GST101A form for small businesses and sole traders
Nick Houldsworth
Introduction
If you're running a small business in New Zealand, you're likely familiar with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that you need to collect and pay to the government. One of the critical forms associated with this tax is the GST101A form. Though it might seem daunting at first glance, it's relatively straightforward once you know what each section is for. This blog post aims to guide you through the process of filling out this form accurately and efficiently.
What is the GST101A Form?
The GST101A 201 is a tax form specifically designed for reporting your Goods and Services Tax (GST) details to the government. It contains various sections asking for details such as your GST registration number, the period covered by the return, and your total sales and income.
View other important forms from NZ IRD here
How to Fill Out the GST101A Form
Section 1: Registration Number
Your GST registration number is your unique identifier in the tax system. Make sure to fill this in accurately to avoid any issues with your return.
Section 2: Period Covered by the Return
In this section, you need to specify the time frame for which you're submitting this GST return. Usually, this will be a two-month period, but double-check the instructions to be sure.
Section 3: Contact Details
Here, you'll need to provide or confirm your current postal address. This is crucial, as any correspondence related to your GST will be sent to this address.
Section 4: Daytime Phone Number
Your daytime phone number should be updated here. If there are any issues with your return, this is how the tax department will reach you.
Section 5: Total Sales and Income
This is where you report your total sales and income for the specified period. The amount should include GST and any zero-rated supplies.
Section 6: Goods and Services Tax on Sales
In this section, you'll need to calculate and fill in the GST you've collected from your sales and income.
Calculations
The form will typically guide you through a series of calculations to determine the amount of GST you owe or are owed by the government. Make sure to perform these calculations carefully to avoid any errors.