Luxury car tax

According to the ATO:

• Luxury car tax (LCT) is payable by businesses that sell or import luxury cars (dealers). When does LCT apply?

• LCT is calculated on cars with a GST inclusive value above the LCT threshold.

• If your business sells luxury cars, you need to be registered for GST and LCT.

For all the details of LCT, including the current rate, threshold, and how to register check the ATO website.

Tracking LCT in AccountRight

AccountRight uses tax codes to calculate tax. There's a GST tax code in your company file to calculate 10% GST, and an LCT tax code to calculate LCT. The LCT tax code is where the tax rate and threshold is set. This ensures LCT is only calculated on values above the threshold.

A luxury car usually attracts GST and LCT. You can only specify one tax code against a sale item, so AccountRight also has a consolidated tax code (LCG). This tax code combines GST and LCT to calculate and track both taxes.

Before tracking LCT in AccountRight, you'll need to set up the LCT tax code. AccountRight can then calculate LCT on your luxury car sales.

To set up the LCT tax code

The LCT threshold changes each year, so you'll need to update this information in the LCT tax code. You should also check that the current LCT rate and your linked account for tax collected is set.

Here's how to do it:

1. Go to the Lists menu and choose Tax Codes. The Tax Code List window appears.

2. Click the zoom arrow next to the LCT tax code. The Tax Code Information window appears.

3. Set the Rate and Luxury Car Tax Threshold. Check the current values on the ATO website.

4. Select your Linked Account for Tax Collected. Check with your accounting advisor if unsure.

5. Click OK. Here's our example:
   

   

Opening the LCG (Consolidated LCT & GST) tax code shows it combines GST and LCT.

Need to create a tax code? Learn how.

According to the ATO:

• Luxury car tax (LCT) is payable by businesses that sell or import luxury cars (dealers). When does LCT apply?

• LCT is calculated on cars with a GST inclusive value above the LCT threshold.

• If your business sells luxury cars, you need to be registered for GST and LCT.

For all the details of LCT, including the current rate, threshold, and how to register check the ATO website.

Ask an expertLCT is a complex area. Impacted businesses usually need help to meet their ATO reporting obligations.This topic explains how AccountRight handles LCT when selling luxury cars. If you need help beyond what's provided here, try our community forum. There you'll find lots of tax experts who are happy to share their knowledge and advice.

Tracking LCT in AccountRight

AccountRight uses tax codes to calculate tax. There's a GST tax code in your company file to calculate 10% GST, and an LCT tax code to calculate LCT. The LCT tax code is where the tax rate and threshold is set. This ensures LCT is only calculated on values above the threshold.

A luxury car usually attracts GST and LCT. You can only specify one tax code against a sale item, so AccountRight also has a consolidated tax code (LCG). This tax code combines GST and LCT to calculate and track both taxes.

Before tracking LCT in AccountRight, you'll need to set up the LCT tax code. AccountRight can then calculate LCT on your luxury car sales.

The LCT and LCG tax codes can only be used on sales in AccountRight, i.e. when you're selling luxury cars.

To set up the LCT tax code

To set up the LCT tax code

The LCT threshold changes each year, so you'll need to update this information in the LCT tax code. You should also check that the current LCT rate and your linked account for tax collected is set.Here's how to do it:

1. Go to the Lists menu and choose Tax Codes. The Tax Code List window appears.

2. Click the zoom arrow next to the LCT tax code. The Tax Code Information window appears.

3. Set the Rate and Luxury Car Tax Threshold. Check the current values on the ATO website.

4. Select your Linked Account for Tax Collected. Check with your accounting advisor if unsure.

5. Click OK. Here's our example:
   

Opening the LCG (Consolidated LCT & GST) tax code shows it combines GST and LCT.Need to create a tax code? Learn how.

To include LCT on a sales invoice

To include LCT on a sales invoice

In this example we'll sell a luxury car which has a GST exclusive value of $150,000. This means the LCT value of the car is $165,000 ($150,000 + 10% GST).

1. Create an invoice for the luxury car.

2. Deselect the Tax Inclusive option.

3. Use the consolidated tax code LCG. Here's our example:
   

4. To view the calculated GST and LCT values, click the zoom arrow beside the Tax amount on the invoice.
   

5. To view the account allocation for this transaction, go to the Edit menu and choose Recap Transaction:
   

6. Complete the sale as usual.

LCT calculationLCT = 33/100 x 10/11 x (tax inclusive car value - LCT threshold)In our example:LCT = 33/100 x 10/11 x (165,000 - 75,526)LCT = 26,842.20

LCT on your BAS

LCT amounts calculated using the LCT or LCG tax codes are reported on your BAS at label 1E. This is the amount of LCT payable. Label 1F on your BAS is for making LCT adjustments.

Using our example above, XYZ Company would include $15,000 GST and $26,842.20 LCT on their BAS. Unlike GST, no input tax credit is available for LCT, regardless of whether the luxury car is used within the business or for private purposes.

Learn about setting up and preparing activity statements.