The goods and services tax (GST) is a 10% tax on most products and services in Australia. If your Perth-based business has a turnover of $75,000 or more (or $150,000 for some non-profits), you must register for GST Perth. Once registered, you include 10% GST in the price of your taxable sales. Items like fresh food, health and education services, exports, and more are GST-free; you do not need to add GST. Other items, like financial services (bank fees, loans) or rent, attract input tax, meaning the supplier doesn’t charge GST and you can’t claim a credit.

Being GST-compliant means charging GST correctly, keeping good records, and lodging your Business Activity Statement (BAS) on time. Perth businesses that get this right avoid penalties and maintain cash flow. 

The Metier Group’s local accounting team can guide you through every step – from registration to BAS lodgement – so you focus on growing your business. Below we explain the key steps, best practices, and ATO rules to help Perth businesses confidently manage GST.

Registering for GST Perth: Do You Need to?

You must register for GST with the ATO when your business’s GST turnover (income minus GST) reaches $75,000 annually. This $75k rule applies to most companies in Perth. If you expect to hit the threshold, register early (within 21 days). Even if you earn less, you can register voluntarily; once you do, you generally stay registered for at least 12 months.

There are exceptional cases too: all taxi, Uber and ride-share drivers must register regardless of turnover, and charities have a $150,000 limit. Registering is done online (via the ATO’s Business Portal), phone, or through a registered BAS/tax agent. Once registered (you’ll get a GST registration date), the ATO will send you a BAS form for your reporting periods.

Our Perth accountants can handle GST registration for you, ensuring you don’t miss this step. If you do it yourself, set a calendar reminder to check your monthly turnover and register within 21 days once you cross $75k. Failing to register on time means you may have to pay GST on past sales even if you didn’t charge it, plus fines.

Charging GST on Your Sales

Once registered, you include 10% GST in the price of every taxable sale. In practice, if you sell an item or service for $110 (including GST), you’ve charged $10, and the customer pays $110. You can either list prices as “including GST” or show GST as an extra 10% line item. Either way, the rules say the customer should see the GST amount on the invoice or receipt.

Be clear on invoices. For sales over $82.50 (incl. GST), the ATO requires a tax invoice if the buyer asks for it. A valid tax invoice under $1,000 must show: that it’s a tax invoice; your business name and ABN; date; a description of goods/services; the price; and the GST amount (either shown or by stating “price includes GST”). For sales of $1,000 or more, the buyer’s name/ABN must also appear. In short, always include your ABN and label the GST clearly – we can help format invoices correctly so your GST collection is bulletproof.

When applying GST, consider adding 1/11th of the total price. For example, on a $110 sale, GST is $10. Suppose you use accounting software like Xero or our cloud bookkeeping services. In that case, the software can auto-calculate this for every invoice. Keep your pricing simple: display a single GST-inclusive price (with “includes GST”) or show the base price plus a separate 10% GST line.

Some supplies are GST-free or input-taxed (Table below). For those, do not add 10% to the price – and record them separately. For example, most fresh food, health/education services, and exports are GST-free. Financial supplies (like loan fees or bank charges) and residential rent are input-taxed. A quick guide is:

Always double-check whether your product or service is GST-free or input-taxed. The ATO’s GST guides and rulings list many categories. If you’re unsure about any sale, treat it as taxable until you confirm.

Collecting GST and Claiming Credits

As you charge GST on sales, you will also pay GST on business purchases. When you buy goods or services for your business and the price includes GST, you can claim an input tax credit to offset your GST payable. For example, if you buy office supplies for $110 (incl. $10 GST), you can claim back that $10 on your next BAS if you’re using it for business.

To claim credits, you must have valid tax invoices for your purchases. Specifically, if a purchase costs more than $82.50 (incl. GST), you need a tax invoice from the supplier. If it’s $82.50 or less, a docket, receipt or invoice is fine. Keep all these documents; the ATO requires you to hold them for 5 years. We recommend storing digital copies, too. We’ll track your GST credits automatically when we do your bookkeeping, ensuring you claim all you’re entitled to.

Remember: only purchases used for the business qualify. If an item is partly for personal use, you can only claim the business portion’s GST credit. Also, if a supplier charges you GST on an imported service or low-value good, there are special rules (you may self-assess GST if they didn’t include it).

Proper record-keeping of GST on purchases is one of our bookkeeping best practices. We categorise each expense using cloud accounting and attach your invoice or receipt. This way, nothing gets missed when it’s time to lodge BAS.

Reporting and Paying GST (BAS Lodgement)

Every period (usually quarterly), you must report and pay your net GST to the ATO via a Business Activity Statement (BAS). Your BAS shows the GST you collected on sales minus the GST credits on purchases, plus any PAYG or other amounts.

