Queenslanders! The New Payroll Levy is Now in Place A payroll tax surcharge has been introduced in Queensland to fund mental health, alcohol, and other drugs services. Effective 1 January 2023, the mental health surcharge of 0.75% means the payroll tax rate is now 5.7%. The Palaszczuk Government announced the measure as part of the 2022-23 Budget. At that time, the Government estimated the new levy would inject $1.64 billion into the state over five years to improve mental health and wellbeing and combat substance abuse. How does this affect you? The new Queensland payroll tax applies to any wages payable on or after 1 January 2023, irrespective of the invoice date or when the work was performed. This means for workers subject to payroll tax in Queensland, the invoices we provide to you now include an increased payroll tax component for taxable wages. Where can you find out more? You can refer to this Queensland Government notice for more details about the surcharge. We’re here to help! At The Ayers Group, we’re here to help you manage this change. If you’re a Queensland-based business and you already have an Ayers Group custom-designed payroll solution in place, you will already have received a software update. If you’re interested in finding out about how our payroll solutions can streamline administration for your business, or you simply need advice and assistance, talk to an expert from The Ayers Group today.