This loss can be used to offset against other taxable income, reducing your overall tax liability. However, it’s important to understand the rules and limitations of negative gearing and seek professional advice before making investment decisions based solely on tax benefits.
- Keeping Accurate Records: Keeping organized and accurate records of all income, expenses, and receipts related to your rental property is crucial for effective tax planning. Proper record-keeping can help ensure you claim all eligible deductions, provide evidence in case of an audit, and streamline the tax filing process.
- Seek Professional Advice: Tax planning for rental property can be complex, and tax laws and regulations are subject to change. It’s highly recommended to seek professional advice from a qualified accountant or tax professional who specializes in rental property taxation to ensure you are compliant with tax laws and regulations, and to optimize your tax planning strategies based on your unique circumstances.
Remember, tax planning should always be done in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and it’s important to keep yourself updated with the latest tax rules and regulations from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or seek professional advice for personalized tax planning strategies.
GST , BAS & Tax Withheld Requirement
- GST: If your business has an annual turnover of $75,000 or more (or $150,000 or more for non-profit organizations), you are required to register for GST. This means you need to charge GST on your taxable sales, collect it from your customers, and report and remit it to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on your BAS.
- BAS: A BAS is a form used to report and pay various tax obligations, including GST, Pay as You Go (PAYG) withholding, and other taxes. Depending on the size and complexity of your business, you may need to lodge your BAS monthly, quarterly, or annually. Your BAS will typically include information on your GST sales, GST purchases, and other relevant tax obligations.
- Tax Withheld: If your business pays salaries or wages to employees, you may be required to withhold tax from their wages and remit it to the ATO on their behalf. This is known as Pay as You Go (PAYG) withholding. The amount to be withheld depends on the employee’s income, tax scale, and other factors. You are also required to provide employees with a PAYG payment summary, which outlines the total amount paid and the amount withheld for tax.
- Record-keeping: It’s important to keep accurate records of all your business transactions, including sales, purchases, and payments, as well as records of GST, BAS, and PAYG withholding activities. This includes keeping invoices, receipts, bank statements, and other relevant documents as evidence for your tax obligations.
- Timely Lodgement and Payment: BAS and PAYG withholding obligations have specific due dates for lodgement and payment. It’s important to ensure you meet these deadlines to avoid penalties and interest charges for late lodgement or payment.
- Seek Professional Advice: GST, BAS, and PAYG withholding requirements can be complex, and it’s important to ensure you are compliant with the ATO’s regulations. It’s recommended to seek professional advice from a qualified accountant or tax professional to ensure you meet your obligations and avoid any potential issues with the tax authorities.
It’s crucial to understand and comply with the GST, BAS, and PAYG withholding requirements to ensure your business meets its tax obligations in Australia. Failing to comply with these requirements can result in penalties, interest charges, and potential legal consequences. Keeping accurate records, meeting lodgement and payment deadlines, and seeking professional advice when needed can help ensure your business remains compliant with these tax requirements.
Capital Gain
- Discount for Individuals: If you are an individual taxpayer, you may be eligible for a CGT discount on capital gains made from the sale of assets held for longer than 12 months. As of the 2021-2022 tax year, the CGT discount for individuals is 50% for assets acquired before 21 September 1999, and 50% or 25% for assets acquired on or after 21 September 1999, depending on the type of asset.
- Discount for Small Business: If you are a small business owner, you may be eligible for additional CGT concessions when selling certain assets. The Small Business CGT Concessions provide various concessions, including the 15-year exemption, 50% active asset reduction, and retirement exemption, which can help reduce or eliminate CGT liabilities on the sale of small business assets.
- Conditions for Small Business Concessions: To be eligible for the Small Business CGT Concessions, you must meet certain conditions, including having an aggregated turnover of less than $2 million (for most concessions), satisfying the active asset test, and meeting other specific requirements. It’s important to seek professional advice to ensure you meet all the conditions and requirements for the small business concessions.
- Capital Losses: Capital losses can be used to offset capital gains, reducing the overall CGT liability. If you have capital losses, you may be able to carry them forward to offset against future capital gains in subsequent years, subject to certain restrictions and limitations.
- Seek Professional Advice: CGT can be complex, and it’s important to understand the rules and regulations surrounding capital gains, discounts, and concessions. It’s recommended to seek professional advice from a qualified accountant or tax professional to ensure you accurately calculate your CGT liability and take advantage of any available discounts or concessions.
