Netflix tax is back on the attack

Netflix Tax

It looks like reducing the tax free threshold for imported digital goods and services like Netflix in Australia is once again high priority for the Australian government ahead of next week's budget.

Fairfax has reported that during the most recent treasurers' meeting, only the West Australian treasurer objected to the inclusion of the 'Netflix tax'.

Not just an internet tax

Three years ago, the estimated government revenue for online purchases of intangible goods was $1 billion per annum. Since then the sales of online software have doubled.

Apple said that the change would not affect iTunes as the company already pays GST for purchases through the online store.

Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenburg, is expected to negotiate extending the tax to include imported parcels with contents valued under $1000, potentially reducing the threshold to the Canadian level of $20 following the budget release mid next week.

Joel Burgess
Contributor

Joel spent nearly nine years as one of TechRadar Australia's senior writers, testing and reviewing PCs, laptops and computer peripherals. He's even written extensively for APC Magazine in Australia. Now he contributes to TechRadar as the resident pizza maker and oven expert.