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Government payments during COVID-19 – tax implications

COVID-19 government payment information for the 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22 and 2022–23 financial years.

Last updated 4 July 2024

Tax implications of government payments

Government payments you receive if you or your business have been impacted by COVID-19 may have tax implications.

Different government payments have different tax implications. Depending on the payment you receive:

  • amounts may be taxable or not taxable (non-assessable, non-exempt income or NANE)
  • you may need to include the amounts in your tax return
  • you may claim a deduction for business expenses related to grants that are NANE
  • there may be goods and services tax (GST) implications.

High-Risk Settings Pandemic Payment

The High-Risk Settings Pandemic Payment is no longer available.

The Australian Government provided this support for individuals who had tested positive for COVID-19 and couldn't earn income because they worked in a high-risk setting. This was a taxable payment. You need to report this income in your tax return in the income year you received it.

You can check how much you received by looking:

  • at the letter you received from Services Australia
  • in the Payment history section of your Centrelink online account.

For more information on how to check the amount of payments you received, go to the Services Australia's page about payments that don't show on your Centrelink payment summaryExternal Link.

Completing your tax return

Enter the amount you received at either:

  • Australian Government special payments, if you lodge online using myTax
  • Question 24 Other income, if you lodge by paper
  • Question 24V or type the 'Income Details schedule' in the Australian Government benefit taxable amount (INCDTLS128) field or, if you’re a registered tax professional, select Special at the Australian Government benefit type (INCDTLS126) field.

COVID-19 Disaster Payments

The COVID-19 Disaster Payment is no longer available.

The Australian Government provided this support to eligible individuals who were unable to earn income because state or territory health orders prevented them from working in their usual employment.

The COVID-19 Disaster Payment was reclassified as NANE income. This means it:

  • is a non-taxable payment
  • doesn't need to be included in your tax return.

If you have already lodged your tax return and included the payment as assessable income, amend your return as these payments are no longer taxable.

Your amended taxable income will be provided to Services Australia for assessment for family assistance and child support purposes.

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment

The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is no longer available.

The Australian Government provided this support for individuals who couldn't earn income because they:

  • had to self-isolate or quarantine at home
  • cared for someone with COVID-19.

This was a taxable payment. You need to report this income in your tax return in the income year you received the amounts. You can check how much you received by looking in the Payment history section of your Centrelink online account.

For more information on how to check the amount of payments you received, go to the Services Australia's page about payments that don't show on your Centrelink payment summaryExternal Link.

Completing your tax return

Enter the amount you received at either:

  • Australian Government special payments, if you lodge online using myTax
  • Question 24 Other income, if you lodge by paper
  • Question 24V or type the 'Income Details schedule' in the Australian Government benefit taxable amount (INCDTLS128) field. If you’re a registered tax professional, select Special at the Australian Government benefit type (INCDTLS126) field.

JobKeeper

The JobKeeper Payment scheme finished on 28 March 2021. The scheme has been amended so we can make a JobKeeper payment to some entities in limited circumstances after 31 March 2022.

JobMaker Hiring Credit

You can no longer register employees in the JobMaker Hiring Credit scheme. The final JobMaker period ended on 6 October 2022. Claims for eligible employees employed during this period needed to be made before 31 January 2023 with Single touch payroll (STP) reporting for the period due on 28 January 2023.

Cash flow boost

You don’t pay tax on cash flow boost credits, as they are NANE income. How you report the amounts in your returns or financial statements is different depending on your business structure.

Cash flow boost credits don't need to be included in your tax return. However, if you have included the amounts in your gross income for accounting purposes, you can include it at:

  • Item P8 business income and expenses as other business income and as an income subtraction reconciliation amount in the individual tax return for sole traders
  • Item 5 as other business income and as an income subtraction reconciliation amount for partnership and trust tax returns
  • Item 6R other gross income and item 7Q other income not included in assessable income for company tax returns.

If you claim the research and development (R&D) tax offset, your claim is not affected by any cash flow boost you receive.

For more information, see:

Payments to support businesses

Income tax

Generally, grants or support payments from the government are taxable and need to be included as assessable income in your tax return, unless they are specifically made non-taxable. This will include help provided as a one-off lump sum or a series of payments.

To find out if a government COVID-19 support payment or grant you received is non-taxable because it has been made non-assessable, non-exempt income (NANE), see Non-taxable government grants.

For businesses operating on:

  • an accruals accounting method – the income will be derived when the right to the government payment arises
  • a cash accounting method – the income will be derived when the government payment is received.

