Under the Clean Energy Act 2011, large users of specified taxable liquid fuels can choose to manage their carbon price liability through the carbon pricing mechanism rather than through the fuel tax or excise systems under the operation of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
The Opt-in Scheme has been set up so that a person, the designated opt-in person (DOIP), can manage the taxable fuel liabilities of a GST group, GST joint venture, or for themselves.
Under the Opt-in Scheme, the DOIP is liable for the potential emissions embodied in liquid fuel for which the GST group, GST joint venture or they have a fuel tax credit entitlement. Once a DOIP has been declared, they will remain opted-in for the complete financial year.
To opt-in, you must apply to be declared a DOIP with the Clean Energy Regulator. Applications have now closed for the 2013-2014 financial year. Applications for the 2014-2015 financial year will be available in late 2013.
Information about opting-in to the carbon pricing mechanism is available on the guidelines page.
New Clean Energy Regulations came into effect in early March 2013. The new regulations affect applicants that are the representative member of a GST group with more than 20 members. Those applicants are required to provide consent and guarantee from members of their GST group together with their application. The effect of the new regulations is that where a GST group has more than 20 members, consent is only required to be provided by members of the GST group that acquire, manufacture or import fuel.
If you need any further information please contact the Clean Energy Regulator on 1300 553 542 or email reporting@cleanenergyregulator.gov.au.