Gig economy faces tax crackdown
The Federal Government is looking at mandatory income reporting for Uber drivers, Airbnb hosts and others in the gig economy.
It come in response to claims that Uber drivers and Airbnb hosts are using their largely unregulated working environments to avoid paying tax.
The Treasury will soon release an industry discussion paper on the proposed mandatory regime.
The changes could see companies report workers’ earnings to the tax office, which would then be added to people’s pre-filled tax forms.
It appears that the reforms target people who work for major gig economy companies - Uber, Airbnb, Airtasker and delivery services such as Deliveroo and Uber Eats - rather than the platforms themselves.
Assistant Minister for Treasury Zed Seselja says reforms are needing to control the growing sharing economy.
“But as it grows, there is a risk that some individuals are not reporting their full income and avoiding the right amount of tax,” Senator Seselja said in a statement.
“We are committed to making sure people pay their fair share of tax.”