Uber loses Australian high court fight over $81m payroll tax bill

Uber has lost a case in Australia's high court over payroll tax in New South Wales, a defeat that will cost the rideshare company more than $80m in unpaid levies.

The court on Wednesday rejected the company's argument that it was not liable for the tax. Uber had contended that it does not employ its drivers, and that the money it pays them does not count as wages under state law.

The judgment turns on how the relationship between the platform and the people who drive for it is characterised for tax purposes, a question that has been contested across several jurisdictions.

The bill exceeds $80m, according to the ruling. The material did not set out a payment timetable or say whether Uber will seek to recover any of the sum from drivers.