Fact CheckAngus Taylor says personal income tax increased by a ‘record’ 27 per cent in the first 18 months of the Albanese government. Is that correct?

Fact CheckAngus Taylor says personal income tax increased by a ‘record’ 27 per cent in the first 18 months of the Albanese government. Is that correct?

The Albanese government is planning to implement a tax hike.

The Albanese Government Tax Increase Claim

Tracking the Progress of the Albanese Government Tax Increase

The Albanese government tax increase is a significant topic that has garnered attention. Labor’s commitment to upholding the tax cuts introduced by the Coalition during the 2022 election is crucial. Let’s delve into the details of how this promise is being fulfilled.

The exterior of a building with the logo of the ATO on it

 Investigating the Albanese Government Tax Increase

In a recent piece for The Australian, Mr. Taylor emphasized the importance of the original stage three tax cuts in addressing bracket creep. Labor, in response, has been urged to uphold its commitment to these cuts. The shadow treasurer highlighted a significant 27% surge in personal income tax during the initial 18 months of Labor’s tenure. Now, the accuracy of these claims will be scrutinized by RMIT ABC Fact Check.

Analyzing the Albanese Government Tax Increase

Mr. Taylor’s assertion appears exaggerated.

In terms of actual monetary value, the collective income tax paid by Australians surged by 27.3% during the 18-month period leading up to September 2023.

Nevertheless, this surge does not set a new record, as historical spikes, much more significant, have transpired under both Liberal and Labor administrations.

The timeframe mentioned by Mr. Taylor encompasses approximately two months when the Coalition still held power. Taxes under the Labor government, for the 15 months with available data, rose by 23.9%.

The discontinuation of a temporary tax relief for low and middle-income earners was just one of numerous factors contributing to the recent uptick in tax revenues.

Experts consulted by Fact Check emphasized the impact of population growth, wage increases, higher employment rates, and adjustments in working hours.

To provide a more accurate assessment, they suggested evaluating income tax as a percentage of household income.

When viewed through this lens, taxes saw a notable but more modest increase of 13.6% over 18 months (or 11.8% over 15 months), which also does not establish a new record high.

Man holding bank card

The Albanese government tax increase on personal income taxes paid by Australians in the last 18 months does not set a new record.

Albanese government tax increase

Mr. Taylor, in his editorial, referenced Australia’s National Accounts as the basis for his assertion of a “record 27 per cent” tax hike.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes these accounts, offering quarterly estimates of vital economic indicators like gross domestic product (GDP), consumption, investment, income, and savings.

These reports also contain calculations of the total income tax amounts paid by individual taxpayers.

Hands put Australian coins into a wallet.

Is there a 27% rise in personal income tax for Australians during the Albanese government’s tenure? According to a spokesperson from the ABS, the total income tax estimates encompass various taxes like income tax, fringe benefit tax, and tax on superannuation contributions. The bulk of this estimation, accounting for over 90%, consists of income tax, which includes the Medicare levy and capital gains tax. These taxes also encompass non-labor income, such as interest and dividends from investments.

Regarding the 27% surge, a spokesperson for the shadow treasurer affirmed that this calculation was based on a comparison of quarterly tax data from March 2022 and September 2023, the most recent quarter available at the time of the claim.

The Background of the Albanese Government Tax Increase

Insights from the Data on Albanese Government Tax Increase
Did the Albanese Government Implement a Record Tax Increase?
Is there a more effective method to gauge the impact of Albanese government tax increase?
Insights from Industry Professionals

Understanding the Albanese Government Tax Increase

During the beginning of 2023, Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor claimed that Australia’s core inflation rate surpassed that of all G7 nations.

Angus Taylor speaks to camera between two silhouetted figures. VERDICT: Checks out with a green tick

Impact of Albanese Government Tax Increase on Bracket Creep

Discussing the growth in taxes, it was noted that bracket creep played a role, but the changes would have occurred regardless of the governing party, as the policies remained consistent. The termination of the low and middle income tax offset in June 2022 was a significant factor in this shift.

Dr. Phillips emphasized the complexity of comparing the impacts of different governments, highlighting that the effects of one administration’s policies often extend beyond their term, while the consequences of the succeeding government’s actions are not immediately apparent.

Mr. Aird raised concerns about bracket creep affecting people’s spending power due to the expanding economy. He pointed out that the tax-to-income ratio is expected to continue rising until upcoming tax cuts are implemented later this year.

Can the Albanese Government’s Tax Increase Address Bracket Creep?

Albanese government tax increase Sources?

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