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Complete GST guide for Aussie tradies

Everything you need to know about GST registration, BAS reporting, and compliance. Written specifically for Australian tradies by tradies.

Use GST calculator BAS deadlines

GST quick facts

10%
Current GST rate
$75k
Registration threshold
Quarterly
BAS reporting
5 years
Keep records

Step 1: GST registration

1

When to register

Mandatory registration

You must register for GST when your business turnover reaches:

  • $75,000 or more in a year
  • Or you expect to reach this amount

Voluntary registration

You can register voluntarily if your turnover is less than $75,000.

Consider voluntary registration if:
  • You want to claim GST credits on purchases
  • Your clients expect you to be GST-registered
  • You're ready for the administrative workload
2

How to register

  1. Get an ABN (if you don't have one) — Australian Business Number, free from ABR
  2. Register for GST — through the Australian Business Register (ABR)
  3. Choose accounting method — cash or accrual (most tradies use cash)
  4. Choose reporting frequency — quarterly is standard for small tradies
  5. Wait for confirmation — you'll receive your GST registration details

Step 2: Charging GST on your services

How to calculate GST

Simple formula: Amount × 10% = GST

Example:

  • Job cost: $1,000
  • GST (10%): $100
  • Total to client: $1,100
Use GST calculator

Best practices

  • Always show GST separately on invoices and quotes
  • Include your ABN on all tax invoices
  • Use "Tax Invoice" in document titles
  • Keep copies of all GST invoices
  • Be consistent with GST treatment

Step 3: Claiming GST credits

What you can claim

  • Tools & equipment (business portion)
  • Materials & supplies for jobs
  • Vehicle expenses (business portion)
  • Insurance (public liability, tools)
  • Phone & internet (business use)
  • Safety equipment & work gear
  • Software & apps for business
  • Accounting fees & bookkeeping

What you can't claim

  • Personal expenses (no business use)
  • GST-free purchases (basic food, some medical)
  • Input-taxed purchases (some financial services)
  • Private vehicle use (commuting to work)
  • Personal clothing (unless mandatory uniform)
  • Entertainment expenses (unless client-related)
Tip: Keep detailed records to prove business use percentage for mixed-use items like vehicles and home offices.

Step 4: Quarterly BAS reporting

BAS deadlines

Quarter Period Due date
Q1Jul–Sep28 Oct
Q2Oct–Dec28 Feb
Q3Jan–Mar28 Apr
Q4Apr–Jun28 Jul
Late lodgment penalties apply! Set reminders 2 weeks before due dates.

What to report

GST collected — total GST you charged customers.

GST credits — GST you paid on business purchases.

Net amount — GST collected minus GST credits.

Payment due — pay net amount to ATO by due date.

Common GST mistakes to avoid

Mistakes that cost money

  • Not keeping proper records — can't claim credits
  • Missing BAS deadlines — penalties and interest
  • Claiming personal expenses — audit risk
  • Forgetting to register — backdated GST liability
  • Poor record separation — business vs personal

Best practices

  • Use accounting software — automate calculations
  • Keep all receipts — digital or paper
  • Separate bank accounts — business vs personal
  • Set BAS reminders — never miss deadlines
  • Regular bookkeeping — don't let it pile up

GST scenarios for different trades

Real examples for Australian tradies

Electricians

Special considerations for electrical work
New installations:
  • Materials (cables, switches, panels): claim GST credits
  • Labor charges: add 10% GST
  • Special equipment hire: claim GST credits
Emergency call-outs:
  • After-hours rates: include 10% GST
  • Travel charges: usually GST-free if purely travel
  • Replacement parts: claim GST credits
Commercial vs. residential:
  • Commercial jobs: GST applies to all charges
  • Residential: same GST rules apply
  • Government contracts: check specific requirements
Pro tip: Keep separate records for materials vs. labor to maximize GST claims and simplify BAS reporting.

Plumbers

Water, gas, and drainage work
Materials & fixtures:
  • Pipes, fittings, taps: claim GST credits
  • Hot water systems: major GST credit opportunities
  • Specialty tools: claim GST credits
Emergency work:
  • Burst pipes: charge 10% GST on repairs
  • After-hours premium: GST applies to premium rates
  • Temporary fixes: same GST rules apply
New construction:
  • Full bathroom installations: GST on all charges
  • Gas fitting: GST applies to labor and materials
  • Drainage work: standard GST rules
Watch out: Some plumbing materials may be GST-free in specific circumstances. Check with your accountant.

Builders

Construction and renovation projects
New home construction:
  • All materials: claim GST credits
  • Subcontractor labor: GST included in their invoices
  • Project management: charge 10% GST
Renovations:
  • Demolition: usually GST-free (check with accountant)
  • Building materials: claim GST credits
  • Trade labor: GST applied through subcontractors
Commercial projects:
  • Full GST applies to all project phases
  • Progress payments: include GST in each invoice
  • Variations: GST applies to additional work
Pro tip: Use progress billing with clear GST breakdown to maintain cash flow during long projects.

