To Charge GST or Not Charge GST

The question to charge GST or not to charge GST does come through my social media channels every now and again.

I am always surprised that small business owners need to be reminded about their GST obligations, but I guess that is because I am in the industry of accounting nerds.

We take the rules around GST in our stride, not realising that for others it’s not so cut and dry!

Then another question popped into my tagged posts in Facebook from a friend asking:

Lovely accounting friends – can you please put out information for small business owners who are not registered for gst that they cannot add gst to their invoices! This causes a huge pain for people who are registered when they find out that the credits they claimed are not allowed! 

When can a small business claim GST?

You need to have a ABN (Australian Business Number) and be registered for GST.

To make it even easier for you, here is the ATO Link  When to charge GST (and when not to)

Can I still charge the GST if I do not have a ABN and just pocket the 10% extra as a bonus? 

Short answer = NO!

When do I need to register for GST?

When your gross business turnover is $75,000 or more, once you hit $75,000 you have 21 days in which to register for GST.

If you are a taxi driver or a Uber driver you have to have a ABN and register for GST regardless of your annual turnover.

How do I register for GST?

You will need a Australian Business Number (ABN) when you register for GST.

You can register for GST:

• online via the Business Portal
• by phone call 13 28 66
• Via your registered tax agent or a BAS agent.

The ATO will notify you in writing of your GST registration details, including the date your registration is applicable from.

How do I check if a supplier can charge me GST or Not?

Go to ABN Lookup

Want to know more? Check online at the Australian Taxation Office website

If you need help for the End of the Financial year, or want to start the new financial year afresh with good records, contact Amanda on 0423463721 or send us an email at info@myofficebooks.com to request a free no obligation quote!

Amanda Hoffmann

Amanda Hoffmann is a registered Tax Practitioner / BAS Agent No.18613005, Associate of Finance, Xero, Myob & Quickbooks Proadvisor / Trainer and a Consultant for the Australian Taxation Office.

She says she is more than just a bookkeeper with experience in real estate investing, social media, podcasting, blogging and recently recording monthly youtube episodes

Amanda loves to teach smart, easy online cloud solutions and fix messy bookkeeping. Follow her on social media and say “Hi”