Small businesses, sole traders and not for profit organisations in New South Wales can claim up to $3,000 in small business fees and charges rebate which they can use to offset eligible business costs. Make sure to apply by 24 June 2022 to ensure you can claim eligible fees and charges before the rebate closes on 30 June 2022.

Below, find out the eligibility criteria, the step-by-step instructions on how to claim this rebate, and the eligible fees and charges.

 

Is your business eligible for the rebate?

You must meet the following criteria to be eligible for this small business fees and charges rebate:

  • You’re a sole trader or you operate a small business or not-for-profit organisation.
  • Your business is physically located and operating in NSW.
  • You have an Australian Business Number (ABN). Each ABN can only claim one $3,000 rebate.
  • The total Australian wages of your business are below the $1.2 million 2020/2021 payroll tax threshold of the NSW Government.
  • If your business has employees, you can be eligible to claim 50% of the cost of rapid antigen tests (RATs), up to the rebate value of $3,000.

Note: You CAN’T claim the $3,000 small business fees and charges rebate if the passive income of your business is more than 50% of your business’s income. Examples of passive income are dividends, interests, rent and royalties.

 

How to claim the small business fees and charges rebate

Follow these steps to claim your rebate:

  1. Prepare the following:
    • MyServiceNSW account
    • Two proofs of identity 
    • Valid and active ABN/ACN
    • Business banking details (for receiving your payment) 
    • Invoice or receipt with your business name that shows you’ve paid the eligible fee or charge (see the list below)
  2. When you’re done preparing the requirements above, start your application using this link: Apply for small business fees and charges rebate.
  3. Once you’ve logged in, follow the prompts and enter the information being asked.
  4. Upload any supporting document.
  5. Enter your bank account details.
  6. Review your application.
  7. Finally, check the declaration boxes then click ‘Next’ to submit your application.

 

Eligible fees and charges

Here’s the small business fees and charges rebate list to give you an idea of where and how you can use the funds.

  • Council rates
  • Event fees
  • Food authority licences
  • Liquor licences
  • Outdoor seating fees
  • Road and maritime costs (specifically for business use)
  • Work Health & Safety Authorisations
  • And all other NSW Government fees and charges EXCEPT: 
    • Commonwealth government charges
    • Fees and charges that discourage or induce behaviour changes
    • Fines and penalties
    • NSW and Commonwealth government taxes 
    • Rent on government premises.

You can only claim rebates for charges due and paid from 1 March 2021. You can either claim the $3,000 rebate in one go or submit multiple claims until you reach the maximum amount.

If you fail to use the entire $3,000 rebate, the balance will lapse after 30 June 2022.

For the full list of eligible fees and charges, read this list from Service NSW. You can also access the complete guidelines here.

 

Read Next: What Tax Deductions to Claim Before the End of the Financial Year

 

Work with an accountant

If you need help in applying for the rebate and other government grants and programs, our accountants at ABJ Solutions are here to assist you. We’ll prepare all the necessary documents and keep you in the loop for the latest information on government assistance programs you can avail of. We’ll also ensure that your financial records are up to date to make applications easier for you.

Contact us today for more information on our services.