• Lodge on time. In most cases, BAS is due quarterly (e.g. 28 Oct, 28 Jan, 28 Apr, 28 Jul). The ATO will send you reminders of the due date. If your turnover is very high, you may need monthly BAS. Missing a BAS deadline can incur penalties and interest. The Metier Group’s BAS lodgement services ensure you lodge accurately and on time. We monitor due dates and can get a deferral if you lodge online.

• Lodge online or via an agent. The easiest way is online through ATO’s portal or accounting software. Online lodgement gives you extra time (ATO often offers a 2-week deferral) and quick processing. Alternatively, your registered tax/BAS agent can lodge on your behalf. Using an agent like The Metier Group can give you extended due dates and ensure no errors slip through.

• Nil reports. Even if you have no GST to pay one quarter, you must still lodge a “nil” BAS by the due date. Don’t skip it, lodge it as nil online.

We’ll prepare and lodge your BAS for you, quarterly or annually, so you never worry about ATO compliance. Our team reviews each BAS before lodging to confirm that your GST reporting aligns with ATO requirements. If the ATO raises any questions, we’ll respond on your behalf. That way, you avoid errors and penalties and stay focused on running your Perth business.

Accurate record-keeping and timely BAS lodgement go hand in hand. We recommend using Xero or similar cloud accounting tools, which integrate BAS reporting directly into your software. The Metier Group can set up and link your accounting system so that G1 (GST on sales) and G10 (GST on purchases) figures flow from your books to your BAS form.

Checklist: Steps to Manage GST

• Register for GST if required (over $75k turnover). Obtain an ABN first if you don’t have one.

• Charge 10% GST on all taxable sales and show it on invoices. Do not charge GST on GST-free or input-taxed items.

• Upon request, we can issue tax invoices for sales over $82.50 (incl. GST), showing your ABN and the GST amount.

• Track GST on purchases and keep all tax invoices/receipts (for 5 years). Only claim credits on expenses used in the business.

• Prepare for BAS: reconcile your GST accounts monthly.

• Lodge your BAS by the due date (usually quarterly) and pay net GST to the ATO. If in doubt, lodge as nil.

• Review your GST position annually. As growth occurs, check if your obligations change and adjust with the help of an accountant.

Best Practices and Common Tips

• Use cloud accounting. Tools like Xero automate GST calculation and BAS prep. They also simplify record-keeping (you can snap receipts on your phone). The Metier Group specialises in cloud bookkeeping, which keeps your GST records current.

• Keep personal and business funds separate. Mixing accounts can complicate claiming GST credits and tracking sales. We’ll help set up individual accounts and expense categories.

• Reconcile your accounts regularly. Don’t wait until BAS time. Clear your bank reconciliations and enter all invoices. Regular reviews catch mistakes early and keep your records accurate.

• Stay informed of rate changes. GST has been 10% since 2000, but always double-check, especially if the government reviews taxes. (As of 2025, GST remains 10%.)

• Please consult us for exceptional cases. Extra rules may apply if you import services, sell digital products, or deal internationally (like reverse-charge GST). Our team stays on top of current ATO guidance to advise Perth businesses correctly.

How The Metier Group Can Help

Managing GST, BAS, and bookkeeping can be time-consuming and complex. The Metier Group is a Perth accounting firm with ATO-registered BAS agents and bookkeepers ready to take the load off your shoulders. We offer:

• Registered BAS Agents: We’ll lodge your BAS accurately and on time, handle ATO communications, and ensure you claim all eligible GST credits.

• Professional Bookkeeping: Our bookkeeping services keep your financial records transparent and compliant. We use cloud software so you can access data anytime.

• Small Business Accounting: Tailored solutions for Perth small businesses – including tax planning and compliance – to optimise your cash flow while meeting GST obligations.

• BAS Lodgement Support: If you prefer to self-manage accounts, we can train your team or provide support packages so you never miss a BAS deadline.

Our Perth-based team (in Malaga) works with small and medium businesses across the metro area. We speak your language and aim to keep your business compliant and penalty-free. When you partner with us, you get peace of mind: we track all GST and BAS details, and you get clear, simple reports.

Ready to simplify your GST obligations? Contact The Metier Group today. Our local experts in Perth can register you for GST, set up correct invoicing, maintain your books, and lodge your BAS on time. Call our office or send an enquiry to start a conversation. Let us help you stay compliant with GST Perth regulations so you can focus on growing your business.

Call us at 1300 091 174 or visit The Metier Group’s website to learn more about our GST, BAS, bookkeeping, and accounting services in Perth.