GST Reporting Methods Explained

If you are an Australian business registered for GST, you need to lodge a business activity statement (BAS). 

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Different types of GST reporting methods

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Three types of GST reporting methods are available when lodging your BAS. 

	Simpler BAS	Full BAS	Instalment method
Annual turnover of less than $10 million
Annual turnover over $10 million
Aggregated turnover* over $10 million	(or)
Businesses make input supplies*	(or)
Businesses pay GST instalments quarterly and report annually (Annual turnover of less than $10 million)

The following table describes which method should be used for different sized businesses.

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*Aggregated turnover = Your annual turnover (<$10 million) + the annual turnover of associated entities

*Input supplies = refer to Input tax vs GST free 

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Simpler BAS 

If your business’s annual turnover is less than $10 million, you may use simpler BAS.Simpler BAS requires only three elements to be reported for GST.

• G1 - Total sales
• A1 - GST on sales 
• A2 - GST on purchases

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Full BAS (Full reporting method)

If your GST turnover is $10 million or more, you must report using the full reporting method.Full BAS includes seven elements to be reported

• 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

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GST Instalment method

If your annual turnover is less than $10 million, you can report GST annually and make quarterly instalments.

• G1 - Total sales
• A1 - GST on sales 
• A2 - GST on purchases
• 1H - GST instalment amounts reported in your quarterly instalment notices for the period shown on the annual GST return.

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‍GST Reporting cycle

‍Your GST reporting cycle will be:

*GST turnover: Gross income excluding GST collected on sale

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Sources: ATO GST reporting method, ATO GST reporting cycle. 

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CTK Accounting is a full-scope accounting firm based in Wollongong, servicing clients nationally.

For advice on Tax, BAS, GST, Bookkeeping, and Payroll issues visit us at ctkaccounting.com.au