Claiming back GST
GST-registered businesses can claim back the GST they pay on business expenses. Let’s learn how.
When you can claim GST back
You can claim GST back when:
- you’ve purchased goods or services for your business
- you’ve paid GST on income that didn’t eventuate (a customer left you with a bad debt)
Claiming back GST on business expenses
When you buy something for your business, you’re usually charged GST. If you’re registered for GST, you can claim it back. You do this when filing your return. Simply add up the GST you paid on business expenses and subtract it from the GST you collected on sales (learn more in working out your GST).
When expenses are split between business and home
If you bought something like a car or computer for both business and private use, you can claim GST for the business portion. Check out the IRD page on GST adjustments for mixed-use assets.
When you’re not collecting any GST
In most situations, you can claim back GST on supplies even if the end product or service that you’re selling doesn’t attract GST.
Claiming back GST on a bad debt
If you account for GST on an accrual basis, you can sometimes get caught out by a bad debt. For example, you might raise an invoice and pay GST on the expected income then find your customer doesn’t pay you. Don’t worry. You can claim back the GST from the IRD on your next return. If the customer pays later, you repay the GST then.
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 Guide For Business
Making a start with GST? Don’t worry. It’s a little extra admin, but this guide will help you get sorted.
- What is GST?
You’ve probably heard about GST – it stands for goods and services tax and is added onto prices in New Zealand.
- 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.
- 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.
- Claiming back GST
GST-registered businesses can claim back the GST they pay on business expenses. Let’s learn how.
- 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.
- GST returns and due dates
As a GST-registered business you’ll declare how much you’ve collected and paid. You do this by filing GST returns.
- Tools and guides for your business
Now you know the ins and outs of GST, but it can be tough to keep on top of 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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