QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS, HOUSEHOLDS & INDIVIDUALS

The Queensland Government has today announced a $4B package to support Queensland businesses and jobs.

The package includes:

• Refunds of payroll tax for 2 months (must be applied for before 31 May 2020)
• Tax holiday for 3 months (must be applied for before 31 May 2020)
• Deferral of payroll tax for 2020 calendar year.

Combined with payroll deferrals already announced, Queensland businesses will not need to make a payroll tax payment in 2020.  The previously announced 6-month tax payroll deferral will now take effect from July to December. To be eligible, you must be an employer that pays less than $6.5M in taxable wages.

Businesses that pay more than $6.5 Million in taxable wages that have been negatively affected by COVID-19 (compared with normal operating conditions), can still apply for both deferral and a 2-month payroll tax refund. Employers must still lodge payroll tax forms for the deferred period.

In addition to the payroll tax deferrals, the following will also be implemented:

• Waving of liquor licensing fees (for venues that were forced to close doors)
• Rent relief for businesses that rent from the State Government
• $500 power bill rebate for sole traders and small/medium businesses.

$2.5B of the package is dedicated to supporting and protecting Queensland jobs and workers. 

$500M will be used to assist workers that lose jobs or income and assist them to find employment in industries that are vital to Queensland surviving the crisis – Health Care, Agriculture, Food Production, Transport, Cleaning and Mining.

$300M of the package will be dedicated to a ‘Household Relief Package’, which will give Queensland households $200 off their utility bills.

$1.2B will also be allocated to strengthen the Queensland health system by expanding fever clinics, emergency department capacity, acute care services and regional aeromedical services for remote communities.

To apply for payroll tax deferral or for more information about eligibility, visit here.