What Is the Tax Rate? | Taxation Australia

Published on May 05, 2023

Taxes, while an inevitable part of adult life, are often met with a collective groan and sense of dread. Unfortunately, we can’t escape our taxes (don’t even try!) – it’s a responsibility that comes with adulting.

So what is the tax rate? In Australia, we employ a progressive tax system, which means that as your income increases, so does the proportion of income paid in taxes. Keep in mind that individual tax rates vary per year. As of writing, we are in the financial year 2022-23 which ends on 30 June 2023.

Understanding Taxation Australia

In order to grasp the nuances of the Australian taxation system, it’s important to understand the underlying direct relationship of a progressive framework: The higher the income of an individual, the higher the percentage of tax they’re required to pay. In other words, those with a higher income contribute proportionally more to the public purse. At the heart of Australia’s taxation system is the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the government agency responsible for administering and regulating all aspects of taxation, including income tax, goods and services tax (GST), and other indirect taxes. The ATO plays a vital role in supporting the Australian economy by collecting revenue and enforcing tax law compliance. Employers in the country typically withhold income tax from an employee’s salary, known as Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding. This withheld amount is then remitted to the ATO on behalf of the employee. Self-employed individuals and small business owners are responsible for calculating and paying their own taxes directly to the ATO through the PAYG instalment system. Aside from personal income tax, Australians are also subject to other taxes, such as the Medicare Levy, which helps fund the national healthcare system.

Related article:How to Apply for a Tax File Number – Australia

2022-23 Individual Taxation Rates in Australia

The tax rates for Australian residents are organised into brackets based on the taxpayer’s annual taxable income. These rates are subject to change, so make sure to consult the ATO’s website or a bookkeeping professional for the most up-to-date information.

For the 2022-23 financial year, the annual individual tax rates for Australian residents are as follows:

Taxable income up to $18,200: Tax rate of 0% (tax-free threshold)
Taxable income between $18,201 and $45,000: Tax rate of 19% on the income above $18,200
Taxable income between $45,001 and $120,000: Tax rate of 32.5% on the income above $45,000, plus a fixed sum of $5,092
Taxable income between $120,001 and $180,000: Tax rate of 37% on the income above $120,000, plus a fixed sum of $29,467
Taxable income above $180,001: Tax rate of 45% on the income above $180,000, plus a fixed sum of $51,667

Non-residents are subject to different tax rates, with no tax-free threshold available. Learn about the different tax offsets or deductions you may be eligible for to reduce your overall tax liability. Common tax offsets include the Low and Middle-Income Tax Offset (LMITO) and the Low-Income Tax Offset (LITO).

Related article:How Do Tax Returns Work?

Know What You Can and Can’t Claim With the Help of The Bookkeeping Studio

The Australian taxation system can be quite complicated. Getting a firm grasp of the concepts behind tax brackets, offsets, and deductions, can take a lot of time, effort, and headaches.

While it’s not impossible to manage your tax affairs alone, partnering with a trusted bookkeeper can make all the difference. They’ll make sure that your business remains tax-compliant and maximises potential tax savings. Partner with The Bookkeeping Studio today.

About the Owner

Hey, my name’s Bindi Gethen! I’m the founder of The Bookkeeping Studio in Australia. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, I have a deep understanding of the challenges that small and medium-sized business owners face when it comes to managing their finances.

I am passionate about empowering my clients with the financial information they need to succeed. My team and I pride ourselves on our commitment to exceptional value, accuracy, and confidentiality. Our virtual bookkeeping services include payroll, budgets, and management reporting, among others.

Not to toot our own horn, but we can assure you that you won’t find a bookkeeping partner like us anywhere else in the Southern Highlands.