What you need to know about the JobKeeper extension
The JobKeeper Payment scheme has been extended until 28 March 2021.
There are key dates for employers and simple steps they should take. From 28 September until 4 January, employers need to pay their eligible employees a different JobKeeper payment rate, depending on the number of hours they worked over a specific time period.
If you’re an employer already getting JobKeeper you don’t need to re-enrol. You do need to let the ATO know who your eligible employees are and what JobKeeper rate you are paying them as part of your normal payday reporting in October 2020. This can easily be done through Single Touch Payroll.
Employers can still nominate new eligible employees. If you are applying for JobKeeper payments for new employees for the first time you need to let the ATO know.
Employers need to show that their actual GST turnover has declined in the September 2020 quarter relative to a comparable period. This needs to be done before 31 October 2020. Alternative tests for determining actual decline in turnover are available and the ATO encourages businesses to get help if needed.
Key dates to remember
- Now: notify your employees about the new JobKeeper payment they will receive.
- From 28 September: have started paying your eligible employees the relevant JobKeeper rates based on their hours worked.
- From 28 September: if using Single Touch Payroll to notify the ATO of your eligible employees, provide each eligible employee’s JobKeeper payment rate as part of your normal payday reporting.
- Between 1 – 14 October 2020: You should have completed your October JobKeeper monthly business declarations to receive your reimbursement for the September JobKeeper fortnights.
- Between 1 – 31 October 2020: prepare and submit your businesses actual decline in turnover to the ATO.
- Before 31 October 2020: pay all eligible employees for the JobKeeper fortnights starting 28 September 2020 and 12 October 2020.
- Between 1 – 14 November 2020: complete your monthly business declaration and confirm what payment rate you are claiming for each eligible employee.
Further information and support
For in-language information about JobKeeper, including short videos for employers and sole traders, visit ato.gov.au/JobKeepertranslations
For detailed information about JobKeeper in English, visit ato.gov.au/JobKeeper
If you are an individual, sole trader, small or medium business and you are having difficulty meeting your tax and super obligations because of COVID-19, contact the ATO’s Emergency Support Infoline on 1800 806 218 to discuss tailored support options.
You can also talk to someone in your language by phoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 13 14 50 and asking to be connected to 1800 806 218.