You don't need to pay GST on cash payments received under state government business support, lockdown assistance or support packages.

Taxable government grants – examples

Here are some examples showing potential tax implications of business support payments that are taxable and have not been made NANE income.

Example 1: cash payment for running a business

Boris operates a local café which employs 5 full-time and 10 casual workers. His business is registered for GST. As a result of COVID-19, the café is closed for 2 months and operates at reduced capacity for another 2 months after re-opening.

The state government provides a $10,000 cash payment to businesses like Boris’s to help them cope with the impacts of COVID-19. The payment is not NANE income and is taxable. Eligibility for the grant included Boris verifying that he carried on a business and was eligible for JobKeeper.

Boris applies for and receives the $10,000 payment. He spends this on paying outstanding utility bills for the café, replacing stock and deep cleaning the premises so he can reopen.

Income tax implications

In his 2020 tax return, Boris:

  • includes the $10,000 payment from government as assessable income
  • includes the stock expenses in his trading stock calculation
  • claims the utility bills and cleaning expenses as a deduction.

GST implications

The payment is made to provide financial support to ease the pressures faced by small business impacted by COVID-19. The café only needs to meet eligibility requirements as outlined in the funding application.

Boris isn't providing anything of value to the state government in return for the payment. Therefore, he doesn't have to pay GST on the cash payment he receives.

End of example
Example: cash payment to purchase trading stock

The situation is the same as in the previous example, except Boris spends the $10,000 payment on replacing trading stock which was discarded when he had to close the café as a result of COVID-19.

Income tax implications

In his 2020 tax return, Boris includes the $10,000 payment from the government as assessable income.

Boris will include the $10,000 (GST-exclusive) stock purchased in his trading stock calculation. He didn't take any items out of trading stock for private purposes during the year.

Boris’s trading stock account records for the 2019–20 financial year will include the following entries:

  • opening trading stock $35,000
    • add purchases $82,000 (including the $10,000)
    • less sales ($75,000)
    • less waste ($8,000)
  • closing trading stock $34,000.

GST implications

The payment is made to provide financial support to ease the pressures faced by small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The café only needs to meet eligibility requirements as outlined in the funding application.

Boris isn't providing anything of value to the government in return for the payment. Therefore, he doesn't have to pay GST on the cash payment he receives.

End of example

For more information, see:

Non-taxable government grants

You don't need to pay tax on some COVID-19 payments you receive from the government to support businesses. Eligible payments will be NANE income for tax purposes.

Government COVID-19 support payments and tax

A government COVID-19 business grant or support program payment you receive will only be non-taxable (NANE) income if you meet the following 3 criteria:

  • The payment is received under a state or territory grant or Australian Government support program that is formally declared by the Minister under a legislative instrument to be eligible for NANE treatment.
  • You carried on a business and have an aggregated turnover of less than $50 million in either the income year the payment was received or the previous income year.
  • The payment was received in either the
    • 2020–21 or 2021–22 financial year for eligible state or territory grants
    • 2021–22 financial year for eligible Australian Government programs.

Payments your business received under an eligible state or territory grant or Australian Government support program are taxable if you both:

  • carried on a business
  • didn't have an aggregated turnover of less than $50 million in either the income year the payment was received or the previous income year.

The payment will be assessable as ordinary income of the business and should be declared as income in your tax return. If the business is also registered for PAYG instalments, it should be reported at label T1 of the BAS (see PAYG instalments – how to complete your activity statement).

If you have already lodged

If you have already lodged your 2020–21 tax return and included the payment as assessable income, you should amend your return because this is an eligible non-taxable payment. You may get a refund.

You can amend your tax return online through myGov or your registered tax agent. You can also lodge an amendment form or send a letter. Your amended taxable income will be provided to Services Australia for assessment for family assistance and child support purposes.

GST

You don't need to pay GST on cash payments received under state government business support or lockdown assistance or support packages. This is because you did not provide anything of value to the state government to receive the payment. Therefore, you haven't made a taxable supply. You only need to meet the eligibility requirements as outlined in the funding application.

Example: receiving a grant eligible for NANE income

Fresh Brew is a small business operating a café in Victoria.

Fresh Brew received an eligible grant payment under the Business Costs Assistance Program Round 2 for the 2020–21 financial year.

This package is part of the Victorian Government's response to the economic impacts of COVID-19.

