Small businesses and not-for-profits in NSW are now able to apply for rebates of up to $1,500 thanks to a new rebate scheme aimed to offset NSW and local government fees.
Launched on 1 April 2021 and lasting until 30 June 2022, the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate scheme is aimed at small businesses, not-for-profits and non-employing sole traders that have a wages bill coming in below the $1.2 million 2020-2021 payroll tax threshold and can provide a turnover declaration (accountant's letter) showing at least $75,000 per year.
If you are a sole trader, the owner of a small business or a not-for-profit organisation in NSW, you may be eligible for a small business fees and charges rebate of $1500.
This rebate helps businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and encourages growth by reducing the cost of running a business. Eligible businesses or not-for-profits only need to apply for the rebate once but can submit multiple claims until the full value of $1500 is reached.
Funds can be used to offset the costs of eligible NSW and local government fees and charges. These include, but are not limited to:
food authority licences
liquor licences
tradesperson licences
event fees
outdoor seating fees
council rates.
The rebate can only be used for eligible fees and charges due and paid from 1 March 2021. It cannot be used for fines or penalties, fees and charges that have the key purpose of discouraging behaviours or inducing behaviour changes, Commonwealth government charges, rent on government premises, or taxes. See guidelines for more information.
The rebate will be available until 30 June 2022.
Eligibility To be eligible for this rebate, small businesses (including non-employing sole traders) and not-for-profit organisations must:
have total Australian wages below the NSW Government 2020-2021 payroll tax threshold of $1.2 million
have an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in NSW and/or have business premises physically located and operating in NSW
be registered for goods and services tax (GST)
provide a declaration that the business has a turnover of at least $75,000 per year.
Note: Only one $1500 rebate is available for each ABN. Not-for-profit organisations are not subject to the GST requirement but must demonstrate a turnover of more than $75,000 per year.
If you have any questions regarding the guidelines for this rebate, or you would like assistance with an application or supporting documentation, please contact the team at Collins Hume in Ballina or Byron Bay on 02 6686 3000.
Source: Service NSW