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Founding rate locked for 2026: $12/mo + GST · 12 of 50 spots remaining
Wootz
Guide

Sole trader GST guide 2026 (NZ)

A quick, practical overview of how New Zealand sole traders handle GST in 2026. Use it as a checklist, not as tax advice, and confirm the details with IRD or your accountant.

Who must register

  • Turnover over $60,000 in the last 12 months, or expected to go over $60,000 in the next 12
  • Voluntary registration is allowed under the threshold
  • Common triggers: steady invoicing, recurring contracts and e-commerce

Key choices when registering

  • Accounting basis: payments (cash), invoice or hybrid
  • Filing frequency: monthly, two-monthly or six-monthly
  • Start date: avoid backdating unless you need past credits

GST rates and what to charge

  • Standard rate: 15% on most goods and services
  • Zero-rated: exports and some land transactions (special rules apply)
  • Exempt: financial services and residential rent
  • If in doubt, quote prices as “+ GST” until confirmed

Record-keeping checklist

  • Sales records showing the name, GST number, date, description, amount and GST
  • Receipts and bills for expenses, so you can claim GST credits
  • Separate personal and business spending
  • Tidy bank imports for your audit trail
  • Keep records for at least 7 years

Filing and payment deadlines

  • Returns and payment are generally due on the 28th of the month after your period ends
  • Periods ending 31 March are due 7 May
  • Periods ending 30 November are due 15 January
  • File even if you have nothing to pay
  • Late filing or payment can bring penalties and interest

Common pitfalls

  • Mixing personal and business expenses
  • Overlooking GST on overseas software subscriptions, where the reverse charge may apply
  • Claiming GST on exempt items such as residential rent
  • Not adjusting for private use of assets like cars and phones

A quick GST workflow with Wootz

  1. Import bank transactions through secure CSV, with no bank passwords needed.
  2. Tag income and expenses, and mark GST.
  3. Review your GST summary and export figures for IRD.
  4. Upload to myIR before your due date.

Try the free GST calculator, or see Wootz for sole traders.

Make GST the easy part

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