The Minister has declared that the Business Costs Assistance Program Round 2 is a grant program that is eligible for NANE income.

In the 2020–21 financial year, Fresh Brew self-assessed and identified that they had an aggregated turnover of less than $50 million in the income year the payment was received.

As Fresh Brew received an eligible grant payment in the 2020–21 financial year and they were a business with less than $50 million in aggregated turnover, they don't need to include the grant in their business income.

GST implications

The payment is made to provide financial support to ease the pressures faced by small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Fresh Brew only needs to meet eligibility requirements as outlined in the funding application.

Fresh Brew isn't providing anything of value to the state government in return for the payment. Therefore, it doesn't have to pay GST on the grant payment it received.

End of example

For more information, see:

Deductions for expenses incurred by businesses receiving government support payments that are non-taxable

While carrying on a business, you may incur one or more expenses that are related to getting a government grant that is non-taxable. Such expenses may include costs associated with the application process and expenses incurred to satisfy an eligibility requirement of the grant.

In some cases, you may not be able to claim a tax deduction for some or all of an expense that is related to the grant. In other cases, you will be able to claim a tax deduction for the whole expense.

Expenses incurred by a business solely to get a non-taxable government grant

You cannot claim a tax deduction for these expenses.

Example: expense incurred solely to get a non-taxable government grant

Flame Pty Ltd engages a bookkeeper to apply for a non-taxable government grant on their behalf.

The bookkeeper provides no other service to Flame Pty Ltd and gives them an invoice for a fee solely for applying for the grant on their behalf.

Flame Pty Ltd cannot claim a tax deduction for this fee.

End of example

Expenses incurred by a business both to gain assessable income and to get a non-taxable government grant

You can only claim a tax deduction for the part of these expenses that relates to gaining your assessable income. You cannot claim a tax deduction for the part that relates to getting the non-taxable government grant.

There is no set way to work out the part of the expense that relates to each purpose, but the way you work it out should be fair and reasonable. You should keep a record of how you work it out.

Example: expenses incurred to gain assessable income and to get a non-taxable government grant

Flame Pty Ltd is eligible to receive a government grant that is non-taxable.

Flame Pty Ltd asks their accountant to apply for this grant on their behalf. Their accountant does not separately bill Flame Pty Ltd for this service, but itemises the fee charged for applying for the grant in a quarterly bill that they give to Flame Pty Ltd for professional services provided over the quarter.

Flame Pty Ltd cannot claim a deduction for this part of the bill.

End of example

Expenses that you would usually incur in the ordinary course of carrying on your business, but are incidentally related to getting a non-taxable government grant

You can claim a tax deduction for the whole of these expenses.

Getting a government grant is considered incidental where the expense is one that relates to the whole of your business and is of a kind you would usually incur. We will consider that a government grant is not incidental where the expense is not one that you usually incur and is a pre-condition of being eligible for the grant.

Example: expenses incidentally related to getting a non-taxable government grant

Flame Pty Ltd is eligible for a non-taxable government grant if they keep their staff on the payroll.

Flame Pty Ltd uses the grant to pay for wages, rent and utilities that they would usually incur in carrying on its business.

Flame Pty Ltd can claim a deduction for the wages, rent and utilities paid.

End of example

If you act in good faith and use your best endeavours to determine whether you are entitled to a deduction for an expense related to a government grant that is not taxable, we will generally not apply compliance resources to confirm if the expense is deductible.

For more information, see Business tax deductions.

State government voucher subsidy scheme

Some state governments are offering a voucher subsidy scheme. This is to encourage eligible customers to purchase goods and services from businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Vouchers are issued to eligible customers who apply. These vouchers represent the maximum amount the state government will contribute towards eligible purchases from participating businesses.

Under these schemes, eligible purchases may include the following:

  • eating in at restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs
  • entertainment and recreation, cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues
  • accommodation.

Check your state scheme for details of eligibility.

Income tax

A government payment to assist a business to continue operating is included in its assessable income. This will include assistance provided as a one-off lump sum or as a series of payments.

For businesses operating on:

  • an accruals accounting method, the income will be derived when the right to the government payment arises
  • a cash accounting method, the income will be derived when the government payment is received.

GST

A GST registered participating business needs to report GST on the total amount of payments received. This includes:

  • the amount from the customer making the eligible purchase
  • the amount the state government contributes towards the eligible purchase.

Example: Voucher subsidy scheme

Boris operates a local café which is a participating business impacted by COVID-19. Meals served to customers and eaten on the premises are ‘eligible purchases’ under the state government voucher scheme.

