STARTUP TAX BREAKS PASSES SENATE

Breaking news 4 May 2016

Two new initiatives designed to make investment in Australian startups more attractive will be in place for the 2016-17 financial year after passing the Senate today.

Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne said the measures were part of the Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda, which would drive smart ideas that create business growth, local jobs and global success.

“These tax measures are designed to broaden and diversify the economy through economic policies that build growth and productivity,” Mr Pyne said.

“The Tax Incentive for Early Stage Investors and New Arrangements for Venture Capital Limited Partnerships will promote investment in innovative high-growth potential startup companies and improve businesses’ access to venture capital.

“Over 4,500 startups are missing out on equity finance each year. These measures will help startups get access to crucial funding to grow their startup.

“Investors, venture capital funds and innovative companies in all industries will benefit from these measures,” he said.

The Tax Incentive for Early Stage Investors gives tax concessions to eligible early stage investors who invest in qualifying companies. The concessions include a capped 20 per cent non-refundable tax offset and 10 year capital gains tax exemption for investments.

The New Arrangements for Venture Capital Limited Partnerships provide a range of changes that will improve access to capital and make investing in venture capital more user-friendly and internationally competitive.

More information on the National Innovation and Science Agenda and these measures can be found at www.innovation.gov.au.