Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Incentives and Integrity) Bill 2024

High-Level Summary
The bill proposes to amend the Treasury Laws to introduce tax incentives and integrity measures, including changes to the Luxury Car Tax, denial of deductions for specific ATO interest charges, and an extension of the ATO notification period for retaining refunds. The primary aim is to encourage the uptake of fuel-efficient vehicles, enhance tax compliance, and strengthen fraud prevention.

Summary
The bill affects several legislative frameworks:
  • Amendments to the Luxury Car Tax Act 1999 involve tightening the definition of a fuel-efficient vehicle to those consuming a maximum of 3.5 litres per 100 km and aligning the indexation of LCT thresholds to the motor vehicle purchase sub-group of the CPI.
  • Changes to the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 will deny deductions for general interest charges and shortfall interest charges incurred from income years starting on or after 1 July 2025.
  • Amendments to the Taxation Administration Act 1953 extend the ATO's notification period for retaining refunds from 14 to 30 days to better combat fraud.
From the explanatory memo:
The measures are estimated to increase receipts by $655 million over five years and have minimal compliance cost impacts.

Argument For
Normative Bases
  1. Environmentalism
  2. Utilitarian Ground Truth

The bill should be supported because it promotes environmental sustainability by incentivizing the transition to electric and fuel-efficient vehicles. Tightening the definition of fuel-efficient cars aligns with the global goal of reducing carbon emissions and supports Australia's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 [Judgment]. Additionally, denying deductions for interest charges encourages timely tax payments, which can improve overall tax compliance and reduce the burden on compliant taxpayers.

The extension of the ATO notification period for refunds helps prevent fraud, safeguarding public funds and ensuring they are used for their intended purposes, thereby maximizing public benefit.


Argument Against
Normative Bases
  1. Propertarianism

The bill should be opposed because the changes to the Luxury Car Tax could lead to higher costs for consumers purchasing hybrid vehicles, which may still be an essential transitional technology towards full electrification. This could be seen as an infringement on individual economic freedom and choice [Judgment].

Denying deductions for ATO interest charges may unfairly penalize businesses and individuals facing temporary cash flow issues, adding to their financial burden rather than encouraging timely tax payment.

The extension of the ATO's refund notification period might delay legitimate refunds for taxpayers, affecting their cash flow and financial planning.


Date:

2024-11-28

Status:

Before House of Representatives

Sponsor:

Unspecified

Portfolio:

Treasury

Categories:

Taxation, Climate Change / Environment, Financial Regulation

Timeline:
28/11/2024
26/03/2025

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