Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to receive the primary producer rebate?
You must hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN) and operate a primary production enterprise based in NSW in the sheep or farmed goat sector. Applicants will need to provide recent tax returns showing active involvement in these sectors. The ABN holder must operate as a sole trader, partnership, trust or private company, to be eligible.
How is a primary production enterprise determined?
Please refer to the definition in Section 19 of the program guidelines which aligns with Australian Taxation Office information.
How is the farmed goat sector determined?
Any breed or type of goat that is not a harvested rangeland goat, which is managed or semi-managed on a property and is subject to animal husbandry procedures and managed breeding programs.
Can I apply for eID tags?
This scheme is designed to support infrastructure purchases and installation only, not ongoing expenses.
Is second hand equipment eligible to be claimed under the eID rebate for primary producers?
No, second hand equipment is not eligible for reimbursement under the rebate for primary producers.
How much can I claim as an operator of a primary production enterprise in the sheep or farmed goat sector?
The rebate provides 50% of the cost of eligible electronic identification (eID) items for sheep and farmed goats. The program guidelines provide detail of eligible and ineligible items.
As of 16 February 2024, applications are no longer accepted for sheep auto drafters, due to funding allocated to these items being exhausted.
Sheep producers may continue to apply for a rebate up to $4,000 for panel and handheld readers, and related software (including software subscriptions up until 1 January 2027).
Farmed goat producers may apply for a rebate up to $4,000 for panel and handheld readers, and related software (including software subscriptions up until 1 January 2027); and up to $11,250 for goat handling equipment.
Farmed goat producers applying for an auto drafter fitted with a panel reader, should note that you are eligible for only one handheld reader and related software, but not more than one panel reader.
Are indicators an eligible item to claim under the rebate for primary producers?
Yes, indicators that have a built-in eID reader in the unit (where they enable a panel or other scanner/antenna to function) are eligible items under the rebate for primary producers. Those indicators that do not have a built-in eID reader within the unit can not be claimed.
Is the purchase of software mandatory for eID devices?
Software may be required to ensure that the information scanned by the eID reader can be downloaded to a computer. Software that facilitates the transfer of eID device information from the reader to a computer or other data storage, is eligible to be claimed under the rebate for primary producers. Software packages are often provided free of charge when purchasing an eID reader and charges are applied for software subscriptions.
I would like to submit a claim for my eID software subscription – how long can my subscription be covered by the rebate?
Producers can claim a 50% rebate, up to the maximum available grant amount, on software subscriptions until 1 January 2027. If applicable, the RAA will pro-rata the invoice to fit within the guidelines. Producers are expected to pay for software subscriptions in full beyond this date. Successful applicants may submit claims for eligible costs until six months after the date of their application approval.
If I have purchased an auto drafter can I claim the associated panel reader under section (a) of the guidelines - eID readers and related software?
No, if you are claiming for an auto drafter under section (b) which includes a panel reader then you can only claim for a stick reader under section (a) eID readers and related software.
Is a proforma invoice acceptable?
No. A proforma invoice is an estimate of the cost of the goods or services for the buyer, provided to give the purchaser an understanding of how much something will cost them. A tax invoice, is an official document that includes the final price and tax details. Tax invoices must be provided to the RAA. The RAA cannot reimburse applicants for a proforma invoice.
What are the tax invoice requirements for the Sheep and Goat EID Rebate?
When the RAA asks for tax invoices, it requires that they:
- include an itemised list of purchases including a brief description, the quantity (if applicable) and the price of each item on the invoice
- be made out to the applicant with the ABN of the applying business
- include the seller's business name
- include the seller's ABN
- include the date the invoice was issued
- include the GST amount (if any) payable (this can be shown separately or, if the GST amount is exactly one-eleventh of the total price, such as a statement which says 'Total price includes GST')
identify the extent to which each sale on the invoice is a taxable sale (that is, the extent to which each sale includes GST).
I have ordered goods and paid a deposit - do I need to pay the invoice in full to be able to claim the rebate?
Yes, the itemised invoice needs to be paid in full prior to any reimbursement being made.
If I have purchased an eligible eID item after 15 December 2022 can I submit this with my application?
Yes, you will be able to submit eligible tax invoices along with the proof of payment under the application form.
I purchased an auto drafter after 15 December 2022 that was not fitted with a panel reader. I have since purchased the reader and had it fitted in the auto drafter. Will I be able to claim both the auto drafter and reader?
Yes, once the auto drafter is fitted with a panel reader you would be able to claim both items.
I purchased an auto drafter before 15 December 2022 that was not fitted with a panel reader. I have since purchased the reader and had it fitted in the auto drafter. Will I be able to claim both the auto drafter and reader?
No, if the auto drafter is purchased before 15 December 2022, you will not be able to claim the auto drafter, however you can claim for the panel reader and related software.
Can I make multiple claims?
Several claims can be made under one application, up to the maximum amount specified in the relevant program guidelines. Claims will be processed in order of date received.
Is GST included in any payment received?
No. Rebate payments do not constitute a taxable supply and hence will not be subject to GST. However, the payment may still be considered income if the applying entity is carrying on the enterprise. The RAA will not issue a Recipient Created Tax Invoice (RCTI) on payment of the grant, and applicants should retain the ‘payment advice’ that is forwarded as a record for taxation purposes. Applicants should seek their own independent accounting/financial advice with respect to this matter.
What information do applicants need to provide with their application?
Applicants will need to complete the online application form and attach a copy of their most recent tax return and financial statements including the livestock trading account for the applying entity.
Why do I need to provide my tax returns?
You or your business must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) linked to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) Codes for Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, but excludes activities from the ANZSIC Code that involve animals that are not bred for farm work, food or fibre; hunting and trapping activities; or agriculture, forestry and fishing support services. You or your business must have a trading entity with tax returns showing you or your business are in active production. The RAA may request your tax returns to verify your status.
What income sources from a primary production enterprise in the sheep or farmed goat sector would you consider demonstrating active production?
Income could include, but is not limited to the below:
- Sale of sheep or farmed goat related products and services such as livestock, wool, and mohair.
- Sheep or farmed goat breeding services income.
How long do I have to apply?
Applications are open from 1 August 2023 until 31 January 2024 for saleyards and processors, and from 3 October 2023 to 31 March 2024 for primary producers and stock and station agents, or until funding is exhausted. Early applications are encouraged.
Claims must be submitted no later than 6 months after the application approval date. This period may be extended until the close of the program based on proof of order.
How does the RAA protect itself against fraud?
The RAA has a strong commitment to fraud prevention, detection, and response. Making a fraudulent claim, including providing false or misleading information, is a criminal offence which carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment, or a fine of $22,000, or both. The RAA will also attempt to recover any assistance received as a result of fraud. More information can be found on our Fraud and Corruption Prevention webpage.
Where can I get further help?
Rural Financial Counselling Service
If you are experiencing any issues completing the application form, free confidential assistance is available from your local Rural Financial Counselling Service:
Southern and Central Region: 1800 319 458
Northern Region: 1800 344 090
Translations
If you need assistance with interpreting or translating, please contact Multicultural NSW on 1300 651 500 or email languageservices@multicultural.nsw.gov.au.
Rural Assistance Authority (RAA)
If you have any further questions regarding programs being delivered via the Rural Assistance Authority, please contact the team on 1800 678 593 or at rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au.
Department of Primary Industries - Sheep and Goat eID Team
If you have questions not covered by our frequently asked questions, email the DPI team on sheepgoateid@dpi.nsw.gov.au.