Chapter 3

Calculating GST and issuing tax invoices

If you’re a GST-registered business you must add GST to your prices. You also need to issue GST invoices. Find out how.

A calculator on top of some GST documents

How to add GST to prices

You need to put your prices up by 10%. There’s a very simple formula for doing that.

You can find useful GST calculators on the web; just search for ‘AU GST calculator’. Don’t do this to GST-free products or services that you sell. You can check GST-free items on this ATO page.

What are tax invoices?

A tax invoice tells a customer how much GST they paid on a purchase. It’s important information because some of your customers may be able to claim that tax back. If you’re GST registered, you must issue a GST invoice on request.

Tax invoice example

Here’s what you need to put on a tax invoice.

Receipts versus tax invoices

A receipt printed at point of sale is called a tax invoice if it has all of this information on it. But it must contain the words ‘tax invoice’.

Disclaimer

Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This guide has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business or before taking action in relation to any of the content provided.

GST and BAS Guide For Business

Making a start with GST and BAS? Don’t worry. It’s a little extra admin, but this guide will help you get sorted.

  1. What is GST?

    You’ve probably heard about GST – it stands for goods and services tax and is added to most prices in Australia.

  2. Registering for GST

    Find out if your business needs to register for GST. If so, learn how to do it and find out what happens next.

  3. Calculating GST and issuing tax invoices

    If you’re a GST-registered business you must add GST to your prices. You also need to issue GST invoices. Find out how.

  4. Claiming back GST (and input tax credits)

    GST-registered businesses can claim back the GST they pay on business expenses. Let’s learn how to claim it.

  5. Working out your GST refund or payment

    Working out GST is simple maths. Keeping track of all your transactions is the tricky part. Let’s learn the process.

  6. What is BAS and how to lodge it

    GST-registered businesses declare how much they’ve collected and paid by completing a business activity statement (BAS).

  7. Tools and guides for your business

    Now you know the ins and outs of GST and BAS, but it can be tough to manage it all. Xero’s got the resources to help.

Download the GST Guide for Business

Get your GST sorted. Fill out the form to receive this guide as a PDF.

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