State Taxes

These are taxes managed by the State, not a federal body. Particular deductions and exemptions vary between states for all duties.

PAYROLL TAX

Payroll tax is a state tax on the wages paid by employers when the total wages exemption threshold is exceeded. Exemption thresholds vary between states.

Payroll tax is not the same as PAYG withholding tax collected by the ATO. PAYG is the tax deducted from an individual’s income and forwarded to the ATO

The following organisations are generally exempt from payroll tax, provided specific qualifying conditions are met:

  • Religious institutions
  • Public benevolent institutions
  • Public or nonprofit hospitals
  • Nonprofit nongovernment schools
  • Charitable organisations

LAND TAX

All landowners, except those in the Northern Territory, may be liable for land tax. In the Australian Capital Territory land tax is levied on lessees under a Crown lease. Landowners are generally liable for land tax when the unimproved value of taxable land exceeds certain thresholds (excluding the ACT).

In some states, deductions and rebates are available, depending on how the land is used. Principal places of residence are generally exempt from land tax, however this depends on particular qualifying criteria (these vary between jurisdictions).

Land owned and used by the following types of organisations might be exempt from land tax:

  • Nonprofit societies
  • Clubs and associations
  • Religious institutions
  • Public benevolent institutions
  • Charitable institutions

STAMP DUTY

Stamp duty is levied on particular written documents and transactions, including:

  • Motor vehicle registrations and transfers
  • Insurance policies
  • Leases
  • Mortgages
  • Hire purchase agreements
  • Property transfers (eg transfer of businesses, real estate, and particular shares)

The stamp duty rate varies according to the type of transaction and its value. Depending on the nature of the transaction, certain concessions and exemptions may be available.

It is important to understand all of your tax obligations as a business owner. Book in a chat and see how we can help you understand all your tax requirements.