TPAR Requirements for Renewable Energy Projects: Construction Stage
Australia's renewable energy sector is experiencing rapid growth, bringing increased tax compliance obligations. A crucial yet often overlooked requirement during the construction phase is the Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR). If your renewable energy project's activities primarily involve construction services, accounting for more than 50% of your business activity, you must understand and comply with TPAR obligations.
What is TPAR?
The Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR) is an ATO-mandated report designed to track payments made to contractors providing building and construction services. Its primary purpose is to enhance tax compliance in industries heavily reliant on contractor services.
Which Activities Qualify as Building and Construction Services?
Under Regulation 64 of the Taxation Administration Regulations 1976, construction-related activities encompass a wide range, notably including:
- Site preparation and earthworks
- Civil engineering (roads, carparks, footpaths)
- Electrical infrastructure (cabling, substations, inverters)
- Installation of renewable infrastructure (solar panels, wind turbines, BESS)
- Structural metalwork
- Project management directly related to construction
- Landscaping integrated into construction contracts
- Demolition and site decommissioning
If contractors are engaged for any of these services, your project likely falls within TPAR reporting obligations.
When is TPAR Reporting Mandatory?
Your renewable energy project entity must lodge a TPAR if:
- Over 50% of your current financial year's income or business activity relates to building and construction services, even without revenue generation.
- Over 50% of your previous financial year's income was derived from building and construction services.
This obligation applies even to entities still in the pre-revenue construction phase.
Important Reporting Deadlines
TPAR is due annually by 28 August, covering contractor payments made from 1 July to 30 June of the previous financial year. For instance, contractor payments made between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025 must be reported by 28 August 2025.
Details Required in the TPAR
For each contractor engaged, your TPAR must include:
- Contractor's name and ABN
- Business address
- Total amount paid for construction-related services
- GST amounts paid (if applicable)
Payments for non-construction services (e.g., accounting, legal, materials-only purchases, or employee wages) are excluded.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with TPAR requirements can attract significant penalties from the ATO, including:
- Failure to lodge penalties (ranging from $313 to $1,565+ per instance for small businesses, significantly more for large entities)
- Penalties for providing false or misleading information
- Increased scrutiny through ATO reviews or audits
WLM can help
As renewable energy projects grow, so do the tax reporting obligations—especially during the construction phase.
At WLM Accounting, we help renewable energy businesses understand and meet TPAR requirements, from identifying qualifying construction activities to lodging accurate reports and avoiding ATO penalties.
Whether you're developing, operating, or expanding in the renewable space, our team can help—learn more about our services here.
For a discussion about your business or personal accounting and tax needs, reach out to WLM today.
