Tax for businesses

If you run a business on Norfolk Island, here's the tax, reporting and record keeping requirements you need to consider.

Last updated 27 August 2023

How to meet your tax obligations as a Norfolk Island business and what to do if you need to close or sell your business.

Getting started

Many obligations on Norfolk Island are the same as mainland Australia when it comes to starting and running a business. You will need to:

select a business structure
have a tax file number (if you're a sole trader, you can use your individual tax file number for both your business and personal dealings with us)
be aware of

You may also need to register:

an Australian business numberExternal Link (ABN)
for PAYG withholding and meet your super obligations for any employees you hire
for fringe benefits tax (FBT) when you are providing fringe benefits to your employees.

If you are unsure, work out whether you're in business and when your business starts for tax purposes.

For more information on keeping your business running, see supporting your small business.

Australian business number (ABN)

The ABNExternal Link is a unique 11-digit number that identifies your business to government, other businesses and the community. Norfolk Island businesses only need an ABN if you:

are trading on the Australian mainland
want to deal with us online – you'll need to set up a myGovID and link it to your ABN in Relationship Authorisation Manager
are an employer and you are required to register for FBT.

Goods and services tax (GST)

GST and other indirect taxes don’t apply to Norfolk Island. However, businesses may need to consider the GST implications when dealing with businesses on the Australian mainland.

Changing, pausing, closing or selling your business

If you need to make any changes, pause, close or sell your business, you should be aware of the steps you need to take. This could be if you:

register a business but don't actually start the business
change your business entity type because you restructured your business
stop operating your business
sell the business
wind up your company.

Your business may have to pay capital gains tax on Norfolk Island business assets you sell. This includes land or buildings, or intangible assets such as patents, licences or goodwill. Some exceptions and concessions apply.

GST transactions with mainland Australia

How Norfolk Island businesses work out their GST obligations when dealing with businesses on the Australian mainland.

Paying your workers

Information for businesses on Norfolk Island about the tax and super obligations they have for their workers.

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