Welcome to the Levies News update for October 2015.
The Australian Government, as represented by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) and the Australian Grape and Wine Authority (AGWA) have entered into a collection agreement pursuant to section 11 of the Primary Industries Levies Charges and Collections Act 1991. This agreement provides for AGWA to collect the charge that is imposed on Australian produced wine that is exported in accordance with Schedule 13 of the Primary Industries (Customs) Charges Act 1999.
Licensed wine exporters will no longer be required to submit their returns to the department. However, licensed wine exporters will need to be aware of the new collection arrangements, administered by AGWA, for the wine export charge (WEC).
For the upcoming September 2015 quarterly return due on 28 October 2015, if you have exported wine in July, August or September 2015, AGWA will provide you a package of documentation, hereafter referred to as your 'Export Summary' which is intended to assist you in lodging your quarterly return, or where an exemption applies, an annual return.
The Export Summary comprises the following:
- the licensed wine exporter's return information and WEC return to be completed and signed by the person authorised to lodge the return
- a tax invoice for the WEC amount due on 28/10/2015 for the relevant period
- a statement of exports for the period 1/7/2015 to 30/9/2015
The FAQs document will provide you guidance on the new WEC collection arrangement and information that should assist you to lodge and pay a return to AGWA. For more detailed instructions, please visit Wine Australia.
If you have any queries in relation to the new WEC collection arrangement (includes any liability incurred from 1 July 2015) and export licencing matters please contact AGWA on 08 8228 2000 or email Wine Australia.
Please note that the department will continue to manage:
- administration of outstanding payments and returns relating to all periods prior to 1 July 2015
- collection and remittance of late payment penalties
- legal action, when required, for failing to submit a return or make a payment
- applications for exemption from lodging quarterly returns
- all matters regarding levy returns and payments for Grape Research and Wine Grape Levy
If you have any queries relating to these matters please contact the department's levies Adelaide office on 1800 814 961 or email Levies Management.