GST and BAS for Australian small businesses
Making a start with goods and services tax? Here’s the essential info and practical tips you need on GST tax in Australia, and business activity statements.
What’s in this guide?
Goods and services tax explained
Download your handy GST and BAS guide for:
- Info on who needs to register
- Advice on claiming refunds
- Industry-specific guidance
- ATO support and resources
Download the GST Guide for Business
Get your GST sorted. Fill out the form to receive this guide as a PDF.
Goods and services tax Australia
Goods and services tax (GST) is a 10% tax on most goods and services sold in Australia.
Learn more about GST on the ATO websiteGoods and services tax (GST) is a 10% tax on most goods and services sold in Australia.
Learn more about GST on the ATO websiteBusinesses with a turnover of $75,000 or more, or non-profits with a turnover of $150,000 or more must register for GST. Taxi and ride-sharing drivers, regardless of turnover, and businesses that want to claim fuel tax credits must also register.
Find out more about registering for GSTBusinesses with a turnover of $75,000 or more, or non-profits with a turnover of $150,000 or more must register for GST. Taxi and ride-sharing drivers, regardless of turnover, and businesses that want to claim fuel tax credits must also register.
Find out more about registering for GSTBusinesses must report and pay GST to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on their business activity statements (BASs), usually every quarter.
Learn how to report and pay GSTBusinesses must report and pay GST to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on their business activity statements (BASs), usually every quarter.
Learn how to report and pay GST
Business activity statements
A business activity statement (BAS) is a form that businesses in Australia use to report and pay GST.
Report your GST
Fill out and lodge the form to tell the ATO the total GST you’ve collected over the past tax period.
See the ATO's website for guidanceCalculate your net GST
A BAS requires your business to calculate the GST it owes. To do so, subtract your GST credits (input tax credits) from your GST collected.
See BAS and GST tips on the ATO's website
ATO resources for GST compliance
It can be tricky to navigate the Australian tax system. The ATO’s website has a range of information on how to meet your GST obligations, identify GST-exempt goods and services, and claim tax credits, and the rules on reporting.
Find info and videos on the ATO’s websiteIt can be tricky to navigate the Australian tax system. The ATO’s website has a range of information on how to meet your GST obligations, identify GST-exempt goods and services, and claim tax credits, and the rules on reporting.
Find info and videos on the ATO’s websiteSome GST requirements are specific to particular industries. For example, the food industry follows rules around the categorisation of taxable foods, packaging, marketing, and more. The travel industry follows guidance on the taxation of international and domestic travel, sea and air travel, and so on. So check the rules for Aus GST that apply to your industry, and familiarise yourself with your tax obligations.
Here's ATO info on your industrySome GST requirements are specific to particular industries. For example, the food industry follows rules around the categorisation of taxable foods, packaging, marketing, and more. The travel industry follows guidance on the taxation of international and domestic travel, sea and air travel, and so on. So check the rules for Aus GST that apply to your industry, and familiarise yourself with your tax obligations.
Here's ATO info on your industry
More pages in this GST and BAS guide
These Xero guides hep you nail GST for your small business.
What is GST?
Find out what it is, how much it costs, when it appies, and who pays.
Registering for GST
Find out which businesses have to register and how to go about it.
GST pricing and invoicing
GST-registered businesses have to charge extra and issue special types of invoices.
Claiming back GST
You can claim back the GST you paid on business supplies (if you're registered).
Sorting refunds and payments
You’ll probably end up owing GST, but you might get a refund. Here’s how to find out.
Business activity statements explained
Here's what the ATO expects you to do at tax time.
Why Xero knows GST
Millions of small businesses and 250,000 accountants and bookkeepers use our software to deal with things like GST returns. We asked some of them for explanations and pointers, which we put into this guide.
Handy resources for small businesses
Running a business takes a lot of hard work. You might also find these other resources helpful.
Cash flow forecast template
Use this template to find out how much money you’ll have in the bank next week, next month, or even next year.
Guide to growing your business
Learn what goes into growing a business and get ideas to help you take the next step.
Invoice guide
Don’t let your cash flow suffer. Check out our tips on the art of invoicing to help speed up payment.
Now that you have your guide
Managing finances can feel overwhelming. With Xero’s powerful tools, small businesses can stay organised and confident.