Fred and Kathy have each been issued with a $25 voucher by the state government. On 24 March 2021, they separately order meals at the cafe. Their purchases are unrelated to any business that they may carry on.

Fred orders a $33 meal (including $3 GST). Kathy orders a $22 meal (including $2 GST). Fred presents his $25 voucher and $8 cash to pay for his meal. Kathy presents the $25 voucher as payment for her meal. Kathy is not given a $3 refund. The unused portion of the voucher cannot be used on a future occasion or redeemed by the business.

Boris electronically verifies on the spot that the vouchers are valid. At the same time, he submits a request to the state government for payment.

Within 5 days Boris receives $47 from the state government voucher scheme. This represents $25 as a contribution towards Fred’s meal and $22 for payment of Kathy’s meal.

Income tax implications

In his 2021 tax return, Boris includes $50 as assessable income which is the GST-exclusive amount of Fred and Kathy's meals.

There are no income tax implications for Fred and Kathy.

GST implications

Boris needs to report total taxable sales of $55 (for Fred's $33 meal and Kathy's $22 meal).

If Boris is reporting on an accruals' basis, Fred and Kathy's meals will be included in total taxable sales for the period ended 31 March 2021.

However, if Boris’ GST reporting method is on a cash basis, and the payment of $47 from the state government voucher scheme is delayed and received on or after 1 April 2021, then Boris would need to report as follows:

  • for the period ending 31 March 2021
    • $8 payment received from Fred included in total taxable sales
    • $0.73 GST (one-eleventh of $8.00)
  • for the period ending 30 June 2021
    • $47 payment received from the state government
    • $4.27 GST (one-eleventh of $47.00).

There are no GST implications for Fred and Kathy.

End of example

Payroll tax relief

Some states and territories are offering support such as increased thresholds, waivers, and interest-free deferrals of payroll tax. The tax consequences of receiving this support will depend on how it is delivered.

Where payroll tax relief is provided as:

  • no payroll tax payable – the business will have a smaller allowable deduction in their tax return
  • a refund of the payroll tax paid – the allowable deduction for payroll tax will be less any refunds given.

There are no GST consequences on payroll tax relief provided by state and territory governments to small businesses.

Example: payroll tax relief

Abi operates a hairdressing salon. The state government introduces payroll tax relief for all small businesses to help them cope with the impacts of COVID-19. The relief is delivered as no payroll tax payable for the quarter April to June 2020.

As Abi received the payroll tax relief, she has a smaller allowable deduction in her 2020 tax return.

End of example

Example: payroll tax refund

Evan operates a backhoe and machinery hire business. The state government introduces payroll tax relief for all small businesses to help them cope with the impacts of COVID-19. The relief is delivered as a refund of the payroll tax paid for the quarter January to March 2020 and no payroll tax for the quarter April to June 2020.

Evan pays payroll tax of:

  • $50,000 for 1 July to 31 December 2019
  • $25,000 for 1 January to 31 March 2020
  • $0 for 1 April to 30 June 2020.

Evan receives a payroll tax refund of $25,000 before 30 June 2020.

Evan’s allowable deduction for payroll tax in his 2020 tax return is $50,000 ($75,000 paid less the $25,000 refund).

There are no GST consequences on the payroll tax relief he receives.

End of example

Land tax relief

Some states and territories are providing land tax relief to businesses impacted by COVID-19. The types of land tax relief being offered may include:

  • credits
  • deferrals
  • rebates
  • reductions
  • refunds
  • waivers.

The eligibility criteria for many of the programs require landlords to have provided rent relief to their business tenants.

The taxation consequences of receiving land tax relief will depend on its delivery.

Example: land tax reduction

Farisha owns a small block of 3 shops and is registered for GST. Her tenants are significantly impacted by COVID-19. Farisha reduces the rent for each of her tenants by 50% for the April to June 2020 quarter.

Farisha applies to her territory government for a 50% land tax reduction for the April to June 2020 quarter. This is approved before June 2020.

Income tax implications

Because Farisha received the land tax reduction, she has a smaller allowable deduction in her 2020 tax return.

GST implications

Farisha does not have to pay GST for receiving the land tax relief. It is not a reduction in response to a supply by her to the government.

The GST payable by Farisha on the rent received for the April to June 2020 quarter is reduced in proportion to the rent reduction she gave her tenants.

