Rapid antigen tests to be made tax-deductible for workers and businesses

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will make COVID-19 testing expenses tax deductible for business and individuals when they are being used to attend work.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Wednesday, 19 January, 2022.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Wednesday, 19 January, 2022. Source: AAP

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is providing tax breaks for business and individuals who use rapid antigen tests to be able to attend work.

In a speech on Monday, the treasurer told Australian Industry Group the government is taking action to remove uncertainty around the tax treatments of these tests.

"Today, I'm announcing that we will ensure that COVID-19 testing expenses are tax deductible for testing taken to attend a place of work, giving businesses and individuals more clarity and assurance," Mr Frydenberg said.

"We will also ensure that fringe benefits tax will not be incurred by employers where COVID-19 tests are provided to employees for this purpose."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Scott Morrison is keen to open up Australia's international border to tourists after the success of partial openings to students, backpackers and skilled migrants.

Mr Morrison said many of the states have now passed their peaks in COVID-19 infections.

He said the government over recent weeks has asked for advice from health officials how reopening the borders could impact on the nation's hospitals.

"But I really do not believe that is far away. As people will know, we have already opened up our borders to skilled migrants and backpackers and students," he told reporters in Sydney on Sunday.
Labor's home affairs spokeswoman Kristina Keneally said the lack of information was concerning.

"Until Mr Morrison stops constantly prioritising headlines over developing a clear and safe plan to reopen our borders, Australian families and businesses won't be able to plan for a better future," she said.

NSW posted 7893 COVID-19 cases and a further 28 virus-related deaths on Sunday, while there were 7169 new infections in Victoria and six deaths.

Queensland recorded 5746 infections and nine deaths and in Tasmania there were 471 cases and one death, while the ACT reported 323 cases.


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2 min read
Published 7 February 2022 6:30am
Updated 7 February 2022 6:47am
Source: AAP, SBS



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