Tax implications for the sharing economy

The ATO is reminding taxpayers who earn income through the sharing economy that they have tax obligations they should consider.

Examples of sharing economy services include:

• ride-sourcing – providing taxi travel services to transport passengers for a fare;
• renting out a room or a whole house or unit on a short term basis;
• renting out parking spaces; or
• providing personal services, such as web or trade services, or completing odd jobs, errands, deliveries, etc.

As is usual under the GST and income tax law, the nature of the goods or services they provide and the extent of their activities will determine what they need to do for tax purposes.