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A Quick Guide to ECommerce Taxation in Australia

Taking care of the financial aspects of your internet business demonstrates your dedication to continuing operations. Here are the essential details concerning the Australian ECommerce tax for new business owners.


Understanding ECommerce in Australia


Australia's eCommerce sector, the 11th largest in the world, is expected to be worth AU$58,498 million in 2022. According to Statista, the number of people who use eCommerce will increase significantly over the next five years, reaching 20.7 million in only three years.


This results from the challenging market conditions that brick-and-mortar businesses faced at the beginning of 2020, with the significant decline in consumer spending.


The epidemic sparked a brand transfer to the internet platform so they could continue operating, highlighting the eCommerce industry's enticing development.


Their tax liabilities are becoming more prominent due to the increase in eCommerce revenue between $100,000 and $700,000.


Minor tax errors can quickly snowball and result in significant issues if they are not handled appropriately. This is why it helps to have an experienced eCommerce accountant to help you through these tasks and regulations.


In this article, we will explain the responsibilities, reporting, procedures, and critical issues in taxation. This will make sure your company is entirely compliant with Australian tax regulations.


Factors That Affect a Business Structure


Ownership and management are simply two aspects of organisational structure. Depending on the legal and financial form you choose for your company, you will be responsible for all of its obligations. Before moving on to the various eCommerce tax kinds, you must have a solid grasp of how your structure affects your tax affairs and overall financial plan.


Are you having trouble making a choice? Here are four elements to evaluate first:


  • Tax: Is your business prepared for tax dues, or will you qualify and benefit more from tax concessions or government grants?

  • Risk: How much risk are you anticipating to take on, and will you be getting insurance for your company for these risks?

  • Ownership: Is the business owned by a sole proprietorship or multiple people?

  • Costs: Consider your legal, consultation, accounting, and tax lodgment fees.


Business Structures for ECommerce Businesses


You may now decide which business structure suits your eCommerce company the best after careful consideration. Your business can either be a sole trader, partnership, company, or trust.


The Basics of Income Tax Registration


Your personal tax file number (TFN) might serve as your business TFN if you're a sole proprietor. However, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) offers a straightforward procedure, so you may register and submit an application online if you don't already have one. Here are additional details on it.


If you currently have a personal TFN, you may register for a business TFN for partnerships, corporations, and trusts by submitting an online form on the Australian Business Registration (ABR) website.


Accounting for Income Tax


An entity's taxable income is multiplied by the business's tax rate for the fiscal year to determine how much eCommerce income tax is due. Depending on several elements that correctly reflect the entity's profit, either the receipt/cash method or the earnings/accrual approach can be used to account for this.


It's time to speak with an eCommerce tax accountant if you're unsure how to handle your income tax filing.


Other than all of these, you should also register for an Australian Business Number (ABN) and Goods and Services Tax (GST).


Conclusion


ECommerce in Australia is a growing industry. However, the process of establishing an eCommerce company and accounting for taxes may be a bit tricky. To succeed in the online business arena, you must follow all tax laws correctly.


Are you looking for an ECommerce tax accountant in Australia? The ECommerce Accountant aims to empower, excite, and build confidence in businesses through clarity in their figures. Give us a call today to learn more!

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