GST is one of those topics that can feel simple until it suddenly isn’t. 

 

And EOFY is when small coding issues can become big questions. 

 

Let’s make this simple. This is a high-level GST health check to help Australian SMEs spot patterns, flag questions, and avoid last-minute surprises. 

 

This is not tax advice. GST can be nuanced. Use this as an education tool and confirm specifics with your BAS agent, accountant, or the ATO. 

 

Why a GST check matters before EOFY 

Because GST coding affects: 

• BAS reporting 

• profit and loss reports 

• your year-end numbers 

• how quickly your accountant can finalise work 

A quick review now can save time later. 

 

The high-level GST health check 

1) Scan for obvious miscodes 

Look for transactions that seem to have GST when they shouldn’t, or no GST when you expected it. 

 

Don’t aim to solve everything. Aim to spot patterns. 

 

2) Check mixed-use and private spend is handled consistently 

Many business owners have some mixed-use spending (for example, a phone plan or vehicle use). The key is consistency and good notes. 

 

If you’re unsure, flag it. Your advisor can help apply the correct approach. 

 

3) Review common areas where GST gets messy 

These are frequent pain points: 

• vehicle-related costs 

• meals and entertainment type expenses 

• online subscriptions and software 

• merchant fees and bank fees 

• purchases from overseas suppliers (can vary) 

Again, the goal is not to make a ruling. The goal is to identify where you need clarity. 

 

4) Create a “GST questions” list 

In your EOFY folder, create a simple document called: 

“GST questions to confirm” 

 

Add bullet points like: 

• “Is this subscription GST-free or GST included?” 

• “How should we treat this mixed-use expense?” 

• “This supplier invoice has no GST shown, is that correct?” 

This list makes your advisor faster and your outcome calmer. 

 

The simplest weekly habit for GST hygiene 

GST hygiene improves when your bank feed and invoices are coded consistently week to week. 

That’s why the weekly 20-minute routine (Week 3) matters so much. 

 

Clean file = easier GST conversations. 

 

Industry examples 

Cafe 

Common GST complexity areas: 

• mixed suppliers (some with GST, some without) 

• merchant fees 

• occasional equipment purchases 

Tradie 

Common areas: 

• vehicle expenses and mixed use 

• tools and materials from different suppliers 

• subcontractors (may vary) 

Professional services 

Common areas: 

• software subscriptions 

• overseas suppliers 

• mixed-use phone/internet 

What to do this week (your Money Hour) 

• Run a GST report or review GST-coded transactions at a high level 

• Look for patterns that feel inconsistent 

• Create a “GST questions to confirm” list 

• Send that list to your bookkeeper/BAS agent so they can advise 

Your Next Steps: 

If you want GST to feel simpler, the answer is a clean routine and a clear questions list. 

 

We can help you: 

• tidy your coding patterns 

• reduce recurring GST confusion 

• prepare a clean EOFY pack for your advisor 

Source (Australia): 

ATO – GST for small business 

https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/gst-excise-and-indirect-taxes/gst 

 

ATO – Record keeping for business 

https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/preparing-lodging-and-paying/record-keeping-for-business 

 

A calm way to review GST without spiralling 

Set a timer for 20 minutes. Pick one month. Review a sample of transactions in common problem areas. 

If you find a pattern, stop and make a note. That’s a win. 

 

The goal is not to “fix GST” in one sitting. 

The goal is to surface questions early. 

 

The two best habits for GST clarity 

• Keep notes on unusual transactions 

A one-off refund, an overseas purchase, a new supplier. Notes prevent confusion later. 

 

• Avoid guessing 

If you’re unsure, flag it. Guessing is how errors repeat across the year. 

 

Your Money Hour checklist 

• Review GST coding at a high level 

• Identify any inconsistent patterns 

• Create a GST questions list 

• Send questions to your BAS agent/bookkeeper 

Quick FAQ 

Can I just rely on my accountant to ‘fix GST later’? 

They can help, but it will be faster and cheaper when your questions are listed clearly and your records are organised. Your role is to provide clean inputs. 

 

What if I have overseas suppliers? 

Flag them in your GST questions list. Treatments can vary and it’s worth confirming early. 

 

Your Next Steps: 

If GST keeps tripping you up, we can help you build a simple coding guide for your common transactions and set up a routine so GST becomes boring (in the best way). 

 

Extra value: create your own ‘GST cheat sheet’ 

Write down your most common transactions and how they’re usually coded in your file. Example: ‘EFTPOS fees’, ‘fuel’, ‘supplier stock’, ‘software subscription’. This reduces repeat mistakes and helps anyone who supports your file. 

 

If you want a simple win, choose one ‘problem supplier’ or ‘problem expense type’ and clean up that coding first. Fixing one repeating issue often removes 80% of the confusion. 

CTA: Want the high-level GST checklist? Comment GST or contact us and we’ll send it through.