End of example

Example: land tax refund

Gianna owns a block of 10 shops. Two shops have been vacant since 1 March 2020. Her tenants are significantly impacted by COVID-19. Gianna reduces the rent for each of her tenants by 25% for the April to June 2020 quarter.

As a result of COVID-19, Gianna has also been unable to find tenants for her 2 vacant shops.

Gianna pays her land tax of $50,000 for the 2019–20 year on 1 April 2020. She applies to her state government for a land tax refund of $10,000 which she receives before June 2020.

Income tax implications

Because Gianna received the land tax refund, she has a smaller allowable deduction for land tax of $40,000 in her 2020 tax return.

GST implications

Gianna does not have to pay GST on the land tax relief. It is not a reduction in response to a supply by her to the government.

The GST payable by Gianna on the rent received for the April to June 2020 quarter is reduced in proportion to the rent reduction she gave her tenants.

End of example

Electricity rebates

Some states and territories are offering households and some businesses automatic electricity rebates.

These rebates are not included in assessable income.

For a business, the rebate will reduce the deduction the business can claim for electricity.

For businesses registered for GST, their entitlement to GST credits is reduced in proportion to the rebate.

Example: household electricity rebate

Duncan is a householder. His electricity supplier has provided a rebate of $150 to all householders in recognition of the impacts of COVID-19. The rebate is delivered as a $150 reduction in electricity accounts for the quarter April to June 2020.

Duncan does not need to include the $150 rebate as assessable income in his 2020 tax return.

End of example

Rent relief

Some states and territories are offering support such as waivers or rent reductions (or both) for commercial tenants in government-owned properties.

Example: government-owned building

Hamish operates a gym in a government-owned building. The state government introduces rent relief for small businesses with less than 20 employees to help them cope with the impacts of COVID-19. Hamish receives the rent relief, which is delivered as a 25% reduction in his monthly rent for the quarter April to June 2020.

Income tax implications

Because Hamish received the rent relief, he has a smaller allowable deduction in his 2020 tax return.

GST implications

If Hamish is registered for GST, his entitlement to GST credits is reduced in proportion to the rent reduction.

End of example

For more information see:

Payments to support the creative economy

On 25 June 2020, the Australian Government announced a comprehensive COVID-19 Creative Economy Support Package. This is to support artists and organisations to get back in business following the disruptions caused by COVID-19. A range of new grant and loan programs were announced for different parts of the arts sector.

Example: cash payment

Israel runs an event management business. He had to cancel a music festival organised for April 2020 due to COVID-19.

As social distancing and border restrictions ease, Israel applies to the Australian Government for a grant through the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) fund. He plans to run the music festival in March 2021. The RISE program provides finance to assist the presentation of new or re-shaped cultural and creative activities and events.

To be eligible, Israel needs to:

  • provide a co-contribution for the activity
  • have an Australian business number (ABN)
  • be registered for GST.

Israel does not enter into an agreement with the government to provide the music festival. If Israel chooses not to hold the music festival, he is:

  • not under a binding legal obligation to go ahead with it
  • required to repay the funding he received.

Israel is successful in his application. He receives a $200,000 grant on 1 December 2020.

Income tax implications

In his 2021 tax return, Israel:

  • includes the $200,000 government payment as assessable income
  • claims a deduction for the costs of running the music festival, including venue and equipment hire, performers and staff.

GST implications

There are no GST implications. The payment is made to assist Israel to provide a re-shaped music festival in 2021. Israel only needs to meet the eligibility requirements in the funding application.

He is not providing anything of value to the government in return for the payment. In particular, he is not entering into a binding legal obligation with the government to provide the festival. Therefore, he does not have to pay GST on the grant received.

End of example

Example: concessional loan

Josiah is the owner and operator of a small theatre. Prior to COVID-19, Josiah’s theatre ran around 6 productions each year, which members of the general public paid to attend. He doesn't employ any full-time staff.

As social distancing and border restrictions ease, Josiah applies through his bank for a concessional Show Starter loan. The loans are designed to assist creative economy businesses to fund new productions and events that stimulate job creation and economic activity. The loans are backed by a 100% Commonwealth guarantee.

Josiah is successful in his application. He receives a $150,000 loan on 1 September 2020, with a 4% interest rate.

Income tax implications

Although any income from his theatre productions is included in Josiah’s 2021 tax return, the concessional loan is not included in assessable income.

