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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High Court rejects Uber's appeal of $81M payroll tax ruling
Save (0) Please login to bookmark Close Username or Email Address Password Remember Me Uber will have to pay at least $81 million in payroll tax after the High Court shot down its challenge to a finding that its drivers received wages, in a decision it says will have ramifications for the gig economy. Subscribe to Lawyerly to access this article. Already a subscriber? Username or Email Address …
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.
High Court orders Uber to pay $81 million in NSW payroll tax - The Indian Sun
Uber will have to pay about $81.5 million in New South Wales payroll tax after the High Court of Australia dismissed the rideshare company’s appeal against tax assessments covering the 2015 to 2020 financial years. The court ruled by a 6-1 majority on Wednesday that fares collected from passengers and passed on to drivers after […]
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