This guide assumes your small business operates in Australia. GST thresholds, registration rules and reporting forms differ by country, so do not apply these figures to Canada or another GST jurisdiction. In Australia, most businesses must register once their GST turnover reaches the applicable threshold, then report GST through an activity statement or an eligible annual arrangement.
When does an Australian small business need to register for GST?
According to business.gov.au’s GST registration guidance, the ordinary threshold is $75,000 in GST turnover. For a non-profit organisation, it is $150,000. GST turnover is a defined measure—not your profit or the cash in your bank account—so use the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) guidance to assess current and projected turnover.
A new business should consider whether its projected GST turnover in its first year will reach the threshold. The ATO distinguishes current and projected turnover tests; check its GST registration guidance rather than relying on a rough estimate.
Activities that require registration regardless of turnover
Some businesses must register even if their turnover is below the threshold. These include businesses that provide passenger travel in a taxi or limousine, including ride-sourcing, and businesses that want to claim fuel tax credits. Non-resident businesses may face special rules, so the general thresholds may not be enough to determine their obligations.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11#1 Best Overall
- Income And Expense Log Book: This Income and Expense Record Book（8.5" x 10.5"） is a necessary item for any small business owner or entrepreneur. It is an essential part of any business - helping you understand your overall earnings to determine if you are profitable.
- Daily Tracking and Weekly Overview: let our log tell you if you are profitable today! There are two pages per week to help you you track your income and expenses. At the end of each day or week, you can note whether you made a profit or a loss for the day.
- Clear P&L Statement For Your Business: This income and expense book makes it easy to see your expenses and how they fluctuate from time to time. This makes it easy for you to decide where you can cut back on expenses and assess your total annual net profit.
- Main Features: Expense Review + Income Review + Weekly Pages + Summary of The Year + Twin-Wire Binding + Waterproof Cover + Rounded corner design + Thicker paper
- Effective Organization: This budget book has a twin-wire binding and you can easily lay it flat at 180°. This effective design can help you work better and bring you great convenience in the process of using.
When to register
Business.gov.au says you must register within 21 days of becoming aware that your GST turnover will exceed the applicable threshold. Check turnover regularly so you can act within that period.
What changes when you register?
GST is generally 10% on most goods and services sold or consumed in Australia, although some sales are GST-free or input-taxed. A registered business generally includes GST in the price of taxable sales, reports and pays GST to the ATO, and may claim eligible GST credits for business purchases. For a taxable sale priced inclusive of GST, the GST component is one-eleventh of that price.
Rank #2
- Neatly Track & Organize Your Finances: The accounting ledger book is here for you to stay on top of your spendings & income! Clearly & neatly structured, it offers ample space for all crucial information about checks, savings, bills & other expenses or income
- Perfect For Small Business Owners: Keep it simple, yet super effective - the undated income and expense log book is an absolute must-have among small business supplies! Register your financial data and use your debit & credit records to compile a trial balance
- Premium Style With A Sturdy Cover: With the 120-page finance tracker, you can manage your finances conveniently in one place. A solid cover, thick paper and a reliable ring binding ensure maximum durability
- Beautiful Modern Minimalistic Design: A visual highlight just like you can expect from ZICOTO! The sage green cover of the ledger book, look stunning with a modern golden floral on the front - makes bookkeeping simply beautiful!
- Super Handy - Always At Hand: Thanks to its practical size, the 8.6x6.1” ledger book fits into any bag easily and is therefore always by your side. Whether used as a checkbook register or to track other financial flow, with the log book you’ve got it all sorted!
Registration also brings ongoing activity-statement work. Keep sales and purchase records organised so you can prepare the figures for each reporting period. The ATO’s Simpler BAS method reduces the GST labels that eligible small businesses report, but it does not remove the need to keep accurate records.
Compulsory or voluntary registration?
If a threshold or special rule requires you to register, registration is compulsory. If you are below the threshold and no special rule applies, registration is generally optional. The choice involves both potential GST credits and added obligations:
| Consideration | Compulsory registration | Voluntary registration below threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Why it applies | Turnover reaches the applicable threshold or a special rule applies. | You choose to register even though registration is not required. |
| Taxable sales | Generally include GST in taxable sale prices. | Generally include GST in taxable sale prices. |
| Business purchases | May claim eligible GST credits. | May claim eligible GST credits. |
| Reporting | Must lodge activity statements or use an eligible annual reporting arrangement. | Must lodge activity statements or use an eligible annual reporting arrangement; the ATO says voluntary registrants generally must remain registered for at least 12 months. |
| Pricing considerations | GST affects the price paid by customers, subject to the nature of the sale. | Consider whether customers are businesses or consumers, your taxable-sales mix and input costs before deciding how GST will affect prices. |
Voluntary registration is not automatically beneficial: weigh possible credits against pricing effects and the recurring work of reporting. The ATO’s registration guidance explains the rules and minimum period for voluntary registration.
