Microsoft’s datacentres and Optus owner among firms paying zero tax on billion-dollar Australian revenues
Several major multinational corporations, including Microsoft and the owner of Optus, reported billions in Australian revenue while paying zero corporate income tax. The Australian Taxation Office notes that while these figures are accurate, there may be legitimate financial reasons for the lack of tax liability.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing debates regarding corporate tax transparency and the ability of global entities to utilize legal structures to minimize tax obligations in specific jurisdictions.
Microsoft’s datacentre business generated $2.3bn in revenue from Australia during the financial year but reported no taxable income. It is among several big businesses to have done so in 2024-25. Photograph: Jimin Kim/SOPA Images/Shutterstock Microsoft’s datacentre business generated $2.3bn in revenue from Australia during the financial year but reported no taxable income. It is among several big businesses to have done so in 2024-25. Photograph: Jimin Kim/SOPA Images/Shutterstock Tax Microsoft’s datacentres and Optus owner among firms paying zero tax on billion-dollar Australian revenues ATO database names big companies – including Microsoft subsidiary and Netflix – that pay little corporate tax but notes there could be legitimate reasons
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