Payroll tax is a self assessed tax meaning that the onus is on you, as an employer, to ensure that any information you provide is correct and that you comply with your tax obligations. Payroll tax is paid into the Consolidated Fund of Western Australia to meet the costs of public services such as education, health, public safety, and law and order.
If you don't register and lodge your returns as required, we may
- apply penalty tax and
- make an estimate assessment of your liability and
- conduct an audit to verify your liability.
See the payroll tax frequently asked questions.
See the payroll tax employer guide for more information about your payroll tax obligations and assessments.
- You can lodge an objection if you disagree with an assessment.
- We carry out compliance activities to make sure you pay the right amount of tax.
Your total Australian taxable wages are used to determine whether you are liable, but you only pay tax on wages paid or payable in Western Australia or the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT). See details of the arrangement between Western Australia and the Commonwealth.
