23 December 2024

Implementing a minimum tax for multinationals

Note

Joint media release with
The Hon Jim Chalmers MP
Treasurer

The Albanese Government is continuing to take action so that multinationals pay their fair share of tax in Australia.

Today the Government has published subordinate legislation in the form of Ministerial Rules as part of Australia’s implementation of a 15 per cent global minimum tax and domestic minimum tax for large multinationals.

To pay for the things that matter most to Australians like Medicare, pensions and housing, it’s important that multinationals operating in Australia pay their fair share of tax and that’s what these Rules help achieve.

Multinational companies making a profit in Australia should pay tax on those profits in Australia.

The publication of the Rules follows the recent passage through Parliament and Royal Assent of the primary legislation to implement the global and domestic minimum taxes.

Minimum taxes are a key part of a coordinated global approach by the OECD to put a floor on tax competition and establish a fairer domestic and international tax system.

From 1 January 2024, there will be a 15 per cent global minimum tax and domestic minimum tax for multinational enterprise groups with an annual global revenue of at least EUR 750 million (approximately A$1.2 billion).

The global minimum tax will enable Australia to apply top‑up tax on a resident multinational parent or subsidiary company where the group’s income is taxed below 15 per cent overseas.

The domestic minimum tax will enable Australia to apply top‑up tax for any low‑taxed Australian income.

The Rules provide details on how multinationals should calculate any top‑up tax.

The Rules will also ensure that future administrative guidance released by the OECD can be incorporated in a timely and efficient manner.

An international tax system where big multinationals pay their fair share is better for small businesses, better for taxpayers and better for the economy.