The following sections will help you understand the data in Taxation statistics 2016–17:
- Summary tables and charts
- Using detailed tables
- Using the index to find specific data
- Changes in data over time
- Taxation statistics numbers compared to other ATO publications
- How to provide feedback or request data
Summary tables and charts
The summary tables and charts in each section provide an overview of taxation statistics for the topic.
Below each table is a link to the data in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet format, as well as related historical data.
Below each chart is a link to both the source data used to generate the chart and related historical data.
Using detailed tables
Detailed tables contain substantially more data than summary tables and charts. Data about most labels on selected return forms and schedules are in the detailed tables.
There are two main ways to identify the detailed tables you need:
- the 2016–17 indexExternal Link
- this website.
Go to Statistics for 2016–17 and navigate to the area you are interested in. Then:
- select the Detailed tables link. If you are unsure which detailed table contains the information, see using the index to find specific data
- select the link to the relevant detailed table. This will take you to data.gov.auExternal Link where all our detailed tables are stored
- select the Download button, then open or save the file.
Using the index to find specific data
We have an index to help you identify which detailed table contains the specific information you are interested in. The index covers individuals, companies, super funds, partnerships, trusts and fringe benefits tax (FBT). All item and label descriptions are as per the 2017 return forms.
This year we have improved the indexExternal Link. You can now click on a link to a table directly from the index.
Changes in data over time
We recommend you exercise caution when comparing the statistics of the current and previous income years.
Each year we receive lodgments, amendments or cancellations after the processing cut-off date for the data that is included in the previous publication.
Additionally, changes in legislation from year to year (such as changing income tax rates or thresholds) can impact year-on-year analysis.
Our detailed tables are updated differently depending on the type of data:
- For data relating to income years, the two preceding years are updated.
- Data relating to financial years is not updated.
Each detailed table has a notes tab, which will identify the currency of the data.
Previous year data in summary tables and charts is not updated. This allows for a quick year-on-year (point-in-time) comparison.
Taxation statistics numbers compared to other ATO publications
There are several reasons why data in this publication may not match data in other ATO, government or non-government publications, including:
Cut-off processing dates
To compile our statistics, we choose a cut-off date of 31 October of the following year. During this 16 month period a majority of returns will have been lodged and processed.
Data from forms or amendments processed after this cut-off date are not included in the statistics for that year.
If another ATO publication uses a different cut-off date, it is likely the statistics reported will be different, even if they refer to the same income, financial or FBT year.
The following data is based on income year:
- individuals
- companies
- super funds
- partnerships
- trusts
- capital gains tax (CGT)
- fringe benefits tax (for the FBT year)
- cost of tax compliance
- industry benchmarks (financial ratios).
The following data is based on financial year:
- member contribution statement (MCS)
- goods and services tax (GST)
- wine equalisation tax (WET)
- luxury car tax (LCT)
- petroleum resource rent tax (PRRT)
- excise and fuel schemes
- pay as you go (PAYG) withholding and instalments
- industry benchmarks (activity statement ratios).
How an item is calculated
Other publications and reports may:
- define terms differently
- use different formulas in calculating items.
Find our methodology in Definitions and calculations.
See also
How to provide feedback or request data
Email taxstats@ato.gov.au with your feedback, comments or data requests for consideration in future publications. This email can also be used to request data not available in this publication.
Before emailing us your data request, note that:
- we may not have the resources available to respond to your request
- certain data cannot be released due to confidentiality issues
- our previous ad hoc data request responses are published on data.gov.auExternal Link
- we are not able to provide estimates or forecasts. These requests should be directed to The TreasuryExternal Link.