The wine equalisation tax (WET) is a value-based tax applied to wine consumed in Australia.
The tax applies to assessable dealings with wine unless an exemption applies. Assessable dealings include wholesale sales, untaxed retail sales and applications to own use.
WET generally applies on the last wholesale sale of wine, usually between the wholesaler and the retailer. It is generally paid by wine producers, wholesalers or importers, rather than retailers. If you're a retailer, WET is usually already included in the price you pay for these products.
If you're not registered or not required to be registered for GST, you don’t have to pay WET, other than for imported wine.
Products
WET applies to a number of alcoholic beverages containing more than 1.15% by volume of ethyl alchohol. All of these products are commonly referred to as wine.
A list of the
products attracting WET can be found on the website of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
More information
Other websitesWine equalisation tax essentials- Australian Taxation Office