Fed: GST second-fastest growing tax - ABS

AAP General News (Australia)
04-01-2004
Fed: GST second-fastest growing tax - ABS

CANBERRA, April 1 AAP - Australians paid almost $1,600 each in GST in the past financial
year, new figures showed today.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed the GST was the second-fastest growing
tax in 2002-03 in terms of revenue, behind booming company taxes.

The amount of company taxes paid soared 21.8 per cent to $38.7 billion, making up 16.3
per cent of the taxes shared between the Commonwealth, states and territories and local
councils.

The GST reaped $31.3 billion, 14.1 per cent more than the previous year.

The share of the tax burden shouldered by goods and services was 13.2 per cent, up
from 12.6 per cent.

The three levels of government took $237.5 billion in taxes last year, or $12,018 for
each man, woman and child.

The GST took $1,586 a head, but income taxes were the biggest impost, costing an average
$4,626 each.

Overall, revenue from taxes rose 9.5 per cent in 2002-03.

Stamp duties on property reaped $8.8 billion, a $1.5 billion increase, making up almost
half the increase in state taxes in 2002-03.

AAP kmh/pw/br

KEYWORD: TAX

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