NSW Budget 2017-2018 Half Yearly Review

On 14 December the Treasurer released the 2017-2018 Half Yearly Review showing that the NSW Government was set to deliver a budget surplus of $3.3b in 2017-2018.

A summary of the review in relation to state taxes are:

  • Taxation revenue is estimated to be $149m lower than the budget estimate.  This is partly due to the lower forecast transfer duty as growing numbers of first homebuyers benefit from new concessions, but with expected higher payroll tax and land tax collections partly off-setting the reduction.
  • Stamp duty policy changes announced in the budget (Housing Affordability package; increase in foreign purchaser duty to 8%), have changed the mix of transactions between first homebuyers, domestic investors and foreign investors, resulting in overall lower transfer duty revenue. As a result, transfer duty revenue is forecast to be $657m lower over the estimates.
  • Land tax revenue in 2017-2018 is expected to be $105.9m higher than at the budget as a result of new land valuations determined by the valuer general as at 1 July 2017.

This may result in an increase in taxpayers being unsatisfied with their valuations and land tax assessments and seeking to object to land valuations and/or restructure land holdings.

  • Payroll tax revenue in 2017-2018 is expected to also be higher than estimated, by $189.5m, as a result of strong NSW employment and wage growth.
  • Given the significant reduction in transfer duty revenue and the Government’s focus on land tax and payroll tax revenue, the NSW Revenue may increase surveillance activity in relation to land tax and payroll tax compliance, for example land tax exemptions and payroll tax grouping.

Clients should be reminded to keep accurate and supporting evidence of their taxation positions.

If you have any queries in relation to the above or how it may impact your clients, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact

Emma Woolley

Partner & Head of Family Office Advisory

Karl Rozenbergs

Partner & Co-Lead, Health & Community

Ben Hamilton

Partner & Technology and Digital Economy Co-Lead

James Deady

Partner & Technology and Digital Economy Co-Lead

Eugene Chen

Partner & Head of China Practice

Oliver Jankowsky

Partner & Head of International Practice

John Bassilios

Partner & Fintech and Blockchain Lead

Matthew Curll

Partner & Insurance National Practice Leader

Melanie Smith

Director – Business Development, Marketing and Communications

Natalie Bannister

Partner & Commercial National Practice Leader

Nathan Kennedy

Partner, Head of Pro Bono & Community and ESG Co-Lead

William Moore

Partner & Head of Private Clients Advisory

Mark Dessi

Partner & Energy Leader

James Bull

Special Counsel & Frank Lab Co-Lead

Melanie James

People & Culture Manager

Jacqui Barrett

Partner & Head of US Desk

Lauren Parrant

Senior People & Culture Advisor

Melinda Woledge

Marketing & Communications Manager

Jasmine Koh

Senior Associate & Frank Lab Co-Lead

Alison Choy Flannigan

Partner & Co-Lead, Health & Community

Jordon Lee

Lawyer

Geoff Benson

Lawyer

Meg Lee

Partner & ESG Co-Lead

John Gray

Partner, Technology & Digital Economy Co-Lead and NSW Government Co-Lead

Harvey Duckett

Lawyer

Luke Denham

Lawyer

Billie Kerkez

Manager – Smarter Recovery Solutions

Jemima Whiteman

Lawyer

Bradley White

Lawyer

Sarah Khan

Lawyer

Audrey Leahy

Special Counsel & Head of Irish Desk

Nicole Tumiati

Partner & Retail & Consumer Goods Leader

Marie Mitilineos

Lawyer

Gloria Tam

Lawyer

Peter Jones

Senior Commercial Counsel

Eden Winokur

Partner & Head of Cyber

Jennifer Degotardi

Partner & NSW Government Co-Lead

Sheldon Fu

Lawyer

Claire Bourke

Lawyer

Chloe Taylor

Lawyer

Silvana Brcina

Lawyer

Daphne Schilizzi

Lawyer

Andrew Banks

Lawyer

Isabella Urso

Lawyer

Jessica Liu

Lawyer

Amelia Spratt

Lawyer

Lisa Ziegert

Director – Client Solutions

Luke Raams

Lawyer

Emma McDonald

Lawyer

Carl Ayers

Lawyer

Maddison Reznik

Senior Associate & Trade Marks Attorney

Rebecca Dodd

Lawyer

Gretel Burns

Lawyer

Ruby Hunt

Pro Bono & Community Co-ordinator

Rachel Bonic

Lawyer

Samantha Frost

Lawyer

Emma Bechaz

Lawyer

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