Australia’s top tax bracket: Why critics say the 47 per cent rate is hitting middle-class earners too hard

The federal government’s refusal to lift income tax brackets in line with inflation means every dollar earned today above $190,000 is taxed at 47 per cent, instead of the top rate kicking in at more than $280,000.

The top income tax threshold now sits at the lowest inflation-adjusted level in 20 years. It would be $281,450 by now if it had kept up with inflation since 2008-09, the last time high earners had their top income tax threshold substantially increased under changes initiated by the Howard government.

Loading…