JobKeeper Exemption from Payroll Tax a WIN for Queensland Business

Business across Queensland are relieved to hear today’s announcement that JobKeeper payments will be exempt from Payroll Tax as it will help businesses keep people employed, said the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ).

CCIQ along with Chambers across Queensland had been voicing the concern of businesses who would be forced to pay Payroll Tax than they usually would, due to accessing the JobKeeper payments, a stimulus designed to keep their staff employed and businesses afloat.

CCIQ’s general manager of advocacy and policy, Amanda Rohan, welcomed the announcement today and said it gives businesses security to keep people in jobs and confidence when planning for recovery.

“We are pleased that the Deputy Premier has again backed Queensland jobs and listened to businesses on exempting JobKeeper Payments from Payroll Tax, Ms Rohan said.

“The Deputy Premier has supported Queensland businesses through earlier COVID-19 relief announcements including a Payroll Tax freeze and payment deferrals.

“The Jobkeeper Payment is designed to support businesses to keep people in jobs. Imposing additional tax on them for doing that, keeping people employed, would have been counterproductive.

“This exemption will go some way in supporting business to continue to operate by giving them certainty on knowing what their upcoming bills are and so they can accurately plan their next steps.

“It’s important to remember, the JobKeeper Payment is a set amount, meaning some businesses are paying their employees more than the average wage, especially those with a casual workforce.

“This meant they would have been paying more Payroll Tax than normal and that is without their regular revenue coming in.

“This exemption is a significant step as it shows the Government is listening to businesses and supporting them through this crisis period.

“Last week, we released our recovery plan, which has been formulated in consultation with businesses and Chambers across Queensland.

“We look forward to this support continuing and the needs of the small and medium business sector, one of Queensland’s largest employers, be considered and our recovery stimulus put into action,” Ms Rohan said.