To support Australian businesses recover from the impact of COVID-19, the NSW Government has announced its Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate which is available to all sole traders and small businesses that meet specific criteria.
Falanga & Co is committed to supporting its clients, and we have outlined they key points you need to know below.
About the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate
The NSW Government’s Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate is a digital credit facility which allows businesses to draw down on funds up to $3,000 to offset costs of certain NSW and local government fees.
This rebate is currently open and will be available from 1 April 2021 until 11:59pm, 30 June 2022 – any unused credit left over after this time will lapse. Businesses can claim the rebate against invoices that were due and paid from 1 March 2021.
Examples of fees covered by the rebate include:
- Food authority licences
- Liquor licences
- Tradesperson licences
- Event Fees
- Outdoor Seating fees
- Council Rates
- Road user tolls for business use*
- 50% of the cost of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs)*
For businesses claiming road tolls, a statement of the corporate E-toll or Linkt account associated with the small business is required. For RATs, evidence of being an employing small business is required.
It’s important to note that the rebate is not a cash payment and funds will be provided via a digital voucher which can be drawn down on multiple times until the full value is reached.
Eligibility Requirements
The Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate is available to small businesses including non-employing sole traders, and not-for-profit organisations if they meet the following requirements:
- Have total Australian wages below the NSW Government 2020–21 payroll tax threshold of $1.2 million
- Have their own Australian Business Number (ABN) registered and/or are physically located and operating in New South Wales.
It’s important to note that only one $3,000 rebate is available for a single ABN.
Additionally, if an entity receives 50% or more of its income via dividends, rent, or any other passive income, then it generally won’t be eligible for the rebate, although there may be some instances where eligibility is provided.
How to Apply
Businesses can apply for the rebate via their MyServiceNSW account and will be required to bring:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of eligibility
- A valid ABN/ACN
- Business banking details for payment
Businesses claiming the rebate will need to provide an invoice or receipt that includes a business name, showing proof of payment of the eligible fee or charge. Each claim must be made separately, and only one receipt or invoice can be used per claim. Multiple claims can be made up to the $3,000 limit, however new evidence of having paid a NSW or local government fee or charge is required each time.
Small businesses already registered for the Small Business Rebate Scheme will not be required to re-register; these businesses will receive an automatic increase to their digital voucher. New businesses registering for the Scheme will receive one $3,000 digital voucher.
Need help?
For more information you can visit the ServiceNSW website for more information.
If you require any assistance in relation to claiming the NSW Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate, or have any questions in relation to eligibility requirements, then please get in touch today.
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