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GST instalments

Based on your eligibility you can elect to pay GST by instalments, check the process for this reporting method.

Last updated 4 July 2017

If you elect to pay GST by instalments, you pay a quarterly amount that we work out and you report your actual GST information on an annual GST return.

You may elect this reporting method if you meet the eligibility requirements, including where you:

  • carry on a business with an aggregated turnover of less than $10 million, or
  • do not carry on a business (eg not-for-profit organisation) and your GST turnover is $2 million or less.

You must also:

  • not report or be required to report GST monthly
  • have a current, continuous BAS lodgment record of at least four months immediately preceding the current tax period
  • have complied with all your obligations to lodge previous GST returns (BAS and annual returns)
  • not be in a net refund position (you are in a net refund position if your total GST credits are more than the total GST you're liable to pay for a certain number of tax periods).

If you wish to pay GST by instalments, you need to phone us on 13 28 66. We will confirm your eligibility.

Once you elect to pay GST by instalments, you will pay GST by instalments for the remainder of the financial year.

We work out your instalment amount based on the net GST amounts you most recently reported, generally for the past income year, depending on how long you've been registered for GST.

If you think that using this amount will mean you pay more (or less) than the GST liability you expect for the year, you can vary it.

The GST instalment amount is only for GST. If you have other tax obligations on your activity statement, such as pay as you go (PAYG) withholding or PAYG instalments, you must still report and pay these.

See also:

If you are eligible, we will change your reporting method to instalments.

You must lodge your annual GST return and make any balancing payment by the date your tax return is due.

You can vary your GST instalment amount for any quarter if you think your total instalments will be more (or less) than your GST liability for the year.

Primary producers and special professionals who meet certain criteria only pay GST instalments in the last two quarters.

QC16380