Own Woodside shares? Here's how much your company paid in Aussie taxes in 2023

Woodside is a significant contributor to Australia's finances.

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An oil refinery worker stands in front of an oil rig with his arms crossed and a smile on his face as the Woodside share price climbs today

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Owners of Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares may like to know how much their company has contributed to Australia's finances.

As a major commodity business, Woodside is obliged to pay taxes and royalties to state and national governments. Woodside chief financial officer Graham Tiver had this to say:

We are steadfast in our belief that governments and local communities should receive a fair return for the finite resources we extract. A balanced appreciation of this protects energy security and local jobs, as well as encouraging the future investment required to support the energy transition.

We believe in paying tax where value is created and applying arm's length principles to our international related party dealings. We do not support the use of artificial arrangements or the transfer of value to low tax or so-called tax haven jurisdictions.

Australian government payments

Woodside's total payments to governments around the world totalled US$3.7 billion in 2023, which was a record for Woodside. This was mostly driven by "earlier commodity price highs", which also helped propel the Woodside share price above $38.

The ASX oil and gas share is one of the largest taxpayers in Australia. This is where its headquarters and the majority of its core producing assets are located.

In Australia, it paid a total of US$3.25 billion to governments. Of that total, Woodside paid $2.91 billion to the Australian Taxation Office, and $325 million was paid in royalties, split between the WA state government and the federal government. It also paid $12 million in various fees to different Australian departments and authorities.

Woodside noted the company expected its growth projects to "support energy security and prosperity for decades to come". For example, the energy share expects its Scarborough energy project in Western Australia to generate "tens of billions of dollars in Australian taxes and thousands of local jobs".

Payments to other countries

The rest of the world received close to US$500 million in payments from Woodside.

The company paid the United States US$350.3 million, Trinidad and Tobago US$135.5 million, and Mexico US$3.6 million. Canada received US$0.4 million, and Timor-Leste US$0.3 million.

Woodside share price snapshot

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Woodside Energy Group PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALL19 Jun 202319 Jun 2024Zoom ▾Jul '23Sep '23Nov '23Jan '24Mar '24May '24Jul '23Jul '23Oct '23Oct '23Jan '24Jan '24Apr '24Apr '24www.fool.com.au

Since the start of 2024, the Woodside share price has fallen by 13.29%. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has lifted almost 2% in 2024 so far, meaning the company has significantly underperformed the index.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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