Good news for those looking to hire

The Federal Government has launched a new scheme, The JobMaker Hiring Credit Scheme, and your business may be eligible.

What is the scheme?

The Jobmaker Hiring Credit scheme is an incentive for businesses to hire jobseekers aged 16 to 35. Under the scheme, eligible employers can receive payments for each employee they hire, between the dates of 7 October 2020 and 6 October 2021. The scheme ends on 6 October 2021 and is administered through the Australian Taxation Office.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To be eligible, your business must meet all the following requirements:

• The business has registered for the JobMaker Hiring Credit Scheme (see below for details)
• Operates a business in Australia (or is a not-for-profit business operating in Australia; or is a deductible gift recipient (GDR))
• Holds an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Is registered for Pay as You Go (PAYG) withholding
• Has not claimed JobKeeper payments for a fortnight that started during the JobMaker period
• Is up to date with income tax and GST returns for the two years up to the end of the JobMaker period for which the business will be claiming
• Satisfies the payroll increase and headcount increase conditions
• Satisfies the report requirements, including up to date Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting
• Does not belong to one of the ineligible employer groups.

Note: If your business is not registered for GST you are not required to do so to be eligible for the scheme.

What is the first step?

If you believe your business is eligible and you would like to make a claim for the scheme, the first step is to register your business. You will need to provide your baseline headcount, your baseline payroll amount and your contact details at the time of registration. You can lodge your registration through either:

• ATO online services,
• The Business Portal, or
• Your registered tax agent or BAS agent.

Where do I go for more information?

To learn more about eligible/ineligible employers, eligible employees, the effect of other government payments, registration and lodgement requirements, reporting obligations and tax consequences, visit JobMaker Hiring Credit | Australian Taxation Office.

You may also find JobMaker Hiring Credit guide | Australian Taxation Office useful.

For more information on registration, visit Register for JobMaker Hiring Credit | Australian Taxation Office .