A so-called "Netflix Tax" is a planned extension to Australia's Goods and Services tax. Originally adding 10% to the cost of most goods purchased since its introduction in July of 2000, the Value Added Tax could soon be applied to digital services such as Steam game purchases.
Netflix and other foreign based services have long skirted these taxes by hosting entirely offshore, causing unbalanced pricing compared to rivals with a local presence such as Quickflix. Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey confirmed the plans to rectify this in a recent budget outline.
Already having a history of price disparity with retail games costing the equivalent of $100 USD, players wishing to save by purchasing through online services such as Steam may no longer find the option as tempting as it previously was. Some Australians are already speaking out on forums, threatening to turn to piracy.
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Source: PlayerAttack
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