Global VAT & Indirect Tax News

The article argues that Australia should increase its GST rate and broaden the tax base to reduce reliance on income tax, following the OECD’s latest health check recommendation.

The OECD has renewed its call for Australia to broaden and potentially raise the GST to improve fiscal sustainability. It recommends expanding the tax base and considering a rate increase above the current 10%, possibly up to 15% if paired with income‑tax cuts, and estimates a 1.6% boost to output over ten years. The recommendation comes ahead of the May federal budget and follows a mid‑year budget update that confirmed persistent deficits.

The OECD’s economic survey of Australia urges the Albanese government to broaden the GST and consider raising the rate above 10%, using the proceeds to reduce reliance on personal income tax. It also recommends replacing stamp duties with a land tax and boosting social housing funding. The report estimates the reform would add 1.6% to Australia’s GDP over a decade.

This guide explains Australia's e-invoicing landscape, including the Peppol network, current compliance requirements, and projected market growth. It highlights that while private businesses are not yet mandated to use e-invoicing, government entities must, with deadlines set for 2026, and outlines funding and efficiency gains. The article also details the standard format and benefits such as faster payments and reduced errors.

The ATO is moving non-compliant small businesses from quarterly to monthly GST reporting from April 2025, while mandating Peppol e-invoice acceptance for businesses already exchanging e-invoices by July 2025.