Understanding the CGT rules, discounts, and concessions for individuals and small businesses is essential for effective tax planning and minimizing CGT liabilities. It’s important to keep abreast of the latest tax laws and seek professional advice to ensure compliance and optimize your tax outcomes.
Tax Return Checklist : Keep Ready before Tax Return Preparation
- Personal Information:
- Full name, date of birth, and contact details (address, phone number, email)
- Tax file number (TFN) and Australian Business Number (ABN) (if applicable)
- Income Information:
- Payment summaries (e.g., PAYG summaries, payment summaries from employers)
- Centrelink payment summaries (if applicable)
- Details of any other income earned during the financial year (e.g., rental income, investment income, business income)
- Records of any deductions or offsets claimed against income (e.g., work-related expenses, donations, medical expenses)
- Expense Records:
- Records of work-related expenses, including receipts or invoices for expenses incurred in earning income (e.g., work-related travel, uniforms, tools)
- Records of self-education expenses (e.g., course fees, textbooks, stationery)
- Records of charitable donations made during the financial year
- Records of medical expenses (if eligible for the Medical Expenses Tax Offset)
- Investment Records:
- Records of capital gains or losses from the sale of assets (e.g., shares, property)
- Records of dividend or interest income received from investments (e.g., bank statements, dividend statements)
- Records of expenses incurred in managing investments (e.g., financial advisor fees)
- Business Records (if applicable):
- Records of business income and expenses, including sales and purchase invoices, receipts, and bank statements
- Records of business-related motor vehicle expenses, depreciation, and other business-related deductions
- Records of employee wages, superannuation contributions, and PAYG withholding
- Records of any other business-related transactions and expenses
- Health Insurance Information:
- Details of private health insurance coverage, including health insurance policy statements or annual tax statement from your health insurer
- Superannuation Information:
- Records of superannuation contributions made during the financial year, including any concessional (before-tax) and non-concessional (after-tax) contributions
- Records of any rollovers or withdrawals from superannuation accounts
- Other:
- Records of any tax offsets or rebates claimed (e.g., Low and Middle Income Tax Offset, Senior Australian and Pensioners Tax Offset)
- Any other relevant tax-related documents or records specific to your individual circumstances
It’s important to note that this is a general tax checklist, and the specific documents and records required may vary depending on your individual tax situation. It’s recommended to consult with a qualified tax professional or refer to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for the most up-to-date and accurate information on tax requirements and obligations in Australia.
New Business
- Obtain an AUS key: AUS key is a secure login credential used for accessing various online services provided by the Australian government, including the Business Portal for managing tax obligations.
- Update business address: Notify the Australian Business Register (ABR) and other relevant government agencies of your business address change to ensure that you receive important correspondence and notifications.
- Open a business bank account: Set up a separate bank account for your business transactions to keep your personal and business finances separate.
- Submit BAS (Business Activity Statement) on time: BAS is a regular reporting requirement for businesses to report and pay their Goods and Services Tax (GST), Pay As You Go (PAYG) instalments, and other tax obligations. Ensure timely and accurate submission to avoid penalties.
- Obtain appropriate insurance coverage: Review your business insurance needs and consider obtaining appropriate coverage such as public liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance to protect your business from potential risks.
- Pay ATO (Australian Taxation Office) dues on time: Stay on top of your tax obligations and pay your BAS, income tax, and superannuation contributions on time to avoid late payment penalties and interest charges.
- Provision for long service leave, personal leave, and sick leave: Be aware of your obligations as an employer to provide and accrue leave entitlements for your employees, including long service leave, personal leave, and sick leave, and ensure proper record keeping.
- Maintain up-to-date employment records: Keep accurate records of your employees’ details, including their tax file numbers, pay rates, hours worked, and leave entitlements to comply with employment laws and regulations.
- Keep up-to-date information with relevant authorities: Update your business details with the Australian Business Register (ABR), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and other relevant authorities to ensure that your business information is current and accurate.
- Maintain proper record keeping: Keep accurate and organized records of your business transactions, including financial statements, invoices, receipts, and other supporting documents, to comply with tax and regulatory requirements and facilitate financial reporting and decision-making.
Starting a new business involves several legal, financial, and compliance considerations. It’s recommended to seek professional advice from an accountant, tax advisor, or business consultant to ensure that you fulfill all the necessary requirements and responsibilities.