Guide
GST for tradies in Australia and New Zealand
In Australia you must register for GST once your GST turnover reaches $75,000 a year, within 21 days of going over. In New Zealand you must register once your sales reach $60,000 in 12 months, or if you add GST to your prices. Below that it's your choice.
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When you must register
| Australia | New Zealand | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Must register | Your GST turnover reaches $75,000 a year, or you expect it to in your first year | Your sales reach $60,000 in the last 12 months, or you expect them to in the next 12 | ato.gov.au · ird.govt.nz |
| GST rate | 10%, so one-eleventh of the price you charge | 15% on most taxable supplies | business.gov.au · ird.govt.nz |
| Under the threshold | Optional. Register and you generally stay registered for at least 12 months | Optional, but you must register if you add GST to your prices | ato.gov.au · ird.govt.nz |
In Australia you need an ABN before you can register for GST. ato.gov.au
What changes once you're registered
- Add GST to the price of most things you sell: 10% in Australia, 15% in New Zealand. business.gov.au · ird.govt.nz
- In Australia, the invoices you issue must be tax invoices. They show the GST for each item, or say the total includes GST. business.gov.au · ato.gov.au
- In New Zealand, since 1 April 2023 you give taxable supply information instead of a tax invoice. business.govt.nz
- In Australia, claim GST credits for most of your business purchases. business.gov.au
- Report your sales, the GST on them and your GST credits. In Australia that's an activity statement (BAS), in New Zealand a GST return. business.gov.au · ird.govt.nz
Not registered yet
- In Australia, don't include GST in your prices or claim GST credits. Your invoices show that GST isn't included. business.gov.au
- In Australia, check each month whether you've reached the threshold or are about to. ato.gov.au
- Missed it? The ATO may ask for GST on your sales since the date you had to register, even if you didn't charge it, plus penalties and interest. ato.gov.au
GST set once, right on every quote and invoice
In Tradies Line, switch on GST registered in Settings and say whether your prices include GST. Each quote shows GST added on top or included, and invoices say Tax invoice whenever GST applies.
A GST invoice won't send until your ABN, or in New Zealand your GST number, is in Settings.
Questions
What is GST turnover?
Your gross income from all your businesses, minus GST, according to the ATO. If it's getting close to $75,000, check it each month.
Can I register for GST if I earn under $75,000?
Yes. Below the threshold it's optional. If you register, the ATO says you generally have to stay registered for at least 12 months, and you add GST to most prices and lodge activity statements.
What if I should have registered for GST and didn't?
The ATO says you may have to pay GST on sales made since the date you had to register, even if you didn't charge it, plus penalties and interest. You can ask the ATO to backdate your registration, up to 4 years.
Do I need an ABN to register for GST?
Yes. Once you have an ABN, you register for GST through the ATO's Online services for business, by phone, or through a registered tax or BAS agent.
When do I have to register for GST in New Zealand?
When your sales reach $60,000 in the last 12 months, or you expect them to in the next 12. You also must register if you add GST to your prices, according to Inland Revenue. GST in New Zealand is 15%.
Checked against each government page on 6 October 2026. This is general information, not tax advice: for your own situation, ask the ATO, Inland Revenue or a registered tax agent. For an invoice that shows what it must, see the quote and invoice templates.
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