Australian government proposes $7 tax for all internet shopping
The Australian government is considering adding a fee of up to $7 on all packages coming over the border to help pay for security screening.
- Webby Award Winner (Best Video Host, 2021), Webby Nominee (Podcasts, 2021), Gold Telly (Documentary Series, 2021), Silver Telly (Video Writing, 2021), W3 Award (Best Host, 2020), Australian IT Journalism Awards (Best Journalist, Best News Journalist 2017)
That credit card could soon get a bit more of a workout.
Great news, Australia: Internet shopping could soon be more expensive.
The federal government is reportedly considering adding a levy on all packages arriving from overseas, tacking on a AU$2 to $7 charge to cover the cost of security screening at the border.
According to the ABC, Australia's Department of Home Affairs is considering the charge to help pay for the 40 million "low value" packages that come into Australia every year.
As Australia's online shopping habit grows, the government has looked to get a slice of the pie and to make sure Aussies aren't skirting taxes and costs just because they're buying from overseas.
But whether or not the levy is put into place, Australia's internet shopping prices are about to go up. From July 1, the Australian government will start charging GST on so-called "low-value imports" -- packages valued under AU$1,000 that have previously dodged the GST slug because they come from overseas.
While the government might not have a tough time working with major sites like eBay and Asos to ensure the taxes are levied, critics have warned collecting GST (and indeed any other levies) from smaller online retailers will be a tough ask logistically.
The Department of Home Affairs has been contacted for comment.
'Alexa, be more human': Inside Amazon's effort to make its voice assistant smarter, chattier and more like you.
Rebooting the Reef: CNET dives deep into how tech can help save Australia's Great Barrier Reef.