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Uber to pay $81 million in payroll tax to NSW tax office, High Court rules

The High Court found Uber’s driver payments were deemed wages under NSW law, rejecting its claim that it only collected fares.

  • On Wednesday, the High Court ordered Uber to pay $81 million in payroll taxes to New South Wales, ending a years-long legal battle over whether driver payments constitute taxable wages.
  • Uber argued it functioned merely as a "payment collection agent," but the High Court majority ruled that because drivers are obligated to transport riders upon accepting requests, payments are "deemed to be wages."
  • Confident its appeal would succeed, the company made no financial provisions for the $81.5 million liability and must also pay legal costs to the NSW Chief Commissioner.
  • The ruling may set a precedent for hundreds of millions of other transactions, creating significant ramifications for the broader gig economy in Australia.
  • A 2024 NSW Supreme Court ruling initially cleared Uber of liability, which the NSW Court overturned last year, prompting this final High Court decision.
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8 Articles

Sydney Morning HeraldSydney Morning Herald
+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
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Blow for gig economy as Uber loses $81m High Court battle

The rideshare giant lost its appeal in a landmark legal case - a blow likely to have a broader impact on the gig economy.

·North Sydney, Australia
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ABC Australia broke the news in Ultimo, Australia on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
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