How to Register for GST and When It’s Required | Bottrell Accountants
Thresholds, Timing, Pros and Compliance Tips for Small Business Owners
What Is GST and Who Needs to Register?
GST (Goods and Services Tax) is a 10 percent tax on most goods and services sold in Australia. Businesses registered for GST must include it on their sales invoices and remit collected GST to the ATO via Business Activity Statements (BAS).
If your business has an annual turnover of $75,000 or more, you are required to register for GST. If you run a taxi or rideshare business (like Uber), you must register from day one, regardless of turnover.
At Bottrell Accountants, Tax Agents & Financial Planners, we guide startups and small businesses across Newcastle, Maitland and Gosford through GST setup, compliance and strategy.
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When Are You Required to Register for GST?
You must register for GST if:
• Your business turnover exceeds $75,000 in a financial year (or is expected to)
• You provide taxi, ride-sourcing or limousine services
• You are a not-for-profit organisation with turnover above $150,000
Checklist: Do You Need to Register?
Question
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Are you selling goods or services?
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Will turnover exceed $75,000 this year?
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Are you a rideshare or taxi operator?
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Do you want to claim GST on expenses?
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Do customers expect tax invoices?
Answer
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Yes / No
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Yes / No
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Yes / No
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Yes / No
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Yes / No
If you answered “Yes” to any of the first three questions, you must register. If you answered “Yes” to the others, voluntary registration may still benefit you.
How to Register for GST
GST registration can be completed online through the Australian Business Register (ABR) or through a registered tax agent.
Steps to Register
Step Action
1. Ensure you have an ABN (Australian Business Number)
2. Log into the ATO Business Portal or use your accountant
3. Complete the GST registration form online
4. Select your reporting cycle (monthly, quarterly or annually)
5. Choose cash or accrual basis for accounting
6. Confirm GST will be included in future invoices
We recommend working with an accountant to select the right reporting and accounting method.
Cash vs Accrual for GST Reporting
When you register for GST, you must choose between cash or accrual accounting for GST reporting.
Comparison Table
Method
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Cash
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Accrual
When GST is Reported
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When payment is received or made
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When invoice is issued or received
Suitable For
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Small businesses with tight cashflow
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Businesses with large credit terms or stock turnover
Most small businesses choose cash to avoid paying GST before receiving income.
Pros and Cons of Registering Early
You can register for GST voluntarily, even if your turnover is under $75,000.
Pros
• Claim GST credits on purchases and setup costs
• Present as a more professional and credible business
• Avoid last-minute stress when nearing the threshold
• Aligns with tax planning and BAS setup
Cons
• Must charge GST on all taxable sales
• Need to complete and lodge BAS statements
• Must keep full records for 5 years
• Added bookkeeping and compliance work
Early registration is often beneficial for businesses with large startup expenses or B2B clients who expect GST invoices.
Tips for GST Compliance
Once registered, GST compliance becomes part of your monthly or quarterly workflow.
Compliance Checklist
Task
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Include 10% GST on all taxable sales
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Provide tax invoices to customers
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Track and record GST paid on purchases
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Reconcile GST in your accounting software
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Lodge BAS with the ATO
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Keep copies of all tax invoices and records
Frequency
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Ongoing
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For sales over $82.50
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Ongoing
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Monthly
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Quarterly or Monthly
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5 years minimum
We recommend using Xero or MYOB for live tracking and reconciliation. Bottrell’s team offers monthly and quarterly BAS support to reduce errors and ensure ATO compliance.
How BAS Lodgement Works
Once registered for GST, you must lodge Business Activity Statements (BAS) periodically to report:
• GST collected
• GST paid on expenses
• PAYG withholding (if you have employees)
• PAYG instalments (if applicable)
BAS Lodgement Table
Frequency
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Quarterly
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Monthly
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Annually
Turnover Threshold
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Under $20M
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Over $20M or by election
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Some small businesses only
Due Dates
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28 days after quarter ends
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21 days after month ends
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With income tax return
Choosing the right lodgement cycle depends on your business type, size and cashflow. Most startups begin on a quarterly cycle.
Tools and Software for Managing GST
Tool
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Xero
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MYOB
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ATO Business Portal
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Hubdoc / Dext
Function
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Automated GST coding, BAS reporting
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BAS tracking, invoice generation
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Lodgement and tax correspondence
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Capture GST from receipts automatically
Bottrell assists with software setup, custom chart of accounts and GST coding to ensure accuracy from the start.
Our GST and BAS Services
We help startups and small business clients in:
• Newcastle
• Maitland
• Gosford
Our Services Include:
• GST registration and ABN setup
• BAS lodgement and review
• Xero and MYOB setup with GST rules
• Quarterly tax planning and BAS forecasting
• Ongoing compliance checks and support
Book a GST and BAS Setup Session
Whether you are starting your first business or approaching the $75,000 threshold, it is critical to get your GST setup right from the beginning.
Book Online: https://bookings.gettimely.com/bottrellbusinessconsultants/book
Call Us: (02) 4933 6888
Visit Us: Newcastle, Maitland, Gosford
Get professional guidance and avoid costly compliance issues. Bottrell Accountants, Tax Agents & Financial Planners are here to help.
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– Visit Us
Bottrell Accountants, Tax Agents & Financial Planners – Maitland:
- Office: 93 Lawes St, East Maitland, NSW, 2323
- Phone: 0249336888
- Email: maitland@bottrellaccounting.com.a
- Hours: Monday–Friday 7:30am–5:30pm | Saturday 9am–2pm
- Book a 30-minute consultation with our team
- We’ll map out your best structure, tax registrations, and next steps
- Flat-fee startup packages available
- Ongoing support, tax returns, and business growth guidance
Getting your small business off the ground properly isn’t about paperwork – it’s about setting a strong legal, financial, and operational foundation.
Whether you’re launching a trade business, creative agency, eCommerce store, NDIS service or professional practice, getting the setup right will save you from painful mistakes later.
Start with clarity. Start with confidence. Start with Bottrell.
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