What happens if you don't register for GST in Australia?

Asked by: Miss Marion Trantow  |  Last update: July 17, 2026
Score: 5/5 (10 votes)

If you are required to register for GST in Australia (generally, a turnover of $ 75 , 000 $ 7 5 , 0 0 0 or more) and do not, you will likely face backdated GST liabilities on past sales, interest charges, and penalties from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). You will have to pay this GST from your own pocket if you didn't collect it from customers, along with potential legal penalties for failing to register.

What happens if you charge GST and are not registered in Australia?

If the ATO discovers you've been charging GST without being registered, you could face: Refunding GST to Customers: You'll need to pay back the GST you've charged, even if you've already spent it. Financial Penalties: The ATO may hit you with fines, interest charges, and audits.

What is the penalty for not registering GST?

A penalty of Rs. 10,000 or 10% of the tax due, whichever is higher, for not registering despite being liable to do so. A penalty of Rs. 10,000 or the tax amount, whichever is higher, for collecting GST but not depositing it to the government within three months.

Do I have to pay GST if I make less than $30,000?

You have to start charging GST/HST on the supply that made you exceed $30,000. You exceed the $30,000 threshold 1 over the previous four (or fewer) consecutive calendar quarters (but not in a single calendar quarter).

What are the consequences of not filing GST?

Therefore, upon non –filing of GST returns or missing out the GST due dates, the GST law prescribes a general penalty. The maximum penalty that may be imposed is Rs. 5,000. The taxpayer will be required to pay interest on late payment of GST at a rate of 18% annually in addition to the late payment penalty.

When to Register for GST in Australia (The $75k Rule Explained!)

27 related questions found

What happens if you don't file your GST?

If you miss the filing deadline and owe GST, the CRA will charge: Late Filing Penalty: 1% of the amount owing, plus 0.25% of the amount owing for each full month your return is late (up to 12 months).

Is it mandatory to file GST?

Returns must be filed on the GST portal monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on the taxpayer's classification. GST Return is mandatory for all GST-registered businesses. Regular taxpayers file GSTR-1, GSTR-3B monthly or quarterly, plus annual returns (GSTR-9/9C).

Who is mandatory for GST registration?

For Goods Suppliers: Businesses involved in the supply of goods must register for GST if their annual turnover exceeds Rs. 40 lakhs. For Service Providers: For those providing services, the registration threshold is Rs. 20 lakhs in annual turnover.

Do I have to pay GST if I earn under $75000?

If your GST turnover is below the $75,000 threshold, you may choose to register. But if you do, regardless of your turnover, you must: include GST in the price of most goods and services you sell. claim GST credits for most business purchases you make.

Can I claim GST after 2 years?

The GST law requires that every claim for refund is to be filed within 2 years from the relevant date.

What is the minimum turnover to register GST?

Businesses are required to register for GST and pay tax on their annual turnover if their annual revenue exceeds Rs. 40 lakhs in the case of goods supplied and Rs. 20 lakhs for the supply of services.

Can GST penalty be waived?

Legal Waivers/Reductions: Sections 73 and 74 of the CGST Act give discretionary powers to the authorities to waive penalty in case the tax payable is paid before assessment, or the default was not intentional and due to real causes.

Do non-residents pay GST in Australia?

Generally, a non-resident must register for GST if: They carry on an enterprise in Australia. Their GST turnover from Australian sales exceeds AUD 75,000 (or AUD 150,000 for non-profits) They are involved in electronic distribution platforms or make digital supplies to Australian consumers.

Do non-residents have to pay GST?

As the non-resident vendor is generally not considered to be carrying on business in Canada, they are not required to register for GST/HST purposes and, as a result would not be required or permitted to charge GST/HST on the supply of digital goods and services to Canadian customers.

Can I unregister GST?

You can cancel your GST registration and any other roles or registrations together or separately: through Online services for business. through your registered tax or BAS agent. by phone on 13 28 66 – between 8.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.

What happens if you are not GST registered?

If you don't register for GST and are required to, you may have to pay GST on sales made since the date you were required to register. This could happen even if you didn't include GST in the price of those sales. You may also have to pay penalties and interest.

What are the disadvantages of GST in Australia?

The GST is regressive

The GST's biggest downside is that it hits poor people hardest because it takes a higher percentage of low incomes than of high incomes.

Who is exempted from GST?

Businesses dealing in goods are exempt from GST if their annual aggregate turnover is below INR 40 lakhs. For businesses in hilly and northeastern states, this threshold is reduced to INR 20 lakhs to address regional challenges. Service providers are exempt from GST if their turnover is under INR 20 lakhs annually.

Who is not liable to register under GST?

But persons who are engaged exclusively in the business of supplying goods or services or both that are not liable to tax or wholly exempt from tax or an agriculturist, to the extent of supply of produce out of cultivation of land are not liable to register under GST.

Are there exemptions to GST registration?

Individuals making Nil Rated and Exempt supplies (e.g., fresh milk) are also exempt. Those engaged in activities not covered under the supply of goods and services (e.g., petroleum products) do not require GST registration. Individuals supplying goods under reverse charge mechanisms do not need to register for GST.

Do I need to do BAS if not registered for GST?

You don't need to lodge a BAS if your turnover is less than $75,000 and you're not registered for GST. You should lodge annually if your turnover is less than $75,000, but you voluntarily register for GST. You should lodge quarterly if your annual GST turnover is less than $20 million.

What is the minimum income to file GST?

In conclusion, the minimum GST registration limit for mandatory GST registration in India is Rs. 40 lakh for most businesses, with a lower threshold limit for GST registration of Rs. 10 lakh applicable in special category states.

Who does not need a GST number?

You're considered a small supplier as long as your gross revenue remains less than $30,000 over any 4 consecutive calendar quarters. This means you're not required to register for GST/HST.