Question 1

When do I need to register for GST in New Zealand and what is the NZ$60,000 threshold?

Accepted Answer

In New Zealand, you must register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if your business turnover exceeds or is expected to exceed NZ$60,000 in any 12month period. This threshold applies to both domestic and foreign businesses making taxable supplies in New Zealand.

When registration is compulsory:
 Your taxable supplies (sales) have exceeded NZ$60,000 in the past 12 months, OR
 You expect your taxable supplies to exceed NZ$60,000 in the next 12 months

When registration is voluntary:
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Question 2

What is the New Zealand GST rate and which goods and services are GST-exempt?

Accepted Answer

New Zealand's GST rate is 15%, which applies to most goods and services sold in the country. Unlike some other countries, New Zealand does not have a reduced or lower GST rate for specific categories.

GSTexempt supplies (no GST charged, no input tax credits claimed):
 Residential rent (renting a home to a tenant)
 Financial services (bank fees, loan interest, life insurance premiums)
 Donated goods and services sold by nonprofit organisations
 Penalty interest and late payment fees

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Question 3

How often do I need to file GST returns in New Zealand (monthly, two-monthly, or six-monthly)?

Accepted Answer

Once registered for GST, you must file returns at one of three frequencies: monthly, twomonthly, or sixmonthly. The frequency depends on your business turnover and can be changed if your circumstances change.

Filing frequencies:

Frequency  Turnover Requirement  Due Date

Monthly  Over NZ$24 million (compulsory) or voluntary  28th of the following month 
 Twomonthly  Default for most businesses  28th of the month after the period ends 
 Sixmonthly  Under NZ$500,000 turnover (on application)

Question 4

Do I have to pay GST on goods and services imported into New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Yes, GST generally applies to goods and services imported into New Zealand. The rules depend on the value of the goods and who is supplying them.

Physical goods valued over NZ$1,000:
 GST at 15% is collected by New Zealand Customs at the border
 You pay GST (plus any applicable customs duty) before the goods are released
 If you are GSTregistered and the goods are for business use, you can claim back the GST as an input tax credit on your next GST return

Lowvalue goods (NZ$1,000 or less):
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Categories

GST

When do I need to register for GST in New Zealand and what is the NZ$60,000 threshold?

What is the New Zealand GST rate and which goods and services are GST-exempt?

How often do I need to file GST returns in New Zealand (monthly, two-monthly, or six-monthly)?

Do I have to pay GST on goods and services imported into New Zealand?