iCalculator™ AU"Informing, Educating, Saving Money and Time in Australia"
AU Tax 2024

Payments That Require Withholding in Australian Income Tax

For employers in Australia, understanding which payments require withholding for income tax purposes is crucial for compliance with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regulations. This article outlines the key types of payments where tax withholding is necessary.

Rate and Share, Show you Care 😊 Your feedback and support helps us keep this resource FREE for all to use, thank you.
[ 10 Votes ]

1. Employee Wages and Salaries

The most common type of payment that requires withholding is the wages or salaries paid to employees. Employers must withhold tax based on the employee's earnings and the tax table provided by the ATO.

2. Contractor Payments

If you're paying contractors under a labor hire arrangement or for certain services, you might need to withhold tax from these payments. This is particularly relevant if the contractor does not provide an Australian Business Number (ABN).

3. Payments to Non-residents

Tax must be withheld from payments made to non-residents for work or services performed in Australia. This includes payments for entertainment and sports activities, among others.

4. Interest, Dividends, and Royalties

Businesses paying interest, dividends, or royalties to non-residents must withhold tax from these payments. Different withholding rates apply depending on the type of payment and the recipient's country of residence.

5. Termination Payments

Certain components of employment termination payments (ETPs), such as redundancy pay, may be subject to withholding. The rate of withholding will depend on factors such as the employee's age and length of service.

6. Superannuation Payments

Employers must withhold tax from superannuation payments, including lump sum payments from retirement savings accounts.

7. Payments to Foreign Entities

Payments to foreign entities for business or services rendered may be subject to withholding tax, depending on the nature of the payment and the tax agreements with the recipient's country.

Understanding and complying with withholding requirements is a critical aspect of tax management for businesses in Australia. Failure to withhold the correct amount can result in penalties and interest charges. For specific advice and up-to-date information on withholding tax requirements, it's recommended to consult the ATO or a tax professional.