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GST calculator for New Zealand businesses
Need a quick and easy way to figure out GST? Our GST calculator is here to help! With the 15% GST rate already built in, you can save time and avoid mistakes.
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This GST calculator is designed to help business owners work out the GST for goods and/or services they sell. Feel free to bookmark this page.
Whether you're running a business, sorting invoices, or just double-checking a receipt, this handy tool makes it simple to calculate GST-inclusive or exclusive amounts in seconds. With the 15% GST rate already built-in, you can save time and avoid mistakes. Use our free GST calculator now and take the hassle out of managing GST!
What is GST?
GST stands for Goods and Service Tax in New Zealand. It’s collected by businesses on behalf of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). Business owners should be familiar with GST, including the GST rate, how to calculate GST, how to register for GST, and more.
How much is GST?
GST is 15% added to the goods and/or services you sell in New Zealand. However, a rate of 0% may apply and some goods or services can be GST-exempted in some situations. You can find more use cases by reading our GST on special transactions guide.
How to calculate GST in New Zealand
There are a couple of formulas you need to remember when calculating GST.
To calculate a GST-inclusive price, multiply the price of goods and/or services by 1.15. For example, if the net sale price of your good is $100, the GST inclusive price is $115 ($100 * 1.15).
To calculate a GST-exclusive price, divide the price of goods and/or services by 1.15. For example, if the total gross sale price of your service is $230, the GST exclusive price is $200 ($230/1.15).
GST may seem simple to work out, however, mistakes can easily be made - use this GST calculator to be error-free!
What goods and services don’t have GST added?
- If the seller is not registered for GST, they won’t add 15% GST on top of their sale prices
- Financial services e.g., loans and mortgages, interest, bank fees, currency exchange
- Donated goods and services
- Duty-free goods
- Exported goods (we’ll explain it further down)
It's always best to consult with a tax professional or refer to the IRD's detailed guidance if you have specific questions about whether a particular good or service is exempt from GST.
How to register for GST
In New Zealand, the GST registration threshold is $60,000 per year. If your business’s annual turnover or expected annual turnover exceeds $60,000 per year, you’re required to register for GST. If your business’s annual turnover doesn’t meet the GST registration threshold, becoming GST-registered is voluntary.
There are two ways to register for GST:
- Online: you can choose to register for GST online, by following these simple steps on IRD’s website
- Via your accountant or tax agent: for example, Beany can take care of it for you when you start and set up a new business.
If you operate your business as a sole trader, your GST number should be the same as your personal IRD number. If you operate through a partnership or company structure, your partnership or company’s GST number will be the same as your partnership or company’s IRD number.
GST responsibilities
Once you’ve become GST-registered, you need to meet your responsibilities, these include:
- Charging 15% GST to customers on non-exempt taxable income
- File your GST returns on time
- Pay GST to the IRD
- Keep records (you must keep all your records for at least 7 years as per IRD’s requirements)
Here is a list of items you may be able to claim GST back on if they relate to your business:
- Raw materials for manufacturing
- Packaging expenses
- Shipping costs e.g., courier boxes, envelopes, wrapping paper
- Mobile phone expenses
- Internet expenses
- Office expenses e.g., office supplies, desks, chairs
- Accounting fees
- Cloud-based software for your business within NZ
- Advertising and marketing costs
- Legal expenses
- Business-related subscriptions e.g., business magazines
- Travel expenses for conferences or tradeshows
If you’d like to quickly calculate the GST inclusive or exclusive prices for business expenses, jump straight to our GST calculator above. If you’re not sure whether you can claim back GST on certain items, please don’t hesitate to contact us on support@beany.com if you’re a client. If you’d like to discuss how we can help with your business accounting and GST, book a meeting so we can learn about your business and accounting requirements.
GST rules on online marketplaces
GST rules in the sharing economy can be tricky as it depends on what services you offer.
As of 1st April, 2024, new rules apply to those providing services like rideshares, accommodation, or food delivery through online platforms (e.g. Uber, Airbnb, DoorDash).
- For providers (drivers, hosts, etc): the general GST rules apply - you’ll need to register for GST if your turnover is above the $60,000 GST registration threshold. However, the platform you operate through is responsible for collecting and paying GST on your behalf.
- For platforms (Uber, Airbnb, etc.): They are required to collect 15% GST on the services provided through their platform, even if the provider’s turnover is below the $60,000 threshold and is not registered for GST.
You can opt out of the new GST rules and manage your own GST responsibilities if:
- You earn over NZ$500,000 in a 12-month period, or
- Have 2,000 nights of accommodation listed on a platform
Certain services, like cleaning or dog walking, are exempt from these new rules.
GST on imported and exported goods
When it comes to imported goods, GST is typically collected by New Zealand Customs. Generally, you’ll need to pay 15% GST on top of the purchase price. However, if your goods are valued below $1,000, you don’t need to pay GST to Customs.
To get a clearer idea of the potential GST you might owe on your imported goods, try our handy GST calculator above. Keep in mind that you might also need to pay customs fees in addition to GST. So, the total amount you pay to Customs will be the GST on your imported goods plus customs fees (if any).
For exported goods overseas, these sales are generally zero-rated for GST. This means you don’t charge GST on your sales but still can claim back the GST proportion on related expenses, such as shipping and manufacturing costs. It’s worth noting that these zero-rated sales still need to be disclosed in your GST returns.
When is GST due in New Zealand?
Your GST return and payment due dates can be monthly, two-monthly, or annually, and it depends on your business’s annual turnover.
For example, businesses that have a turnover above $24 million are required to file their GST on a monthly basis. Two-monthly is for businesses that have a turnover of up to $24 million. You should always ask your accountant if you’re unsure about your filing frequently. If your business turnover is below $500,000 a year, you can choose to file GST every six months.
Check out our tax calendar for GST due dates and mark it as important on your calendar.