What changed
The Goods and Services Tax Act now refers to taxable supply information rather than tax invoices. It can be a normal invoice, or other records such as contracts or statements, and it can be exchanged electronically, for example through Peppol e-invoicing. What it must contain depends on the value of the supply. You still need it for every sale you make and every purchase you want to claim GST on.
The three value tiers
| Supply value (GST-inclusive) | Information required |
|---|---|
| NZ$200 or less | Supplier’s name or trade name, date, description, and the amount. You do not need to provide it to the buyer unless asked, but you must keep records. |
| Over NZ$200 up to NZ$1,000 | Name and GST number, date, description, and either the GST-exclusive amount, GST and total, or the total with a statement that GST is included. |
| Over NZ$1,000 | As above, plus the buyer’s name and at least one identifier such as an address, phone, email, trading name or NZBN. |
For supplies over NZ$200, you generally have to provide the information to a GST-registered buyer within 28 days of a request. Check the IRD page for the current rules.
GST registration
You must register for GST if your turnover in the last 12 months, or expected in the next 12, exceeds NZ$60,000. The GST rate is 15%. Registered businesses file returns and can claim GST on business expenses, if they hold the necessary supply information. The GST calculator converts between GST-inclusive and exclusive amounts for NZ.
Make your invoice cover every tier
The simplest approach is to put everything on every invoice: your name and GST number, the date, a clear description, the GST-exclusive amount, the GST amount and the total, and for larger sales the customer’s name and an identifier. The New Zealand invoice generator does this by default.
Corrections
If taxable supply information was wrong, you issue “supply correction information” (what used to be a credit or debit note) with your name and GST number, a reference to the original, the date and the correction. See credit notes explained.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tax invoice still valid in New Zealand?
An invoice containing the right information is still the usual way to provide taxable supply information.
Do I need a buyer’s details?
Only for supplies over NZ$1,000, where you need their name and one identifier.
What is the GST rate?
15% at the time of writing. Check IRD.
How long do I keep records?
Generally 7 years. See how long to keep invoices.
Can I send taxable supply information electronically?
Yes, including through e-invoicing networks such as Peppol.
Related topics
- NZ tax invoice
- taxable supply information
- New Zealand GST invoice
- GST 15%
- IRD invoice requirements
- NZBN
- supply correction information