Is it worth registering voluntarily below $75,000?

Sometimes. Registering lets you claim GST credits on business purchases, which helps if you have large startup costs or mostly business customers. But it adds BAS obligations and makes your prices 10% higher for consumers. It's a case-by-case decision.

Can I cancel my GST registration?

Yes, if your turnover falls below the threshold and you weren't required to register. There are timing rules and adjustments to consider, so it's worth reviewing before cancelling.

The 10% you have to get right

GST registration and accounting without leaving money behind

Q: When do I need to register for GST?

When your GST turnover reaches $75,000 in a 12-month period (or is projected to), and from day one if you drive taxis or rideshare. Non-profits have a higher threshold. Below the threshold, registration is optional.

Q: What are GST credits?

The GST included in what your business buys. Registered businesses claim these credits on the BAS, offsetting the GST collected on sales. Missing credits is leaving money with the ATO.

Register at the right moment, charge GST correctly, claim every credit you're entitled to and lodge a clean BAS every cycle. At MAS, GST is managed inside your bookkeeping in Xero and your BAS, not as a separate paid service.

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The short answer

GST is Australia's 10% tax on most goods and services. You must register once your turnover reaches $75,000 a year (immediately for taxi/rideshare); below that it's optional. Registered businesses charge GST, claim GST credits on purchases and report it all on the BAS, usually quarterly. We set registration up as part of your company setup or bookkeeping onboarding, and the reporting happens through Xero and the BAS.

Get these right

The six GST decisions that matter

When to register

At $75,000 turnover it's compulsory, and registering late means owing GST you never collected. We monitor your trajectory so the registration lands on time, not after.

Voluntary registration

Below the threshold it can still pay off: big startup purchases or business-only customers tip the balance. We run your numbers before you commit to the BAS cycle.

Charging it correctly

Not everything carries GST: some items are GST-free or input taxed. Correct tax invoices and coding keep your customers happy and your BAS accurate.

Claiming every credit

GST included in your business purchases comes back as credits on the BAS. Clean bookkeeping captures them as they happen, not from memory in the last week of the quarter.

Mixed and private use

Vehicle half business half personal? Home office? Claiming full credits on mixed-use purchases is a classic audit trigger. We apportion it properly.

The BAS connection

GST lives or dies in the BAS. Ours are prepared by registered agents from reconciled books: see BAS Lodgement from $200.

How we manage it

GST handled in three moves

STEP 01

Assess & register

We check whether you must (or should) register, pick the right reporting cycle and lodge the registration against your ABN.

STEP 02

Code it right all year

Sales and purchases coded correctly in Xero as they happen, with tax invoices that meet ATO requirements.

STEP 03

Lodge clean BAS

Every cycle reviewed and lodged by a registered agent, credits claimed, deadline met, confirmation in your inbox.

Accountant organising receipts beside a GST worksheet before BAS lodgement

GST in practice

Credits captured before the BAS goes in

Receipts coded correctly all quarter mean a BAS that claims everything you are entitled to, with no surprises.

GST FAQ

Quick answers

When do I need to register for GST?

At $75,000 GST turnover in 12 months (actual or projected), and from day one for taxi/rideshare drivers. Below that it's optional.

Is voluntary registration worth it?

Sometimes: big startup purchases or business-only clients favour it; consumer-facing prices and extra BAS work count against. We run your case in the consultation.

Do I charge GST on everything?

No. Some supplies are GST-free (many basic foods, certain health and education services, exports) and others input taxed. Correct coding is where DIY GST usually fails.

What are GST credits?

The GST inside your business purchases, claimable on the BAS against the GST you collected. Missing them is leaving money with the ATO.

Can I cancel my registration?

Yes, if turnover falls below the threshold and registration isn't required. There are timing rules and adjustments, so review it with us before cancelling.

Get GST working for you, not against you

Consultation: registration, credits and your BAS cycle reviewed by a registered agent.

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Related: BAS Lodgement · Bookkeeping · Business Setup