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Debits Tax - General Information

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What is debits tax?
What is a debit transaction?
Who pays debits tax?
How much tax is payable?
Current rates
Are there any exemptions from debits tax?
Exempt organisations
Claiming an exemption
Victorian Taxation Administration Act 1997
Further information

Debits Tax has been abolished from 1 July 2005.

What is debits tax?

Debits Tax is a tax on debit transactions to accounts with cheque drawing facilities.


What is a debit transaction?

Debit transactions include:

  • direct debits;
  • over the counter withdrawals;
  • cheque;
  • EFTPOS; and
  • automatic teller machine withdrawals.


Who pays debits tax?

  • Financial institutions and account holders are jointly liable for debits tax.
  • The financial institution is entitled to pass debits tax on to the account holder


How much tax is payable?

Debits tax is payable on the value of the debit to the account.


Current rates

Value at Debit Rate
Rate
not less than $1 but less than $100

$0.30

not less than $100 but less than $500

$0.70

not less than $500 but less than $5,000

$1.50

not less than $5,000 but less than $10,000

$3.00

$10,000 or more

$4.00


Are there any exemptions from debits tax?

The following debits are exempt:

  • to reverse a previous incorrect credit entry; and
  • to deduct financial institutions duty or debits tax.


The following organisations are exempt from debits tax:

  • charitable institutions, including public benevolent and religious institutions;
  • support organisations for charitable institutions;
  • public hospitals;
  • government schools; and
  • Commonwealth or State Government departments or authorities, or local government bodies, provided that the body does not carry on activities in the nature of a business.


To claim an exemption

To claim an exemption from debits tax, you will need to complete an application form.

  • If you are entitled to an exemption, the SRO will issue a certificate of exemption.
  • Once obtained you should provide this certificate of exemption to your financial institution.


The Victorian Taxation Administration Act 1997

The Victorian Taxation Administration Act 1997 (TAA) covers the collection and administration of pay-roll tax, duties (formerly called stamp duty) and debits tax.


Further information

For further information, please contact us.

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Page updated: 28 March 2008
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