February 28, 2017
Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has reminded employers who wish to claim the 15 per cent tax “backpacker” rate for their working holiday staff that they must first register with the Australian Taxation Office to be eligible.
After much controversy, polling of farmers and delays in the Senate, Federal Parliament has passed a 15 per cent tax rate for all working holiday makers earning up to $37,000.
Employers who register will be able to withhold tax at 15 per cent for wages paid from January 1, 2017.
Unregistered employers must withhold tax at 32.5 per cent.
“Registration is quick and easy, and each employer will only need to register once,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The ATO is assisting employers as they start to use the new rate, so if you haven’t registered, please do so now.”
The register will provide valuable data on who employs working holiday makers, what sectors they are engaged in and where the employers are located.
- For more information visit the ATO website
