On 1 January 2017, tax rates changed for working holidaymakers who are in Australia on a 417 or 462 visa. This is otherwise known as the ‘backpacker tax’.
What does the ‘Backpacker Tax’ mean for you as an Employer?
If you employ a working holidaymaker in Australia who holds a 417 or 462 Visa:
. You must withhold 15% from every dollar earned up to $37,000 with foreign resident tax rates applying from $37,001
. You must register with the ATO to withhold at the working holidaymaker tax rate
. You will need to issue two payment summaries (with different rates) this year – one for the period to 31 December 2016 and a second for any period from 1 January 2017
. If you don’t register you will need to withhold at the foreign resident tax rate of 32.5%
. Penalties may apply if you don’t register
An interim update that enables our premier small business accounting and payroll software clients on Cashflow Manager GOLD and Wages Manager to manage the Backpacker Tax reporting requirements is now available for download as version 10.0.2.3 from our website.
Even though the backpackers tax became effective as from January 1, 2017, the ATO has still not provided Cashflow Manager with formal specifications regarding the implementation and reporting of the Backpackers Tax.
The new 10.0.2.3 update, now includes an option to “Register for New 2017 Holiday Makers Rates”. This will allow you to process 2 PAYG Payment Summaries, for different dates.
Please see attached support note for detailed instructions – Wages Manager – Backpacker Tax 10.0.2.2
When the ATO advises Cashflow Manager of the correct specifications for the handling of the Backpackers Tax, a further update to Cashflow Manager Gold and Wages Manager will be released.
