INTRODUCTION
The statistical framework used in the compilation of environmental taxes is the SEEA 2012. As such, the general principles, rules and guidelines of the 2008 SNA are followed. Three major principles include:
- Correctly classify taxes as distinct from fees or charges. This avoids overstating tax revenue and aligns with government finance statistics on tax revenues(footnote 1) . This principle also applies with regard to separating rent on natural resources from environmental taxes.
- Apply accrual accounting so that revenues entering the government system are adjusted to show the time of activity regardless of when the payment was made(footnote 2) .
- Distinguish transactions made by residents and residents of other economies (2008 SNA paragraph 2.20). This is not currently possible in Australia.
1 The ABS government finance statistics manual 2005 (cat. no. 5514.0) describes the issue thoroughly
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2 "All taxes should be recorded when the activities, transactions or other events occur that create the liabilities to pay taxes" (cat. no. 5514.0 §2.78)
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