Payroll Tax Relief for Small Business

A Liberal Government, if re-elected, will raise the payroll tax threshold to $800,000 in 2014-15 and then $850,000 in 2016-17.

Treasurer Troy Buswell said more than 16,000 employers would save $121 million through this tax relief measure, building on the $250million in tax relief provided over the last four years.

"In that time, more than 130,000 jobs have been created in WA, many of them in small to medium-size businesses," he said.

"A Liberal-led Government will recognise the hard work and risks taken by business owners and, if re-elected, will raise the payroll tax threshold from the current $750,000 to $850,000 during the next term of Government.

A Liberal Government will continue to grow the State's economy for the benefit of all Western Australians and the reduction in the payroll tax threshold is an important measure in ensuring Western Australia remains the most attractive State for business.

"This change to the payroll tax threshold comes on top of the payroll tax rebate we announced in the last State Budget, which will fully offset the 2012-13 payroll tax liabilities of an estimated 3,100 employers. Additionally, it also partially offsets the 2012-13 payroll tax liabilities of a further 3,600 employers," Mr Buswell said.

"As a result, more than half of all Western Australian businesses will either pay no payroll tax or have their payroll tax liability substantially reduced in 2012-13."

The State Budget also provided for businesses that employ a new indigenous or disabled employee.

The Treasurer said these businesses will not pay any payroll tax for that person for the first two years of their employment.

"A Liberal Government will provide certainty and direction to the Western Australian economy, and we will continue to support the State's entrepreneurs."

Source: Accommodation Association of Australia, 28 February 2013