Company Taxation in Australia : A Short Summary
We regularly receive inquiries about establishing companies in Australia and particularly their taxation. In the paragraphs below we summarise some of the major issues, although there is a reasonable degree of complexity and we strongly recommend specific advice from an experienced tax and corporate advisor before proceeding to establish a company or other entity, such as a trust; access to professional advice is available through the Inquiry form at the bottom of this page.
The main types of business entities
- Company
- Branch of overseas company
- Partnership/ Joint venture
- Trust
- Corporate limited partnership
The most common operating entity is an Australian incorporated company.
Business Taxation
- Company tax rate is 30%, except for "small businesses" (aggregate turnover below $50 million), which are subject to a reduced tax rate of 25% for 2021-22 and future years
- No branch profits tax
- Assessable income includes most business revenue including gross income from sales and services, dividends, interest, royalties and capital gains.
- Allowable deductions include most business expenses including depreciation, royalties, interest, management fees, and payroll taxes. Entertainment costs are not deductible.
- Prior year losses can be deducted against current year profits and capital gains provided the company passes a Same Owner test or Same Business test. Capital losses can only offset capital gains. Current year losses can be carried back to offset prior year profits in limited circumstances.
- Tax incentives are available for certain R&D activities carried on by Australian companies.
- Deductions are not allowed for allowances such as holiday pay, sick leave and long service leave until actually paid to the employee
- Strict transfer pricing rules require international dealings to be on an arm’s length basis which could impact interest, management fees, royalties paid to related parties overseas.
- Interest on borrowings is not deductible where total debt to equity is greater than 1.5:1.Non-deductible interest is still subject to withholding tax.
- Dividends from the foreign subsidiaries of Australian companies are generally exempt from tax, but no credit is available for foreign dividend withholding taxes paid
Withholding Taxes
Dividends
- Dividends from previously taxed profits (franked dividends) are not subject to withholding tax.
- Unfranked dividends are subject to 30% withholding tax, which may be reduced under applicable double tax treaties. Australia’s tax treaties reduce dividend withholding tax to between 0% - 15% depending upon the country of residence of the shareholder
Interest
- Interest withholding tax is 10% and is generally not reduced by treaties.
Royalties
- Royalty withholding tax is 30%, generally reduced to 10% or less by treaties.
Wage Tax/ Social Security Contributions
- Employers are required to contribute 11% of each employee’s ordinary time earnings (up to a quarterly salary cap) to an Australian superannuation fund. The rate is scheduled to increase over time to 12%
- Employers must withhold tax from each employee’s regular salary and wages and forward them to the Australian Taxation Office
- Fringe Benefits Tax (at 47%) is paid on most non-cash benefits paid to employees. The FBT is tax deductible.
- There is no capital duty on value of outstanding shares
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- GST at 10% is payable on most supplies of goods and services in Australia. GST is not payable on certain financial transactions, food, health and educational services.
State Taxes
- The Australian states and territories impose a range of taxes and charges on business including payroll taxes (generally around 5% of total payroll above a threshold amount), land taxes, stamp duties on certain transfers and documents
Administration
- Income tax returns are lodged annually based on a 30 June year end. Different year ends can be granted by the Australian Taxation Office.
- Income tax is paid based on quarterly instalments with any balance paid 5 months after year end
- Separate returns need to be prepared for GST, FBT and the various state taxes
If you would like to arrange professional advice please complete the Inquiry form below providing details and you will be contacted promptly.
