Changes to Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection online were introduced to the Parliament last week, which will see GST applied to low-value imported goods up to $1,000. 

“The government understands Australians are increasingly shopping online from overseas vendors who are able to offer items without tax,” Small Business Minister Michael McCormack said.

“This means goods they provide can be cheaper than those offered by Australian businesses, giving an unfair advantage to foreign businesses. For many Australian small businesses, this has an impact on competitiveness as consumers flock to purchase cheaper imports.”

The legislation will require overseas vendors, electronic distribution platforms and goods forwarders with an Australian turnover of $75,000 or more to register for, collect and remit GST for low-value goods supplied to consumers in Australia.

The legislation will come into effect on 1 July 2017.

Bentleys’ Perth taxation and small business director, Ross Prosper, told Accountants Daily that the changes are a “great start” in helping SMEs succeed.

“Introducing the GST will mean those higher valued goods, $500 to $1,000, will look to the consumer to be more price-competitive now in Australia so ideally, they'll be spending more of their Australian dollars with Australian businesses,” Mr Prosper said.

“It’s going someway to leveling the playing field between Australian-domiciled entities and overseas entities.”

BDO tax partner Fady Abi Abdallah also said that the changes are positive, but has concerns over compliance.

“These changes represent the latest measure in the government’s efforts to modernise the GST regime by ensuring that revenue collection remains in line with how the consumers of today buy goods, while at the same time attempt to address Australian business concerns dealing with offshore suppliers having a competitive advantage,” Mr Abdallah said.

“The real test is just how cooperative offshore suppliers will be in complying with these amendments.”

LARA BULLOCK
Wednesday, 22 February 2017
www.accountantsdaily.com.au