GST ON LOW VALUE GOODS - "VERY SUCCESSFUL INITIATIVE", SAYS ATO

The ATO says it has now collected over $250 million in additional GST since the GST on low value goods measure began on 1 July 2018, outstripping forecasts by $180 million.

The legislation requires overseas businesses to charge Australian GST on their sales of low value goods to consumers in Australia. Over 1,000 overseas businesses have registered for GST, which includes all the known major suppliers and international platforms, the ATO said. This includes platforms that are collecting GST when these goods are sold through them – reducing the number of individual businesses that need to register.

According to the ATO, "GST collections on low value imported goods have exceeded initial expectations thanks to strong partnerships with the international business community and high levels of compliance". The measure resulted in $81 million of GST being raised in the first quarter, which surpasses the $70 million projected for the full year. These figures reflect a very strong overall level of compliance and the ATO says it is confident that the system is working well.

As businesses do not need to register unless they meet the A$75,000 GST turnover requirements, most small independent operators do not need to register and have not been affected by this measure.

If you would like to know more please contact one of our accountants on 07 4639 1099 or come in and see us at 14 Russell Street Toowoomba.