The eagerly anticipated 2020 Federal Budget announcement this week did not flatter to deceive with the government unveiling their medium to long term recovery plan in two phases. An initial recovery phase stimulating job creation will be followed by a period of debt reduction and stabilisation.
The Australian Government like most around the world is planning to increase the debt to GDP ratio by a staggering 8% to 44% by 2024 to cushion the blow of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, Australia appears to be in a stronger position than many of its counterparts around the world in this regard.
Key tax breaks from the 2020 Federal Budget
The main headline to hail from the budget was the plan to accelerate the increase in personal income tax thresholds initially scheduled to occur in 2022.
The legislation is roundly expected to pass given the implied support from the opposition. If enacted the top threshold of both the 19% & 32.5% income tax brackets will be increased to the levels outlined below:
- an increase to the low income tax offset (LITO) from $445 to $700 and adjust the phase out rules;
- an increase to the top threshold of the 19% personal income tax bracket from $37,000 to $45,000; and
- an increase to the top threshold of the 32.5% personal income tax bracket from $90,000 to $120,000.
Savings will be significant with those earning $40,000 per annum saving $1,209 per annum (21% less tax) and those earning more than $120,000 or above expected to save $2,430 per annum (a lower percentage saving).
2020 Federal Budget: Savings under the Tax Cuts for Individuals (with No Children)
INCOME |
2020-21 TAX SAVINGS |
$40,000 |
$1,209 |
$60,000 |
$2,415 |
$80,000 |
$2,160 |
$100,000 |
$2,310 |
$125,000 |
$2,460 |
$150,000 |
$2,430 |
$200,000 |
$2,430 |
$250,000 |
$2,430 |
Want to know how much income tax you or an employee will save?ย Head to abc.com.au and complete the Budget 2020 Income Tax Calculator.
Changes to Tax Scales
The new tax scales are outlined below with further increases to come in from FY2024-25.
Tax Scales for 2020-21 to 2023-24
TAX RATE (%) |
THRESHOLDS |
0% |
$0 – $18,200 |
19% |
$18,201 – $45,000 |
32.5% |
$45,001 – $120,000 |
37% |
$120,001 – $180,000 |
45% |
$180,001 |
LITO |
Up to $700 |
LMITO |
Up to $1,080* |
* Only available until the end of the 2020-21 income year.
Tax Scales from 2024-25
TAX RATE (%) |
THRESHOLDS |
0% |
$0 – $18,200 |
19% |
$18,201 – $45,000 |
30% |
$45,001 – $200,000 |
45% |
$200,001+ |
LITO |
Up to $700 |
Rebates and changes to PAYG calculations
Importantly the proposal has suggested the changes will come into force retrospectively beginning 1 July 2020.ย This will mean an immediate change to ongoing PAYG calculations as soon as the legislation is approved.
The legislation is tipped to pass just prior to Christmas this year, however, any rebates (adjustments) for PAYG for the year to date earnings will likely be delayed until tax time in July 2021. It is expected that employers will field a number of queries on this point from their employees hoping for an accelerated PAYG year to date adjustment prior to July 2021. There is currently no specific direction on this matter.
If you have any questions on how the income tax changes may impact your employees, please contact our business payroll advisory team for a complimentary 1:1 consultation on 1300 144 120 (Menu Option 2, then Option 2) or email info@employmentinnovations.com.
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Disclaimer
The information provided in these blog articles is general in nature and is not intended to substitute for professional advice. If you are unsure about how this information applies to your specific situation we recommend youย contact Employment Innovations for advice.