Quick answer: If your business is registered for GST, you add 10% GST to your quotes. Always show clearly whether your prices include GST so the customer knows the real total. Registration is required once your turnover reaches $75,000.
GST trips up a lot of tradies, especially when starting out. Get it wrong on a quote and you either eat the 10% yourself or have an awkward "actually it's more" conversation later. Here's how it works in plain English.
Do you have to charge GST?
You charge GST if your business is registered for GST. Registration is compulsory once your annual turnover reaches $75,000 — and many tradies register voluntarily before that so they can claim GST credits on tools, materials and the ute. If you're not registered, you don't add GST, and you shouldn't show a GST line on your quotes.
How much is GST?
GST in Australia is 10%. On a $1,000 job (excluding GST), you add $100, making the total $1,100. The customer pays the $1,100; you set aside the $100 to pay the ATO at BAS time.
How to show GST on a quote
The golden rule is to be unambiguous about the final number. There are two common ways:
- GST-inclusive pricing — show prices that already include GST and add a note like "All prices include GST". Best for residential customers who just want the total.
- GST shown separately — list the subtotal, then the GST amount, then the total. Best for business customers who claim GST credits and want it broken out.
What you must never do is quote a bare figure and assume the customer knows GST is on top. That's the number one cause of payment disputes on quotes.
Common GST mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting GST on the total — then losing 10% of your margin when you invoice.
- Charging GST when not registered — you can't add a GST line unless you're registered.
- Hiding the total — always make the final, all-in figure obvious.
- Mixing inclusive and exclusive prices — pick one approach and stick to it across the quote.
Let your quoting tool handle the GST
The simplest way to never make a GST mistake is to let your quoting software do the maths. EasyQuote AI is GST-aware: it calculates the GST and shows a clear, all-in total on every quote, so the price your customer sees is the price you get paid. Start free and quote with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Do you charge GST on a quote?
When do you have to register for GST in Australia?
How do you show GST on a quote?
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