Jobkeeper 2.0 has already rolled out its first stage for the period of October 2020 to December 2020. The next stage, for the period of January 2021 to March 2021, is fast approaching.
The eligibility for the January to March period will be determined by turnover decline in the December 2020 quarter relative to a comparable period. Business monthly declarations for JobKeeper fortnights 18, 19 and 20 are now due 28 January 2021.
This extension period will run from 4 January 2021 to 28 March 2021.
The actual decline in turnover test >
You also need to have satisfied the original decline in turnover test. However, if you were entitled to receive JobKeeper for fortnights before 28 September, you have already satisfied the original decline in turnover test.
If you are enrolling in JobKeeper for the first time from 28 September 2020, and you satisfy the actual decline in turnover test, you will also satisfy the original decline in turnover test (except for certain universities) and can enrol on that basis.
You can be eligible for JobKeeper extension 2 even if you were not eligible for JobKeeper extension.
The JobKeeper payments in this extension period are:
Tier 1: $1,000 per fortnight (before tax)
Tier 2: $650 per fortnight (before tax).
Businesses or not-for-profits
What you need to do
During JobKeeper extension 2, businesses or not-profits must ensure your eligible employees are paid at least:
- $1,000 per fortnight for tier 1 employees
- $650 per fortnight for tier 2 employees.
If you are registered for GST and have outstanding BAS statements, you should lodge your BAS for the September 2019 and December 2019 quarters as soon as possible (or for equivalent months, if you report monthly). BAS statements not lodged may hold up your application for JobKeeper Payments under the JobKeeper extension.
Decline In Turnover >
What Is Different >
What Doesn’t Change >
My business was not eligible for JobKeeper Stage 1, can I get JobKeeper Stage 2?
If your business meets the turnover test for the September 2020 quarter, then you will be able to access JobKeeper Stage 2, even if you did not qualify for JobKeeper Stage 1.
Is my business eligible for JobKeeper Stage 2?
The business will have to be able to demonstrate that it had a decline in turnover for the September 2020 quarter (July, August and September), when compared to the same period in 2019
The ATO can set an alternative test for those businesses that had unusual comparison periods (eg August 2019 was unusual for some reason).
I hired a new permanent employee between 1/3/2020 and 1/7/2020, are they now eligible for the rest of JobKeeper Stage 1 and for JobKeeper Stage 2?
Yes, they will be eligible (as long as they meet the other criteria, and your business meets the turnover test criteria) to receive the JobKeeper Stage 1 and later Stage 2 payments.
Employees hired after 1/7/2020 are not eligible.
I hired a new casual employee between 1/3/2020 and 1/7/2020, are they now eligible for the rest of JobKeeper Stage 1 and JobKeeper Stage 2?
No, new casual hires will not be eligible as they will not meet the criteria of having served at least 12 months with the business.
If you require assistance with JobKeeper eligibility and application, call us today, or email support@walkerhill.com.au
