If you are a sole trader, the owner of a small business or a not-for-profit organisation in NSW, you may be eligible for a small business fees and charges rebate of $1500.

This rebate helps businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and encourages growth by reducing the cost of running a business. Eligible businesses or not-for-profits only need to apply for the rebate once, but can submit multiple claims until the full value of $1500 is reached.

Funds can be used to offset the costs of eligible NSW and local government fees and charges. These include, but are not limited to:

• food authority licences
• liquor licences
• tradesperson licences
• event fees
• outdoor seating fees
• council rates.

The rebate can only be used for eligible fees and charges due and paid from 1 March 2021. It cannot be used for fines or penalties, fees and charges that have the key purpose of discouraging behaviours or inducing behaviour changes, Commonwealth government charges, rent on government premises, or taxes. See guidelines for more information.

The rebate will be available until 30 June 2022.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this rebate, small businesses (including non-employing sole traders) and not-for-profit organisations must:

• have total Australian wages below the NSW Government 2020-2021 payroll tax threshold of $1.2 million
• have an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in NSW and/or have business premises physically located and operating in NSW
• be registered for goods and services tax (GST)
• provide a declaration that the business has a turnover of at least $75,000 per year.

Note: Only one $1500 rebate is available for each ABN. Not-for-profit organisations are not subject to the GST requirement but must demonstrate a turnover of more than $75,000 per year.

What you need

To apply for the rebate, you’ll need:

• a MyServiceNSW Account
• your proof of identity
• your valid ABN/ACN
• your business banking details for payment
• other evidence for not-for-profits, including an accountant’s letter verifying turnover of more than $75,000 per year.

You will need to supply supporting documentation when applying for the rebate and each time you make a claim.

For each claim you make, you will need to provide invoices and receipts showing payment of eligible fees or charges.

How to apply

1. Have your documentation and evidence ready for uploading. You cannot save and resume your application once you’ve started.
2. Check the eligibility criteria.
3. Select the ‘Apply online’ button.
4. Log in, or create your MyServiceNSW Account.
5. Select and verify your identity documents.
6. When your identity is verified, select ‘Continue’.
7. Confirm your contact details.
8. Enter the required information and upload any supporting documents, then select ‘Next’.
9. Enter your bank details.
10. Review your application.
11. Check the declaration boxes.
12. Select ‘Next’ to submit your application.

If you’re not able to apply online, please call 13 77 88.

Small business fees and charges rebate

All NSW Government fees and charges will be eligible, excepting those that are specifically excluded under the exclusion criteria.

Exclusion criteria include:

• fines and penalties
• fees and charges in place that have the key purpose of discouraging or inducing behaviour changes
• Commonwealth government charges
• rent on government premises
• NSW and Commonwealth government taxes.

A list of exclusions is provided at Appendix A. The NSW Government reserves the right to make updates to the guidelines, including the list of exclusions, at any time.

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