Summary of new GST Reforms
Individual Tax Updates │September 2017
The Government has passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (GST Low Value goods) Act 2017 which will extend GST to low value imports of physical goods imported by consumers from 1 July 2018.
Businesses that meet the registration threshold of A$75,000 will need to take action now to review their business systems to ensure that they are able to comply.
The existing processes to collect GST on imports above $1,000 at the border are unchanged.
In summary, the reforms:
- Make supplies of goods valued at A$1,000 or less at the time of supply connected with Australia if the goods are purchased by consumers and are brought into Australia with the assistance of the supplier.
- Treat the operator of an electronic distribution platform (EDP) as the supplier of low value goods, if the goods are purchased through the platform by consumers and brought into Australia with the assistance of either the supplier or the operator.
- Treat re-deliverers as the suppliers of low value goods, if the goods are delivered outside of Australia as part of the supply, and the re-deliverer assists with their delivery into Australia as part of a shopping or mailbox service that it provides under an arrangement with the consumer.
- Allow non-resident suppliers of low value goods that are connected with Australia to elect to access the simplified registration and reporting system.
- Prevent double taxation.
More information on the new GST on low value imported goods can be found on the ATO website.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us below or call us on 1300 627 829.
If you are unsure of your tax obligations or are in need of specialist advice, please speak with your Accountant.
Source: TaxWise 2017
