Australian Corporations Avoid Billions in Taxes Despite Huge Revenues

Major corporations including Microsoft and Optus owner Singtel have generated billions of dollars in revenue in Australia while paying zero income tax, according to the Australian Taxation Office's transparency database for 2024-25.

The database shows that more than one-quarter of big companies, often based overseas, regularly pay no or little corporate tax in Australia. This includes Brazilian-owned JBS Global Meat Holdings, which generated over $4.8 billion in revenue but paid zero tax.

Michele Sams, the ATO's acting deputy commissioner, said that the agency is increasingly focused on ensuring digital businesses and supply chains pay their share of tax. She noted that there could be legitimate reasons for companies paying zero tax, including making a loss or using deductions to lower taxable income.