ATO Overview

whether you are a sole trader, a businessman, or any other resident of Australia, taxes can be tricky but let’s explore it together by having an overview of ATO that can be helpful for you. On this page, we have tried to explain ATO and the rules of the Australian Taxation Office for different kinds of taxes in Australia in simple words.

 What is ATO?

It stands for Australian Taxation Office which is an agency that collects revenue from different organizations, businesses, and individuals in the country who are entitled to pay taxes in Australia on behalf of the Australian government such as income tax, goods and services tax and other taxes. The government uses this revenue in different public services. Each person and business must lodge their tax if they are entitled to pay tax to the Australian Taxation Office.

Brief history of ATO

It was formed in 1953, by the expanding duties and responsibilities of the Commonwealth Taxation Office in Australia, as a result, It was converted into an Australian Taxation Office. ATO undergoes many reforms and changes for the development of a better taxation system in Australia.

Key responsibility of ATO

It is responsible for managing taxes all over the country which is utilized in many support and social services and for other developments in Australia. It ensures that individuals, trusts, companies, and other entities lodge their tax returns. It is advised to hire a tax agent for the lodgement of taxes because they are well aware of the taxation laws of the country. To pay taxes such as GST, you must have an Australian Business Number.

ATO's key responsibilities in the Australian  government

It manages different kind of tax systems some of which are as follows

Tax rates for Residents and Nonresidents

ATO has set different criteria for the main two types of residents. It works on the criteria of self-assessment; and will charge more tax on more taxable income.

 Non Residents for tax purpose

Non-residents also known as foreign residents are the People who don’t live in Australia and are non-residents as per the residency criteria of ATO. They will pay tax to the Australian Taxation Office for their Australian-based income only. Generally, the non-residents do not benefit from the tax-free threshold. They are also not liable to pay medical levy which is 2 percent of their taxable income.

TAXABLE IMCOMETAX ON THIS INCOME
0 – $120,00032.5c for each $1
$120,001 – $180,000$39,000 plus 37c for each $1 over $120,000
$180,001 and Above$61,200 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000

Residents for tax purpose

People who live in Australia and meet the residency criteria of the Australian Taxation Office are considered to be residents for tax purposes. They will pay tax on their worldwide income.

TAXABLE INCOMETAX ON THIS INCOME
0 – $18,200Nil


$18,201 – $45,000
19c for each $1 over $18,200
$45,001 – $120,000$5,092 plus 32.5c for each $1 over $45,000


$120,001 – $180,000
$29,467 plus 37c for each $1 over $120,000


$180,001 and over
$51,667 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000

Medical Levy on taxable income

In addition to this tax, Australian residents will pay a medical levy to the Australian Taxation Office, which is 2 percent of their taxable income.

Tax rates for backpackers

Besides these two basic categories, there is another type of tax rate for working holidaymakers. They can be eligible for superannuation if they meet certain criteria. Their tax bracket will be as follows:

TAXABLE INCOMETAX ON THIS INCOME
0 – $45,00015c for each $1
$45,001 – $120,000$6,750 plus 32.5c for each $1 over $45,000
$120,001 – $180,000$31,125 plus 37c for each $1 over $120,000
$180,001 and over$53,325 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000

ATO Role in building economy of Australia

The Australian Taxation Office plays a significant role in building a strong economy in the country. It manages different kinds of taxes by enforcing tax laws throughout the country and helps individuals by offering online services and providing them guidance for their tax returns.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In Australia. The tax system is maintained and managed by the Australian Taxation Office.

Follow these steps to link your site with Australian Taxation Office:

  1. Go to the site my.gov.au
  2. Sign in to your mygov account 
  3. Select services and then click on the Australian taxation office.
  4. You must agree to the terms of  mygov for  storing your legal name and date of birth 
  5. Choose your linking option as per your choice.
  6. Provide your details on the  given form and select agree 
  7. You need to answer 2 questions as per your choice.
  8. In the end, your site is linked with the Australian Taxation Office.

Usually, its refund policy takes up to 14 business days but it can take more than a month if processed manually.