Goods and Services Tax (GST)

 

Hit $75 000 in business income? Register for GST within 21 days or risk penalties. Ride share drivers and taxi operators must register from their very first dollar.

After registration, you’ll need to add 10% GST to most sales. You’ll report this through a Business Activity Statement (BAS) to the ATO. The BAS allows the ATO to calculate the difference between the GST you’ve collected and the GST credits on your business purchases.

Tax Tip #1: Exports are GST free. If you sell a $99 item to an overseas customer, you keep the entire $99 instead of sending $9 to the ATO.

Tax Tip #2: Lodge each BAS on time. The ATO charges a Failure to Lodge penalty of one penalty unit ($330 since 7 Nov 2024) for every 28 days that your BAS is late, with interest accruing on top.

Scroll for more tips

Mastering Export Paperwork: What You Need To Prove GST-Free Status In Australia

Understanding the GST-Free Status for Exports Exports of goods from Australia are generally GST-free, meaning no Goods and Services Tax is payable on the transaction. However, to lawfully apply this GST exemption, exporters must meet specific requirements outlined by the Australian Taxation Office. This includes not only timing the shipment correctly but also maintaining proper […]

Mastering Export Paperwork: What You Need To Prove GST-Free Status In Australia Read More »

How Currency Conversion Affects GST On International Transactions In Australia

Understanding GST in the Context of Cross-Border Transactions Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a 10% value-added tax applied to most goods and services sold or consumed in Australia. For international transactions, GST becomes more complex when foreign currency and exchange rates are involved. Whether importing or exporting, Australian businesses need to correctly calculate GST

How Currency Conversion Affects GST On International Transactions In Australia Read More »

How To Avoid GST On Sales To Overseas Customers: A Guide For Australian Businesses

Understanding GST-Free Supplies for Non-Residents In Australia, certain supplies of goods and services to non-residents can be treated as GST-free, meaning no Goods and Services Tax (GST) is charged. This treatment helps keep Australian businesses competitive in international markets and avoids double taxation for overseas customers. Understanding when a transaction qualifies for GST-free status is

How To Avoid GST On Sales To Overseas Customers: A Guide For Australian Businesses Read More »

Cracking The GST Code: What Every Non-Resident Business Must Know To Trade In Australia

Understanding GST and Its Relevance to Non-Resident Businesses The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a broad-based consumption tax levied at 10 percent on most goods, services and other items sold or consumed in Australia. While it’s straightforward for domestic businesses, things get more complex for non-resident businesses. If you’re operating outside Australia but supplying

Cracking The GST Code: What Every Non-Resident Business Must Know To Trade In Australia Read More »

GST And International Travel: What Australian Businesses Need To Know

Understanding the GST Framework for Travel and Transport Australia’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies to most goods and services sold or consumed within the country. However, when it comes to international travel and transport services, GST treatment becomes more complex. This is because some services cross borders or are directly linked to the export

GST And International Travel: What Australian Businesses Need To Know Read More »

How Australian Businesses Can Benefit From The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

What Is the Tourist Refund Scheme? The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is an initiative by the Australian Government that allows international travellers to claim a refund on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) they pay on purchases made in Australia. While it is primarily a benefit for tourists, understanding how

How Australian Businesses Can Benefit From The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) Read More »

GST And Cross-Border Intangible Services: What Australian Businesses Need To Know

Understanding Cross-Border Intangible Services Intangible services refer to non-physical goods that are typically delivered digitally or remotely. Examples include software-as-a-service (SaaS), online advertising, cloud storage, consultancy services, and subscription-based platforms. When these services cross international borders, particularly into or out of Australia, they often fall under the scope of GST rules designed to ensure fair

GST And Cross-Border Intangible Services: What Australian Businesses Need To Know Read More »

Don’t Get Caught Out: How GST Applies To Imported Services And Digital Products In Australia

Understanding Australia’s GST Rules for Overseas Services Australia’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) doesn’t just apply to goods physically entering the country. In today’s digital economy, it also applies to many services and products delivered electronically. This includes streaming subscriptions, software, digital books, consulting services, and even online advertising. If you’re purchasing these from overseas

Don’t Get Caught Out: How GST Applies To Imported Services And Digital Products In Australia Read More »

How To Qualify For GST-Free Exports From Australia: A Complete Guide

Understanding GST-Free Status for Exported Goods When goods are exported from Australia, they may be eligible for a GST-free supply under specific conditions set by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This GST exemption exists to ensure Australian exporters remain competitive in international markets. However, to qualify for this status, businesses must meet strict timing, documentation,

How To Qualify For GST-Free Exports From Australia: A Complete Guide Read More »

How GST Works When You Import Goods Into Australia (And How To Claim It Back)

Understanding GST on Imports When goods are imported into Australia, they don’t escape the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Unlike local purchases, where the seller charges GST, imports are taxed at the border by Australian customs. The GST is calculated based on the “customs value” of the goods, which includes the cost of the goods

How GST Works When You Import Goods Into Australia (And How To Claim It Back) Read More »