Joanne is GST registered, so collects GST on the sales of her bags, and claims it back on purchases like:

  • materials and supplies for making her bags
  • her new sewing machine.

She can also claim:

  • taxi fares to business meetings
  • a laptop she bought to manage her business finances
  • the accounting software she uses
  • food and drink bought when entertaining clients.

Mike's just started his building business. He's not sure if he'll earn more than $60,000 in his first year, but he's registering for GST straight away because he has big expenses — he'll claim GST back on:

  • the ute he bought for work
  • his work tools
  • tools he bought for his apprentice
  • the computer, printer and mobile phone he bought for business use only
  • the GST portion of his work mobile phone bill
  • his accountant's fees.

Learn how to claim expenses