Find out what the industry contribution levy (the levy) is, how it’s calculated and who pays the levy.
There is an industry levy that some reporting entities are required to pay. The levy is currently calculated using:
- annual earnings (if over $100 million)
- reported transaction volume and value data.
We are reviewing the levy model to make sure it remains fit for purpose for the growing number of businesses we regulate. As part of this, we're asking businesses to complete a voluntary survey in AUSTRAC Online on their annual turnover and earnings.
Who pays the levy
If you have to pay the levy currently depends on:
- your earnings. Read our earnings fact sheet (PDF, 712.28 KB)
- the number and value of transactions you’ve reported to us.
Note: For the purposes of ensuring the amounts levied are accurate AUSTRAC may request supporting data to validate your reported earnings data.
The levy is considered general taxation and isn’t subject to the Australian Government Charging Framework.
Usually, only medium to large businesses pay the levy. These are currently businesses with one or more of the following:
- earnings of A$100 million or more
- a large number of transaction reports relative to other entities
- a high total value of transaction reports lodged with AUSTRAC during a calendar year, relative to other entities.
If you receive an invoice from us, you must pay the levy.
To make sure you’re invoiced the correct amount you must:
- keep your business earnings up to date in AUSTRAC Online
- submit transaction threshold reports and international funds transfer instruction reports when required.
Industry consultation
We regularly consult with industry groups and other interested people. We welcome submissions about the levy model and methodology. When there's an open consultation about the industry contribution, you’ll find a link below.
Paying your levy
You can pay your levy by:
- BPAY
- credit card
- electronic funds transfer (EFT).
You’ll find details of these payment methods on your invoice.
You can also learn more about paying invoices and notices.
Be aware of scams
We always send levy invoices as a document attachment from an official AUSTRAC email address. We always communicate with you before issuing an invoice or notice, and we only send levies to businesses, not individuals.
We never request payment or sensitive information over the phone, in a message or in the body of an email. We never ask for urgent or unexpected payments.
If you’re unsure, you can contact us through our contact information on our website.
What to do if your invoice is wrong
If you believe we have invoiced you incorrectly, or for the wrong amount, complete and submit a levy dispute form.
This guidance sets out how we interpret certain Australian legislation, along with associated Rules and regulations. Australian courts are ultimately responsible for interpreting these laws and determining if any provisions of these laws are contravened.
The examples and scenarios in this guidance are meant to help explain our interpretation of these laws. They’re not exhaustive or meant to cover every possible scenario.
This guidance provides general information and isn't a substitute for legal advice. This guidance avoids legal language wherever possible and it might include generalisations about the application of the law. Some provisions of the law referred to have exceptions or important qualifications. In most cases your particular circumstances must be taken into account when determining how the law applies to you.