What is Payroll Tax 'Grouping'?
The ‘grouping’ provisions (Part 5 of the Payroll Tax Act 2011) have the effect of deeming businesses to be related and including these businesses in a ‘group’. The grouping provisions examine the control, ownership and relationship of businesses. Although each member of the group must register for payroll tax and lodge a separate return, the businesses which constitute the group are treated as one entity and the calculation of their payroll tax liability is based on the group's total wages.
Only one member of the group is entitled to claim the threshold. In some instances, where approved by the Commissioner, one member of the group can lodge one return on behalf of all group members.
The grouping provisions are harmonised across all jurisdictions and apply to businesses throughout Australia. An Australian business may also be grouped with an overseas business.
Registration Requirements for Groups
Each member of the group who employs in the ACT must be registered and the ACT Revenue Office is to be advised promptly in writing whenever an entity joins or ceases to be part of a group. The Group Management Form may be found here.
What is defined as a business for payroll tax grouping?
Business means an activity that is:
- a profession or trade
- carried on fee, gain or reward
- employing one person, or more, who performs duties for another business
- operating a trust, including a dormant trust
- holding money or property used for another business.
How does a group exist?
A group exists if:
- corporations are related bodies corporate – refer to section 50 of Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)
- employees are used in more than 1 business
- the same person, or set of persons, has a controlling interest in 2 or more businesses
- an entity has a controlling interest in a corporation (tracing interest)
- a person is part of 2 or more groups.
Common ControlEXAMPLE 1 (Related Bodies Corporate)
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EXAMPLE 2 (Shareholding and Directors)
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Shared Liability
All members of the group (irrespective of whether or not they are employers) become jointly and severally liable for the debts of the group which are incurred while they are members of that group. This means that if one member defaults in the payment of tax, that amount may be recovered from any of the other group members.