GST increase placed on agenda



Australians should not be concerned about an increase in the Good and Services Tax, according to key accounting body CPA Australia, which has produced research suggesting it would result in the abolition of inefficient taxes and therefore boost productivity.
CPA Australia has released the findings of research conducted by KPMG Econtech examining the overall economic effect should the GST be increased by 12.5, 15 and 20 per cent respectively and how this might then fund the reduction or abolition of inefficient taxes.
It named some of those inefficient taxes as being insurance taxes, motor vehicle taxes, commercial conveyancing duty and payroll tax.
CPA Australia said the results showed that increases in the rate to 15 to 20 per cent respectively would deliver the greatest productivity growth and standard of living increases.
The research was produced by CPA Australia as part of its positioning ahead of the Government's forthcoming tax forum.
CPA Australia chief executive Alex Malley said the research highlighted the importance of reaching a broad consensus at the tax forum on the need to remove a range of inefficient taxes funded by other revenue sources.
"Our research helps demystify concerns that an increase in GST would hurt Australians," he said.
"If the forum is to set us on the path to significant tax reform, we must look at how we can eliminate many of the inefficient taxes Australian businesses face, and this includes a serious discussion on the GST," Malley said.
Recommended for you
Two commentators have shared why cultural alignment can be the biggest deal breaker when it comes to advice M&A and how to ensure a successful fit.
With an abundance of private market options coming to market, due diligence becomes increasingly important as advisers separate the wheat from the chaff, adviser Charlie Viola has said.
The Treasury has launched a consultation into how the $47 million special levy for the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort will be funded.
With the final tally for FY25 now confirmed, how many advisers left during the financial year and how does it compare to the previous year?