The Budget 2016: Changes to GST and other indirect taxes
The following changes from the 2016 Budget will come into action from July 1 2017 –
GST on low value imports
From 1 July 2017, GST will apply to all low value goods imported by consumers from overseas. Imported low value goods should be subject to the same GST treatment as low value goods purchased by consumers domestically.
Overseas suppliers with an Australian turnover of $75,000 or more will be required to register for GST and collect and remit GST for low value goods supplied to Australian consumers. A ‘vendor registration’ model will be used for overseas suppliers to register for GST.
These arrangements will be reviewed after two years to ensure they are operating as intended and to take account of any international developments.
GST treatment of digital currencies
Treasury has released a discussion paper on the ‘double taxation’ of digital currencies under the GST law. This forms part of the Government’s Backing Australian FinTech statement. Currently where digital currency is used to purchase goods that are subject to GST, consumers are ‘double taxed’ because GST also applies to digital currency. This may be preventing the use of digital currencies.
Measures impacting other indirect taxes
- Tobacco excise and excise-equivalent customs duties will be subject to four annual increases of 12.5% from 1 September 2017 to 2020.
- The wine equalisation tax (WET) rebate cap will be reduced to $350,000 on 1 July 2017 and to $290,000 on 1 July 2018. This is to address integrity concerns with the rebate and to tighten eligibility criteria.
- From 1 July 2017, the excise refund scheme will be extended to domestic distilleries and producers of low strength fermented beverages such as non-traditional cider.
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