How do Australian businesses report GST?
Many small businesses report GST through a business activity statement (BAS), rather than a standalone form called a “GST return.” Depending on the reporting arrangement, GST can be reported and paid through a BAS or an annual GST return. Follow the reporting period and due date shown on the activity statement or in your ATO account. The ATO outlines arrangements in its GST reporting and payment dates guidance.
Rank #4
- Easy To Track Your Finances: HAUTOCO accounting ledger book keeps you on top of your expenses and income! Help you keep your money organized, spend well, and set and achieve financial goals
- Premium Material: The A5 accounting ledger book has a total of 120 pages and 2040 lines of entries. It is made of 100gsm thick paper to reduce ink leakage; it is equipped with a waterproof and sturdy PP cover to protect the inner pages
- Practical Design: Compact 8.3 x 6.2'' expense tracker notebook is easy to carry and features information pages, 2025 calendar, yearly financial goals page, and PVC pocket for storing important tickets and loose items
- Manage Your Finances Effectively: Undated accounting books with number, date, description, account, payment or deposit amount, and total balance. You will be able to easily analyze your financial activities and quickly prepare accurate financial statements
- Ideal For Small Business or Personal Use: An accounting log journal can track your business or personal financial status. With a clear record of transactions, you can find unnecessary expenses or fraudulent charges
Reporting frequency
| Frequency | When it may apply | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterly | Generally applies when GST turnover is below $20 million and the ATO has not required monthly reporting. | Use the period and due date assigned to your activity statement. Eligible electronic lodgment or a registered tax agent may extend some quarterly dates. |
| Monthly | Generally applies when GST turnover is $20 million or more, or if the business elects monthly reporting. | Monthly activity statements are generally due on the 21st day of the following month; check the assigned date. |
| Annual | May be available to a business voluntarily registered below $75,000 turnover, or a non-profit below $150,000. | Eligibility and other obligations can affect the arrangement. Confirm the reporting period and due date with the ATO. |
Standard quarterly activity-statement dates
The ATO lists these standard quarterly dates. They are examples, not a substitute for the date assigned to your particular activity statement; lodgment concessions may change some dates.
| Quarter | Standard due date |
|---|---|
| July–September | 28 October |
| October–December | 28 February |
| January–March | 28 April |
| April–June | 28 July |
The October–December date already incorporates an extension, according to the ATO guidance. For all periods, use the deadline displayed for your activity statement rather than assuming a standard date applies.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Best Value
- PERFECT LEDGER BOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES: This accounting ledger book for small businesses will help you organize finances, sort and summarize transactions, create balance summaries and set you up for financial success.
- SWITCH TO EFFICIENT & STRESS-FREE ACCOUNTING: This accounting book is undated and lasts a whole year and has 113 pages, including 53 weekly views, an annual summary, empty note pages, and, at the back, a spacious pocket for receipts.
- TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCES & SUCCEED: With this detailed record of all transactions and totals, you will be able to easily analyze your finances and quickly prepare accurate financial statements.
- COMPACT A5 FORMAT & DURABLE DESIGN: This bookkeeping record book comes in A5 format (5.8 by 8.3 inches) and has an eco-leather hardcover, 120gsm no-bleed paper, elastic, pen loop, bookmark, pocket for notes, and a user guide.
- 60-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE: We will exchange or refund your receipt book for small business if you aren’t satisfied with your expense tracker notebook for any reason. Reach out to us via message to refund your small business supplies.
What does a small business report on Simpler BAS?
The ATO’s Simpler BAS guidance identifies three GST labels for eligible small-business reporting:
- G1: total sales
- 1A: GST on sales
- 1B: GST on purchases
Organise your sales and purchase amounts so you can work out these figures for the relevant period, then follow the ATO instructions for your form and reporting arrangement. The ATO page describes a method introduced in 2017; that date is historical context, not a recent change.
What records and tools should you prepare?
Prepare the sales and purchase information needed to calculate BAS amounts and retain records in line with current ATO requirements. The ATO’s recordkeeping and tax-invoice guidance is the place to check retention periods and invoice rules; the reporting labels alone are not a complete recordkeeping checklist.
Digital bookkeeping software is optional, but can help organise transactions and prepare BAS figures. If you use a product, confirm that it supports Australian GST and BAS workflows. The ATO describes digital bookkeeping as one workflow option; no particular software is required by the guidance cited here.
What if you are not in Australia?
Do not use these thresholds, dates or BAS labels for another country. For example, Canada has a different GST/HST system and filing rules; the Canada Revenue Agency’s return reporting and deadline guidance applies to Canadian registrants, not Australian businesses.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
