GST Credits and BAS: What can (and cannot) be claimed

Check GST credit claims before lodging BAS

Taxpayers who are registered for GST can claim GST credits (or ‘input tax credits’) for the GST included in the price of goods and services they buy for their business.

However, if they buy something for both business and private use, they need to apportion their GST credit to only claim the business use.

For example, if they buy a car for ride-sourcing (e.g., to use as an Uber driver), they should work out the percentage they use it for business purposes and only claim a GST credit on that amount.

When completing their next BAS, the ATO is asking taxpayers to remember that they cannot claim GST credits for purchases:

  • where they do not have a tax invoice;
  • that were cancelled or reversed; or
  • that do not have GST in the price (such as bank fees).

Taxpayers that have nothing to report still need to lodge a ‘nil’ BAS by the due date.

Please contact the business tax team at Omnis Business Advisory in West Perth for assistance with accurate GST and BAS lodgement, including potentially using ‘annual private apportionment’ to account for the private portion of your business purchases.

Justin Flavel

Managing Director

Justin’s experience spans across 20 years in accounting, financial analysis and general business practice.

Although born and bred on the land, Justin’s interest was more in spreadsheets, ledgers, and finance which led him to attend university. In 1992, Justin graduated with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting and Finance. As well as qualifying as a CPA member and becoming a Fellow of the Taxation Institute of Australia, he began gaining practical experience in small and mid-tier accounting practices.

During the late 90s, Justin decided to expand his horizons and travel through Europe. It was during this time that he seized the opportunity to expand his knowledge on the workings of large organisations by taking on roles in multinational corporations.

Today, Justin’s passion is in facilitating businesses to grow and evolve. His focus is on acting in the role of business mentor to help clients develop the full potential of their businesses. He joins clients on their unique journey, and provides the tools and knowledge they need along the way to make the right decisions.

Justin’s aim for his clients parallels his own philosophy and personal journey—focusing on his own career growth and business success while maintaining balance in his life with his wife and three daughters.

Omnis Group Managing Director - Justin Flavel