Landscapers

Garden design and maintenance
Materials & plants:
  • Plants, trees, soil: claim GST credits
  • Paving, retaining walls: GST credits on materials
  • Irrigation systems: major GST credit opportunity
Design services:
  • Garden design plans: charge 10% GST
  • Consultation fees: GST applies
  • 3D modeling: GST on design fees
Maintenance contracts:
  • Regular garden care: GST on all charges
  • Seasonal cleanup: GST applies
  • Tree removal: GST on labor and equipment
Pro tip: Structure maintenance contracts with clear GST breakdown for client transparency and easier bookkeeping.

Frequently asked questions

Common GST questions from Aussie tradies

What if I hit $75k mid-year? Do I backdate GST?

No, you don't backdate GST when you hit the threshold mid-year. Here's what happens:

  1. You have 21 days to register for GST from the date you reach $75,000
  2. GST applies only from your registration date — not from the start of the financial year
  3. You'll charge 10% GST on all invoices from your registration date onward
  4. Your first BAS will cover the period from registration date to end of quarter
Example: If you hit $75,000 in March and register on March 15, you only charge GST on jobs from March 15 onward. Your first BAS is due April 28 for March 15 – March 31.
What happens to deposits paid before GST registration?

Deposits received before GST registration are generally GST-free, but it depends on timing:

  • Deposit before registration, job after: deposit is GST-free, final invoice includes 10% GST on the remaining balance
  • Both deposit and final payment before registration: entire job is GST-free
  • Deposit received within 21 days of registration: ATO may require you to charge GST on the deposit
Important: Keep clear records of when deposits were received and your GST registration date. If unsure, consult with your accountant.
Can I register strategically to claim credits on big purchases?

Yes, you can voluntarily register for GST before hitting $75,000 to claim GST credits on large purchases. This can be financially smart when:

  • Buying expensive tools/equipment: claim 10% GST credit on purchases over $1,000
  • Purchasing work vehicle: claim GST credit on vehicle and related equipment
  • Setting up workshop/office: claim GST on fit-out and equipment

Strategic registration considerations:

Pros:
  • Claim GST credits immediately
  • Appears more established to clients
  • No surprise registration later
Cons:
  • Must charge 10% GST on all jobs
  • Quarterly BAS requirements
  • Additional administrative work
Rule of thumb: If you're planning purchases over $10,000, voluntary registration usually makes financial sense.
What if my subcontractor isn't GST registered but should be?

You could be held liable for their GST obligations if you knowingly engage unregistered subcontractors who should be registered. Here's what you need to know:

Your responsibilities:

  • Verify their GST status before engaging them
  • Keep records of their ABN and GST registration
  • Request tax invoices showing their GST registration
  • Withhold payment if they can't provide proper tax invoices
Red flags to watch:
  • They only provide quotes without GST breakdown
  • They ask for cash payments
  • They can't provide a valid ABN
  • Their rates seem unusually low (no GST included)
Penalties: ATO can hold you responsible for unpaid GST if you knowingly use unregistered subcontractors. Always verify their registration status.
Do I need to register for GST on all my business activities?

Yes, GST registration applies to your entire business turnover, not just trade activities. When you register for GST:

  • All business income counts toward the $75,000 threshold
  • GST applies to all taxable sales once registered
  • You can claim credits on all business purchases

What gets included:

GST applies to:
  • Trade labor and materials
  • Consultation fees
  • Selling tools/equipment
  • Service call fees
Usually GST-free:
  • Basic food items
  • Some medical services
  • Educational courses
  • Some financial services
Important: Keep separate records for different types of income to ensure correct GST treatment.
Cash vs. accrual accounting method — which is better for tradies?

Most tradies choose cash accounting for GST, but here's how to decide:

Cash method — when you receive/pay money
  • Pay GST on actual payments received
  • Claim credits when you pay bills
  • Better cash flow management
  • Simpler to track
  • Ideal for most tradies
Accrual method — when you issue/receive invoices
  • Pay GST when you invoice
  • Claim credits when billed
  • More complex tracking
  • Can create cash flow issues
  • Rarely ideal for tradies
Recommendation: Choose cash accounting unless you have a specific reason (like large accounts receivable) to use accrual method. You can change methods later with ATO approval.

Need help with GST?

We've got resources and tools to make GST easier

GST calculator

Free calculator for instant GST calculations.

Threshold tracker

Track your progress towards the $75,000 GST threshold.

BAS deadlines

Important dates and quarterly reporting help.

Stop doing GST manually

Chippie automatically calculates GST on all quotes and invoices. Generate BAS reports in one click and never miss a deadline.

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