Little Benefit for Small Business in Tax Changes

The Joondalup Business Association has criticised the State government for not going far enough with proposed tax changes contained in the Duties Bill 2007 which recently passed through the Legislative Assembly.

 

JBA President Russell Crook said that while any changes in the State tax regime that effectively reduced taxes was welcomed this Bill was little more than window dressing and predominantly only assisted home buyers.

 

“The Treasurer has said that small businesses will benefit from the 5% reduction of stamp duty on conveyances but if home buyers will hardly notice the difference, in some cases no more than $1,000 on a median priced property where the tax can be over $20,000, then where does that leave small business?” Mr Crook said.

 

“It would be far more credible if the State Government was to make a real commitment to reduce the taxes that hurt, and penalise, small business operators including Payroll Tax, Land Tax and Stamp Duty.

 

“As previously stated by our organisation on many occasions it is of great concern to JBA members and non-members alike that small business will continue to take the brunt of the tax burden imposed on the community,” he said.

 

“It is time to get serious on tax reform in this State and the Treasurer has the opportunity to do it given the current fortunes of Western Australia,” Mr Crook said.