Managing GST due dates is essential for maintaining smooth business finances and keeping the IRD happy. In this comprehensive guide, we provide you with a full list of GST due dates, as well as FAQs and important considerations to help you stay on track.
Tip: If a due date falls on a weekend or public holiday, you can send your return and payment to IRD on the next working day without a penalty being applied.
Important to Know First
- GST Filing Frequency: refers to how often a business must file GST returns and pay GST to the IRD. The frequency can be either monthly, two-monthly, or six-monthly. If you’re not sure what your GST filing frequency is, you can check by logging into your myIR account.
- Balance Dates: refer to the end of a business’s financial year. In New Zealand, the standard balance date for most businesses is March 31. This guide covers all the GST frequencies and due dates during the standard financial year.
GST Filing Frequencies
Select your GST filing frequency to jump to the relevant GST due dates:
- Two-monthly
- Six-monthly
- Monthly
Two-monthly GST Due Dates
Two-monthly filing is the default option for businesses with turnover up to $24 million. It is the standard frequency for most small to medium-sized businesses. There are two options for two-monthly filing:
️Ending in Odd Months
| Period start date | Period end date | GST due date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 April | 31 May | 30 June |
| 1 June | 31 July | 28 August |
| 1 August | 30 September | 28 October |
| 1 October | 30 November | 15 January |
| 1 December | 31 January | 28 February |
| 1 February | 31 March | 7 May |
️Ending in Even Months
| Period start date | Period end date | GST due date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 March | 30 April | 28 May |
| 1 May | 30 June | 29 July |
| 1 July | 31 August | 30 September |
| 1 September | 31 October | 28 November |
| 1 November | 31 December | 28 January |
| 1 January | 28 February | 28 March |
Six-monthly GST Due Dates
Six-monthly filing is available for businesses with an annual turnover of under $500,000. It’s suitable for businesses with fewer transactions and straightforward GST calculations. There are six options for six-monthly filing:
January and July
| Period start date | Period end date | GST due date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 August | 31 January | 28 February |
| 1 February | 31 July | 28 August |
February and August
| Period start date | Period end date | GST due date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 September | 28 February | 28 March |
| 1 March | 31 August | 30 September |
March and September
| Period start date | Period end date | GST due date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 October | 31 March | 7 May |
| 1 April | 30 September | 28 October |
April and October
| Period start date | Period end date | GST due date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 November | 3o April | 28 May |
| 1 May | 31 October | 28 November |
May and November
| Period start date | Period end date | GST due date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 December | 31 May | 30 June |
| 1 June | 30 November | 15 January |
June and December
| Period start date | Period end date | GST due date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 July | 31 December | 28 January |
| 1 January | 30 June | 29 July |
Monthly GST Due Dates
Monthly filing is required for businesses with annual turnover over $24 million. It’s also optional for other businesses that prefer to manage GST on a more frequent basis.
| Period start date | Period end date | GST due date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 April | 30 April | 28 May |
| 1 May | 31 May | 30 June |
| 1 June | 30 June | 29 July |
| 1 July | 31 July | 28 August |
| 1 August | 31 August | 30 September |
| 1 September | 30 September | 28 October |
| 1 October | 31 October | 28 November |
| 1 November | 30 November | 15 January |
| 1 December | 31 December | 28 January |
| 1 January | 31 January | 28 February |
| 1 February | 28 February | 28 March |
| 1 March | 31 March | 7 May |
FAQs
1. What happens if I miss a GST due date?
- Missing a due date can result in late filing penalties, late payment penalties, and interest. It’s essential to file and pay on time to avoid these charges.
2. Can I change my GST filing frequency?
- Yes, you can change your GST filing frequency by sending a request via myIR. The IRD will confirm the change and inform you when to start using the new period.
3. How do I file my GST return?
- Log in to your myIR account, follow the prompts to file your GST return for the due period. For more info read our in-depth article on how to file GST returns.
4. How do I register for GST?
- You can register for GST on the IRD website at any time. For a step-by-step guide, read our article on how to register for GST.
5. How do I calculate the GST amount I owe?
- GST is generally calculated as 15% of your income and expenses. You charge GST to your customers and deduct GST from your expenses. The difference is what you owe to the IRD. Use our GST calculator to work out the GST portion of an amount.
Key Considerations
- Record Keeping:
- Maintain accurate records of all GST transactions, including receipts, invoices, and other relevant documentation to support your GST claims.
- Choosing an Accounting Basis:
- Depending on your business needs, you can choose from payments basis, invoice basis, or hybrid basis for accounting GST. Each has its advantages and is suited for different business types. Learn more about choosing your accounting basis.
- GST Refunds:
- If your input tax exceeds your output tax, you may be eligible for a GST refund. It’s beneficial to file your return as soon as possible to speed up the refund process.
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