Discussion about Stage 3 tax cuts has been ongoing since their initial announcement in 2018. The primary objective of these tax cuts was to provide relief to Australian taxpayers facing the challenge of “bracket creep” while also streamlining the tax system for greater simplicity.
So, What Exactly are the Stage 3 Tax Cuts?
Put simply, the previous Australian government made adjustments to how much income tax individuals pay based on their earnings. Stage 3 tax cuts primarily benefit those with higher incomes, resulting in reduced tax liabilities.
In this third and final stage of the three-part plan introduced by the Australian government, tax rates have been lowered for individuals falling within middle and higher income brackets. These latest tax cuts involve alterations to income ranges and tax rates within the marginal tax brackets. Notable changes to these brackets already took effect in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 fiscal years, with additional adjustments scheduled for July 1, 2024.
But Who Stands to Benefit from these Tax Cuts?
In previous years, tax cuts primarily favored low to middle-income earners whose annual income exceeded $37,000. However, the subsequent set of tax cuts primarily impact higher-income taxpayers with earnings ranging from $120,001 to $200,000. To put it into perspective, these changes essentially amount to a $189 billion tax reduction for individuals earning above $120,000, constituting nearly 80% of the total tax cuts being offered.
By eliminating the 32.5% and 37% tax brackets while raising the minimum income threshold for those falling into the 45% tax bracket, individuals earning between $45,000 and $200,000 will now find themselves within the newly established middle tax rate of 30%.
These changes were strategically devised to simplify the Australian tax system and address the issue of bracket creep by consolidating the number of tax brackets, resulting in the existence of just four brackets moving forward.
What is the Extent of the Tax Reductions?
Stage 3 tax cuts will result in a reduction of tax rates for all taxpayers. Those earning between $45,001 and $120,000 will experience a 2.5-point decrease in their income tax rate, while individuals with higher incomes will receive the most substantial benefit, with a potential reduction of up to 15 points.
When Will Stage 3 Tax Cuts Become Effective?
Many Australians are already enjoying the advantages of tax cuts from previous years. Fortunately, we won’t have to wait much longer for additional cuts. As the Low and Middle Income Tax Offset (LMITO) concludes on June 30, 2022, it’s reassuring to know that these latest tax cuts are scheduled to be implemented from July 1, 2024.
How will the Stage 3 tax cuts impact your taxation?
The tax cuts set to take effect in 2024-25 will have a considerable influence on your tax liability, particularly if your income falls within the middle or higher income bracket. You can anticipate a reduction in your tax obligation, leading to an increase in your annual take-home income.
If you belong to a lower income bracket, the tax reductions applicable to your group were already implemented in the 2019-20 fiscal year, and there are no upcoming tax cut initiatives planned by the government for individuals in the low or low-middle income categories.
Do you need to take any action to benefit from these tax cuts in your tax return?
No, you don’t need to take any specific steps. If your income’s marginal tax rate has been lowered due to these tax cuts, the new tax rate will automatically be applied by both your employer and in your tax return.
Should you have any inquiries or concerns about these tax cuts or any other aspects of your tax return, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to assist you.