The first claim period for the JobMaker Hiring Credit scheme is now underway, with the ATO reminding employers that they could receive up to $10,400 for each eligible employee hired.

Employers who hired new eligible workers under the age of 35 from 7 October last year can now claim their first JobMaker Hiring Credits using ATO online services, Online services for business or the Business Portal, or through a registered tax or BAS agent.

The hiring credit is paid in arrears every three months, with the first claim period open since Monday.

The scheme will see eligible employers able to access up to $200 per week for each eligible additional employee aged 16 to 29 years, and up to $100 per week for each eligible additional employee aged 30 to 35 years.

To be eligible, the employee will need to have worked for a minimum of 20 hours per week, averaged over a quarter, and received the JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance (Other) or Parenting Payment for at least one month out of the three months prior to when they are hired.

Businesses will need to satisfy the headcount and payroll increase conditions to ensure that employers are actually increasing their number of employees, and not replacing them with younger workers.

Employers cannot be receiving JobKeeper payments at the same time and must also meet a number of eligibility conditions, including being registered for pay-as-you-go (PAYG) withholding, holding an Australian business number (ABN), being up to date with their tax lodgement obligations, and be reporting through Single Touch Payroll (STP).

Entities exempt from STP reporting will need to meet additional requirements and provide these details by contacting the ATO.

ATO Deputy Commissioner James O’Halloran has urged employers to check their eligibility on the ATO’s website, noting that business owners need only register for the scheme, nominate their eligible new employees, and claim the payments.

“The ATO is here to support employers access the government’s JobMaker Hiring Credit. If business owners need help, they should check out the range of resources available on our website, or speak to their registered tax or BAS agent,” Mr O’Halloran said.

“Helping young people who are unemployed secure jobs now will build their skills, improve their career prospects over their lifetime and support Australia’s economic recovery. The ATO is proud to be involved in facilitating the JobMaker Hiring Credit on behalf of the government.”

Jotham Lian 
03 February 2021 
accountantsdaily.com.au