GST on Anti-virus

[el_draco]

our illustrious (not) leaders changed the law a little while back so that software from overseas now attracts 10% GST..

So, as people seek to protect themselves from virus attacks by installing/updating their anti-virus software... you got it, you'll be charged 10% for the privilege... :screwy:

[xelasnave]

Be happy knowing that money raised goes to a good place.
The more goods etc that attract the tax the better in so far as the day that the tax is increased is put back.
Alex

[The Mekon]

You are absolutely correct Alex. I have just paid over $800 to import a new scope and felt quite good about the whole process. For me that day cannot come soon enough when the GST is on ALL expenditure and personal income tax are no longer fair game for the government.

[xelasnave]

Hi John I doubt income tax will ever go.
I have heard about a turnover tax (Pauline had it on her platform in the early days and that was probably the real threat she posed and was jumped on by both parties)...not sure how it would have worked or who would be paying the bulk of such at tax.
A 2% turnover tax it was suggested would replace all other taxes...

Alex

[eddiedunlop]

Rom

You may want to consider giving your anti-virus software provider the flick. I did earlier this year after they accessed my bank account without permission.

When searching the net for an alternative provider I discovered that Windows Defender does a pretty good job (you may need Windows 10 to have access to it). Someone also suggested downloading the free version of Malwarebytes as an added safeguard.

This combo has been working fine for me for the past 6 months.

[el_draco]

The software is not the issue. Its been a faultless product for years. What irks me is these holier than thou parasites in Canberra say, "make sure you protect yourself online...." and then screw you 10% when you do something about it. As if there is an Aussie alternative? These money grabbers do nothing to contribute to the software development but don't even blink before sticking their thieving hands in your wallet when you use it. :mad2:

[xelasnave]

Tax should be paid never the less.

Alex

[sharpiel]

You're a dreamer indeed and fool if you think that increasing one tax stream will result in decreasing another. Why would they give you something back whey they can have both? Remember when the GST was proposed how it was going to remove all other taxes...specifically stamp duties, land tax and payroll tax levied by the states...?

Fairies and leprechauns exist too btw...

[The Mekon]

If I were not injured, I would be out with my scope tonight - why you blokes are not out, I don't know.

But to answer your post, while ever the GST stays at such a low rate and with so much exempt, income taxes will have to continue to increase, as they have been doing for the past couple of years. I am sick of holding up my end of the tax system, while over half of the population pay no net income tax. The only way to address this is for a higher rate of GST. If we are indeed going down the same path as Greece (and the early signs are there with so many rent seekers in our community) then we shall have to have their tax system, which I think is now a VAT of 25%

[xelasnave]

I have just come in...binos only.
Cold as for up here very windy with cloud now forming but for some reason I get a kick having the center of the galaxy near directly overhead.

Stop worrying about tax and things getting worse and please stay polite and respectful and that way even if things get real bad we can stay happy.

Rather than think about what is wrong with the place take time to think about just how wonderful this country is...and one does not have to be intoxicated to grasp that simple fact.

And no matter how much we get taxed they probably will never take it all.

Alex

[sil]

Couldnt agree less mate. I Work for a government department and know our tax dollars are not being put to good use, most of it really isn't and changes in legislation mean we can't do anything about it and in some cases not even complain about it.

[xelasnave]

Don't you realise that I am always right;)

I also have worked in a Government department.

I have seen the waste.

Judges getting a new lap top each year when they cost an arm and a leg and yet they did not, back then use them.

A capitalist economy is all about keeping the money moving.
The government wastes money no doubt but the idea is that money ends up in various pockets enabling folk to spend money which again gets taxed.

You may recall when the global financial cris was upon us.
One response was to throw money out of helicopters and those who proposed such were serious because that was the most efficient and cost effective way to get the money moving.

The pink bats was only ever about moving money.

Folk complain about social security but take it away and realise that the flow of money slows ...not acceptable.

It ticks me off how folk bash those on dole...they are being paid not to seek work but to continue to spend.
A capitalist economy, which is the best system for humans, needs to balance inflation against stagnation.
The simplest way is to raise or lower interest rates...which really is either creating or destroying jobs.
The system is not perfect but its the best so far.
I would love to see a socialist economy but as nice and fair as it appears on paper it does not work in practice.
Even the accumulation of massive blocks of weath works to improve the lot of poor folk strangely...

Just think how poor the world would be if we only spent on necessities.
No professional sport, smaller and fewer cars, no gambling industry, no cosmetics, no fashion industry...make a list an you will see 80% of humans unemployed.

I approach tax this way it ain't going away so accept it and be content that the big picture although not perfect actually works.

And above all remember that I am right ,...in fact every human you meet has this wonderful quality:eyepop:

Alex

Alex

[sharpiel]

Strangely enough Alex, you are right. I worked in the tax office for many many years.

[el_draco]

The enemy within.... :question::rolleyes:;)

[sharpiel]

:D

Escaped some time back now.

[el_draco]

.... or so he claims... :rolleyes: :whistle: :wink2:

[LewisM]

Back to the original topic, how on earth are they going to charge GST on a product downloaded online directly from the software publishers?

Or is it only on store-bought CD/USB versions?

I have always paid USD for software (ALWAYS a download - NEVER a CD/DVD/USB) and never been charged any tax, and that includes Malwarebytes Premium.

[el_draco]

I have online subscription and was advised by the supplier that the govt had imposed the tax. :mad2:

[LewisM]

Malwarebytes has said NOTHING to me, and I updated a day ago.

[el_draco]

That's interesting. Subscription? This is the link they sent me for explanation:
https://www.ato.gov.au/General/New-legislation/In-detail/Indirect-taxes/GST/GST---applying-to-digital-products-and-services-imported-by-consumers/

[Larryp]

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