NSW State Budget 2020-2021
NSW State Budget 2020-2021

NSW State Budget 2020-2021

The New South Wales (NSW) Treasurer announced the following as part of the 2020 State Budget.


Payroll tax


From 1 July 2020, the tax-free threshold for payroll tax in NSW will increase from A$1 million to A$1.2 million. 


The payroll tax rate will be reduced from 5.45 per cent to 4.85 per cent from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2022.


Businesses that do not pay payroll tax will receive a $1500 voucher for the cost of government fees and charges. The voucher will be available from April 2021, which is when many current government fee waivers expire. It will operate as a rebate, where a claim can be made after fees and charges have been paid.


Property Tax Reform


Over the coming months, the government will seek feedback on whether the current stamp duty system should be reformed to allow buyers to opt out of stamp duty and instead choose a smaller annual property tax.


Those who opt-in to annual property tax will also not have to pay land tax. The proposed model includes a property tax rate that would be lower rate for owner-occupiers and higher rates for investors and commercial property owners. Depending on the result of the consultation, the reformed system could begin in the second half of 2021.

Dining & Entertainment Vouchers


Every adult resident of NSW will be eligible for four $25 digital vouchers. Two vouchers can be used for eating in at venues such as restaurants and cafes, and two vouchers can be used for entertainment and recreation such as cinemas and amusement parks.


Relief for Landlords and Tenants


The commercial rent relief scheme will be extended to 28 March 2021 for retail tenants only with an annual turnover of less than $5 million.


Landlords who provide rent reductions between 1 January and 28 March 2021 to eligible retail tenants experiencing financial distress due to the pandemic can apply for land tax relief of up to 25 per cent on the land leased for the 2021 land tax year. 


Jobs Plus Program


The NSW Government will offer businesses that create at least 30 new net jobs payroll tax relief for up to four years, for every new job created. The Jobs Plus Program commences on 15 December 2020 and runs until 30 June 2022.


Targeted Support


The NSW Budget provides relief for areas of the economy hit by COVID-19 such as tourism, hospitality and the arts. This includes $15 million to revitalise the Sydney CBD and $175 million in funding for investment in new film and television projects. Funding for business advice will be expanded with $39 million in funding for Business Connect. 


If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Goodwin Chivas & Co. team.

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