GST reporting methods

The goods and services tax (GST) reporting method you use is based on your business's GST turnover and other reporting requirements:

• If your GST turnover is less than $10 million 
  • you generally report GST using the default Simpler BAS reporting method
  • if your aggregated turnover is greater than $10 million, or you make input taxed supplies as your main business or enterprise activity, you have the option to use either Simpler BAS or the GST full reporting method
  • if you pay GST instalments quarterly and report annually, you may use the GST instalment method.
• If your GST turnover is $10 million or more 
  • you report GST using the full reporting method.
   

The GST turnover figure we use to determine your GST reporting method is obtained from your ATO records. It was previously advised by you (at GST registration or subsequently).

Your GST reporting method will generally be rolled over at the end of each financial year based on your GST turnover. You can contact us to change your GST reporting method.

Simpler BAS

Simpler BAS is the default reporting method for small businesses with a GST turnover of less than $10 million. This means:

• you don't need to complete a GST calculation worksheet
• if you lodge a paper activity statement or annual GST return, the sections where information is not needed can be left blank.

What to report

On your monthly or quarterly activity statement, or your annual GST return, you must report the following GST information:

• G1 Total sales
• 1A GST on sales
• 1B GST on purchases.

Watch:

GST instalment method (under $10 million)

If your GST turnover is less than $10 million and you pay GST instalments quarterly and report annually, a GST instalment amount shows on your activity statement.

What to report

On your annual GST return, you must report the following GST information:

• G1 – Total sales
• 1A – GST on sales
• 1B – GST on purchases
• 1H – GST instalment amounts reported in your quarterly instalment notices for the period shown on the annual GST return.

Tips:

• You don't need to complete a GST calculation worksheet.
• If you want to report your actual GST amounts instead of paying GST instalment amounts, you can switch to the Simpler BAS reporting method by contacting us.

See also:

• GST instalments

Full reporting method ($10 million or more)

If your GST turnover is $10 million or more, you must report using the full reporting method.

What to report

On your monthly or quarterly activity statement, you must report the following GST information:

• G1 – Total sales
• G2 – Export sales
• G3 – Other GST-free sales
• G10 – Capital purchases
• G11 – Non-capital purchases
• 1A – GST on sales
• 1B – GST on purchases.

You remain on full reporting while your GST turnover is $10 million or more.

If your GST turnover changes

If your GST turnover reaches $10 million or more, phone us on 13 28 66 to update your turnover. We will move you to full reporting from the start of the next financial year.

If your GST turnover falls below $10 million, phone us on 13 28 66 to update your turnover. In this case we will either:

• move you to Simpler BAS reporting from the start of your next tax period
• move you to GST instalments if you're eligible for and elect to use GST instalments (quarterly reporters only) – the start date depends on when you make your election.

See also:

• Simpler BAS GST bookkeeping guide
• Working out your GST turnover
• Online services for business

How often you report goods and services tax (GST) on your activity statement is based on your business turnover and other reporting requirements.