In his 2021 tax return, Josiah:

  • includes income from his theatre productions (but not the loan)
  • claims a deduction for the interest payments on the loan and the costs of the theatre productions (in the usual manner).

GST implications

There are no GST implications. The concessional loan is guaranteed by the Australian Government to support funding of new productions and events and assist Australia’s creative economy businesses.

Josiah only needs to meet eligibility requirements as outlined in the application for the concessional loan. He is not providing anything of value to the government in return for guaranteeing the loan. He does not have to pay GST on the loan received.

End of example

Child care Transition Payment

The Australian Government implemented measures throughout 2020 to help the early childhood education and care sector manage the impacts of COVID-19. The measures included a Transition Payment available to approved early childhood education and care providers.

The Transition Payment was made instead of JobKeeper Payment for workers of these providers. It was paid for the period 13 July 2020 to 27 September 2020 (the transition period).

The Transition Payment was paid as a grant under the Community Child Care Fund. It was to support providers to return to the Child Care Subsidy.

For more information, see:

Income tax

A government payment to help a child care business to continue operating needs to be included in the business's assessable income (See Payments to support businesses).

GST

You do not have any GST implications if the government funding is not for a supply. If you provide something of value in return for the payment it can be for a supply.

The Transition Payment is a payment for a supply. However, the payment is for a GST-free supply. It is directly related to the supply of GST-free child care. This means that child care providers do not have to pay GST on the Transition Payment they receive.

Example: Transition Payment

Penny is an approved provider of a child care service that she operates in the western suburbs of Sydney. Penny also runs a nanny service (not approved child care). She has 20 employees and 15 are employed principally in the operation of approved child care. Five are principally employed in nanny services.

Penny applies for and starts receiving the Transition Payment from 13 July 2020. She agrees to stop claiming JobKeeper payments for her 15 child care employees and for herself as a business participant for JobKeeper fortnights from 20 July 2020.

Income tax implications

In her 2021 tax return, Penny:

  • includes the Transition Payment as assessable income
  • claims business operating expenses as a deduction, in the usual manner.

GST implications

Penny does not have to pay GST on the Transition Payment she receives. The Transition Payment is a payment for a GST-free supply. It is directly related to the supply of GST-free childcare.

JobKeeper eligibility

Penny may consider accessing the JobKeeper extension for the 5 eligible employees of her nanny service. The Transition Payment is for a GST-free supply. She needs to include it in the relevant GST turnover calculation when working out her decline in turnover and eligibility for the scheme.

End of example

Consumer Travel Support Program

The COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program is administered by Services Australia on behalf of Austrade.

The program assists travel agents and tour arrangement service providers to:

  • continue to trade
  • meet their legal obligations to process refunds and credits to Australian consumers who were unable to travel due to COVID-19.

Applications were open from 14 December 2020 to 13 March 2021.

If eligible, a provider received a one-off grant during the 2020–21 financial year. The payments were between $1,500 and $100,000, depending on the business’ annual GST turnover in the 2019 calendar year.

Eligible businesses will not be required to prove how they spend the payment.

Income tax

The government grant to assist a travel agent or tour arrangement service provider business needs to be included in the business's assessable income.

For more information, see Payments to support businesses.

GST

Grants under the Consumer Travel Support Program are not subject to GST as you do not provide something of value in return for the payment.

Example: Consumer Travel Support program

Kimberley Extreme Adventures operated as a tour arrangement service provider until the announcement of the closure of international borders by the Prime Minister of Australia on 19 March 2020.

Kimberley Extreme Adventures had lodged its tax return for the 2018–19 income year and satisfied the other eligibility criteria for the grant.

Kimberley Extreme Adventures lodged an online application with Services Australia. Its annual GST turnover for the 2019 calendar year was $250,000 and it was determined to be entitled to a $6,500 Travel Support grant.

The grant of $6,500 was received in their bank account on 1 April 2021.

Income tax implications

In its 2021 tax return, Kimberley Extreme Adventures:

  • includes the Travel Support grant as assessable income
  • claims business operating expenses as a deduction, in the usual manner.

GST implications

Kimberley Extreme Adventures does not have to pay GST on the grant they received. The payment was made to provide financial support to ease the pressures faced by travel agent and tour arrangement service provider businesses impacted by COVID-19.

The business only needed to meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the application. Kimberley Extreme Adventures is not providing anything of value to the government in return for the grant.

End of example

 

 


Eligible COVID-19 business grants and support programs

Work out if you need to pay tax on your COVID-19 business grant or support program.

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