GST New Zealand

As a business owner, you must register if your annual turnover (total sales) exceeds $60,000 or is expected to exceed that amount in the next 12 months. You can also register voluntarily if your turnover is below that threshold. Once you are registered for GST, you must charge GST on your sales. You can also claim GST on your purchases if they have GST included in them. This lowers your GST due and can create a GST refund if there is a large purchase (e.g. a vehicle purchase).

Once you're registered for GST, you'll need to file regular GST returns and pay GST on your taxable activities.

How do I calculate and file my GST?

You must file a GST return for every taxable period using the accounting basis you've chosen, even if it's a nil return. You cannot get an extension of time to file a GST return, so you must file it on time. A GST return is due by the 28th of the month after the end of your taxable period. There are 2 exceptions to this date.

• The GST return for the taxable period ending 31 March is due by 7 May.
• The GST return for the taxable period ending 30 November is due by 15 January.