NEARLY two-thirds of Sutherland Shire businesses would support increasing the GST to 15 per cent and applying it without exemptions if payroll tax, land tax and stamp duty were reduced or removed, a survey has found.
About 100 firms responded to the online survey, organised by business lobby group ShireBiz as a basis for this week's Talking with the Treasurers forum.
At present, the GST is 10 per cent, with exemptions applying to most basic foods, some education courses and some medical, health and care products and services.
The survey asked if a 15 per cent rate on all goods and services would be more acceptable if state taxes such as payroll tax, land tax and stamp duty were reduced or eliminated.
Sixty-two per cent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed, while 22 per cent disagreed or strongly disagreed.
In other results, 90 per cent of respondents believed properties owned by churches and other religious bodies should be liable to council rates, while nearly 80 per cent felt GST should be paid on items under $1000 purchased online outside of Australia.
Payroll tax was savaged, with comments such as "this ridiculous tax stifles productivity and growth".
OTHER RESULTS
More than 40per cent of respondents said the largest negative impact to their business was government compliance and red tape.
Nearly 40per cent prepared their business activity statement (BAS) themselves.
Fifty-one per cent said they had little or no knowledge about fringe benefits tax (FBT).
■ Do you agree with the survey findings?
