The following will help you understand the data in Taxation statistics 2017–18:
- 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 and chart is a link to the data in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet format. The spreadsheets include same or similar historical data going back many years.
Using detailed tables
Detailed tables contain substantially more data than summary tables and charts. Data about most labels on our most common return forms and schedules are in the detailed tables.
There are two main ways to identify which detailed tables you want.
Option 1 – View the detailed tables list in each section
Go to Statistics for 2017–18 and navigate to the section you are interested in. Select the Detailed tables link to be taken to the list. Select the link to the relevant detailed table. This will take you to data.gov.auExternal Link where all our detailed tables are stored.
Option 2 – Use the index
If you are unsure which detailed table contains the information go to the 2017–18 indexExternal Link on data.gov.au. The index covers individuals, companies, super funds, partnerships, trusts and fringe benefits tax (FBT). All item and label descriptions are as per the 2018 income tax return forms and the 2019 FBT return form. The index includes direct links to detailed tables.
Once you have found the detailed table you want on data.gov.au, select the Download button, then open or save the file.
Changes in data over time
We recommend you exercise caution when comparing statistics from current and previous income years.
Each year we receive lodgments, amendments or cancellations, after the processing cut-off date for the data in the previous publication.
Additionally, changes in legislation (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.
The currency of the data is documented in the notes tab of each detailed table.
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
We choose a cut-off date of 31 October the following year to compile our statistics. A majority of returns will have been lodged and processed during this 16-month period.
Data from forms or amendments processed after this cut-off date is not included in the statistics for that year's publication.
It is likely the statistics will be different in another ATO publication if it uses a different cut-off date, even if it refers 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)
- 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).
Fringe benefit tax data is based on the FBT year, while cost of tax compliance includes data relating to income, FBT and financial years.
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 your feedback, comments or suggestions to taxstats@ato.gov.au. This email can also be used to request data not available in this publication.
Before emailing please note:
- 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 cannot provide estimates or forecasts. These requests should be directed to The TreasuryExternal Link.
See also