Do I need to register for GST?
You must register for GST when your business has a GST turnover of $75,000 or more a year ($150,000 for non-profit organisations). Some businesses must register regardless of turnover — for example, if you provide taxi or ride-sourcing services such as rideshare driving, you need to register from your first fare.
Below the threshold, registering is optional. Once registered you charge GST on your sales and can claim back the GST included in your business purchases.
GST credits and tax invoices
You can claim a GST credit for the GST in the price of things you buy for your business. To claim it you need a tax invoice for purchases over $82.50 (including GST). A tax invoice shows the supplier's identity and ABN, the date, what was supplied, and the GST (or that the price includes GST).
For purchases that are partly private, you can only claim the business share of the GST.
The BAS labels you will use most
| Label | What it is |
|---|---|
| G1 | Total sales, including GST |
| 1A | GST on sales — the GST you collected |
| 1B | GST on purchases — the GST credits you are claiming |
| G10 | Capital purchases (larger assets), where you report them |
| G11 | Non-capital purchases — everyday business purchases, including GST |
Many small businesses use the simpler BAS reporting method and only report G1, 1A and 1B. Others also report purchases at G10 and G11. Your BAS form shows which labels apply to you.
When is BAS due?
Most small businesses lodge quarterly. The usual due dates are:
| Quarter | Months | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | July – September | 28 October |
| Q2 | October – December | 28 February |
| Q3 | January – March | 28 April |
| Q4 | April – June | 28 July |
Lodging through a registered BAS or tax agent can give you more time.
Getting your purchase figures with Intelligent Receipt
The quarterly report in Intelligent Receipt adds up your receipts for each quarter of the financial year and shows G11 non-capital purchases and 1B GST on purchases, with totals by category and every receipt listed behind the numbers. Share it as a PDF or CSV with your bookkeeper or BAS agent, or export the bills to Xero, QuickBooks or MYOB.
Related: How long to keep receipts · GST and BAS features