Individual Tax
Australian residents are taxed on their worldwide income from all sources. Foreign residents, however, are generally only taxed on their Australian-sourced income (i.e. money they earn while working in Australia).
The rates of tax applicable to Australian resident individuals in AUD are as follows:
| Taxable income | Tax on this income |
| 0 – $18,200 | $0 |
| $18,201 – $37,000 | 19% for each $1 over $18,200 |
| $37,001 – $80,000 | $3,572 plus 32.5% for each $1 over $37,000 |
| $80,001 – $180,000 | $17,547 plus 37% for each $1 over $80,000 |
| $180,001 and over | $54,547 plus 45% for each $1 over $180,000 |
*The above rates do not include the Medicare levy of 2%
Corporate Tax
- The four main business structures used by businesses in Australia are sole traders, partnerships, companies, and trusts.
- A company that is limited by and capitalized with shares is the most commonly formed type of company in Australia. It is a separate legal entity with the legal capacity of a natural person. Businesses may be managed through either a private (proprietary) company or a public company (one with over 50 shareholders)
- Companies registered in a foreign jurisdiction can also register with the ASIC to conduct business in Australia, either using an Australian branch office or subsidiary company. Foreign companies must establish a registered office in Australia and appoint at least one Australian director.
- The corporate tax rate in Australia is currently a flat rate of 30%, which will be reduced to 28.5% beginning on July 1, 2015.
Withholding Tax
If you pay interest, dividends or royalties to a foreign resident (someone who is not an Australian resident), the gross amount of each of those payments is generally subject to a withholding rate of:
| Default Withholding Tax Rate | Reduced Treaty Rates between Australia & the US | |
| Interest | 10% | 10% |
| Dividends | 30% | 15% |
| Royalties | 30% | 5% |
Other Taxes
- The Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST) is similar to the European Union’s VAT system. It executes a tax of 10% on the price of most goods and services that are consumed or supplied in Australia.
- GST is payable on the majority of goods that are imported to Australia. However, goods and services that are exported from Australia are generally GST-free.
- Any entity that runs a business can voluntarily register for GST, but if a business has an annual turnover that exceeds AUD 75,000, it is then required to register for GST.
Owning Property in Australia
- Your home is generally exempt from tax, unless you own investment property, renovate or build a property for profit, or use a property for running a business. In these events, there may be possible implications for capital gains tax, income tax, and goods and services tax (GST).
- Vacant land is generally considered a capital asset that is subject to capital gains tax.
- One large difference between Australia and the U.S. is that you can deduct your home mortgage interest in the U.S., but you cannot deduct your home mortgage interest in Australia.
