Gov ScoreAustralia

Condition

Tax take

How much of the economy does the Commonwealth collect in tax?

Tax take: 23.0% in 2021-22, 23.7% in 2024-25. The highest level since 2005-06.

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Latest
23.7%of GDP collected in Commonwealth tax receipts · 2024-25
Since the government took office
Higher+0.7 pts23.0% → 23.7% (2021-22 → 2024-25)How much tax to collect is a political judgement, so the direction isn’t coloured.
Over the past year
little changed+0.10 pts23.6% → 23.7% (2023-24 → 2024-25)

Commonwealth tax receipts, % of GDP

  • Share of GDP
  • Financial years

What this is

All tax collected by the Commonwealth (income tax, company tax, GST and the rest) as a share of the whole economy, from the historical tables published with each Budget.

Why it matters

It shows how much of the economy passes through the federal government in tax. Bracket creep, rising company profits and policy decisions all move it.

More from the figures

  • Commonwealth tax receipts were 23.7% of GDP in 2024-25, against 23.0% in 2021-22.
  • That is the highest share since 2005-06.
  • These are Commonwealth taxes only. State taxes such as stamp duty and payroll tax are not included.
  • Bracket creep, where pay rises push more income into higher tax brackets, lifts the share over time unless tax rates are cut.

How it’s calculated

Australian Government general government sector taxation receipts as a share of nominal GDP, from the historical tables in the latest Budget. Years marked as estimates in the Budget are shown as estimates.

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