According to the BHP's 2016 economic contribution and payments to governments report, total global economic contribution for the 2016 financial year was $US26.7 billion, including $3.7 billion in taxes, royalties and other payments to governments.
Payments to the Australian government in FY16 totalled $2.52 billion, including $1 billion in taxes and $1.3 billion in royalties.
BHP chief financial officer Peter Beaven said with a global adjusted effective tax rate of 35.8% for FY16, or 58% including royalties, BHP paid its fair share.
“The company’s adjusted effective tax rate averaged 31.9% over the past decade, and 39.8% when royalties are included,” he said.
“Over the last decade, our average effective tax rate was higher than the 30% company rate in Australia and the average OECD rate of 25%.”
However, the company remains in dispute with the ATO over the amount of taxes payable for the sale of metals to its Singapore marketing businesses since 2003.
BHP received amended assessments for $A362 million for FY03-08 and $537 million for FY09-13, and has made payment of half of the primary tax amount.
It also received a $117 million assessment relating to the now-defunct minerals resource rent tax.
BHP said it did not agree with the ATO's position and disputed the asessments.
Earlier this year, main rival Rio Tinto reported it paid $4.5 billion in taxes and royalties globally and spent nearly $18 billion buying goods and services from suppliers, for an average tax rate of 29.9%.
It comes as WA Nationals leader Brendan Grylls wants to impose a new iron ore tax on the two majors.
Beaven said debates about tax needed to be informed by facts.
“It is crucial that the conversation addresses how tax systems take into account the realities of operating in a global economy as well as national interests,” he said.
“This will enable stable investment environments that encourage growth and development.”
BHP said of the $85 billion in taxes and royalties paid globally over the past decade, around $58 billion had been paid in Australia.
