Taxation

Understanding taxes and meeting your taxation obligations can save you money. By paying the right amount you can avoid late payment penalties. You may also be entitled to exemptions.
  • How to register
    A range of taxes affect small business, so before you begin operating you'll need to know what you must do to comply with government taxation regulations.
  • Taxes explained
    There are a number of different taxes that can apply to your business, depending on your location and business activity.
    • Capital Gains Tax
      Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is the tax that you pay on any capital gain you include on your annual income tax return.
    • Excise duties
      Excise duty is a tax levied on certain types of goods produced or manufactured in Australia.
    • Fringe Benefits Tax
      Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) is a tax payable by employers for benefits paid to an employee or the employee's associate.
    • Goods & Services Tax
      The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a broad-based tax of 10 per cent on the sale of most goods and services and other things in Australia.
    • Income tax for business
      Federal income tax is levied on the taxable income of a person or a business.
    • International tax
      Residents and non-residents have different tax rates, which is why you need to find out what international tax obligations apply to you.
    • Land tax
      Land tax is an annual state government tax payable by the owner of land.
    • Land tax in your state or territory
      Contact the Revenue Office in your state or territory for information on land tax.
    • Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding
      Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding is a legal requirement to withhold amounts for income tax purposes.
    • Pay-roll tax
      Pay-roll tax is a state tax on the wages paid by employers. It is calculated on the amount of wages you pay per month.
    • Rates
      Rates are property taxes charged by local government on properties in their municipal area.
    • Stamp duty
      State and territory governments impose taxes on a range of paper and electronic transactions.
    • Tax concessions for small business entities
      From 1 July 2007 eligible small business entities can access a number of tax concessions.
  • Taxes and superannuation for your workers
    If your business has employees or contractors then you'll need to know how to meet your tax obligations.
    • Determine the status of workers
      The status of your workers for tax purposes is important, as employees and contract workers involve different obligations.
    • Fringe Benefits Tax
      Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) is a tax payable by employers for benefits paid to an employee or the employee's associate.
    • Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding
      Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding is a legal requirement to withhold amounts for income tax purposes.
    • Pay-roll tax
      Pay-roll tax is a state tax on the wages paid by employers. It is calculated on the amount of wages you pay per month.
    • Superannuation
      Running a business or employing people is likely to involve superannuation obligations. Most of your employees, whether full-time, part-time or casual, will be covered by the superannuation guarantee legislation.
  • Tax deductions
    Deductions for costs incurred in running your business are allowable, provided the expenses are not of a private, domestic or capital nature.
  • Record keeping and reporting
    Under tax law, you must keep records of all your business transactions. You're required to keep records relating to income tax, GST, payments to employees and business payments. Activity statements are used to report and pay your tax obligations, including PAYG, FBT and GST, and to pay deferred company and superannuation fund instalments.
    • Record keeping
      Good business records help you manage your business and make sound business decisions.
    • Reporting activity statements
      You make payments and report your obligations under the tax system using an activity statement.
  • Paying your taxes
    Paying your tax online is a fast, convenient and secure way to do business. Find out how to pay your taxes, and which methods of payment are available.
  • Ending your business
    You must tell the Tax Office if you have ceased trading or your business has been sold. You must also cancel your various registrations, such as Australian Business Number; Goods and Services Tax; Luxury Car Tax; Wine Equalisation Tax; Pay As You Go; or Diesel and Alternative Fuel Grant Schemes.

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