Navigating GST exemptions for Shopify billing in Australia and New Zealand
This page details the process of registering for Goods and Services Tax (GST) and adding your Australian Business Number (ABN) or Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number to your Shopify store to potentially qualify for GST exemptions.
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How to obtain GST exemption for Shopify subscriptions in Australia
If your store is based in Australia, then you're subject to a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on your Shopify subscription and any Shopify Shipping labels. However, you don't have to pay this GST if you register for Australian GST and add your Australian Business Number (ABN) to your Shopify store.
Your ABN is an 11-digit number that the Australian government uses to identify your business. To get a GST exemption, you need to register for Australian GST and then add your ABN to your Shopify store.
This GST exemption only applies to invoices issued after you add your ABN to your account. It doesn't apply to any invoices that are pending or unpaid at the time you register your ABN.
Add your ABN to your Shopify store in Australia
From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Billing.
Click Billing profile.
In the Tax registration section, click Yes, I'm GST registered.
Enter your ABN, and then click Add ABN.
Securing GST exemption for Shopify subscriptions in New Zealand
If your store is based in New Zealand, then Shopify charges a 15% GST on your Shopify bill. However, you're exempt from this tax if you register for New Zealand GST and add your Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number to your Shopify store.
Your IRD number is an 8 or 9-digit identification number provided by the New Zealand government. To get a GST exemption, you must first register for New Zealand GST and then add this IRD number to your Shopify account.
This GST exemption only applies to invoices issued after you add your IRD number to your account. It doesn't apply to any invoices that are pending or unpaid at the time you register your IRD.
Add your IRD to your Shopify store in New Zealand
From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Billing.
Click Billing profile.
In the Tax registration section, click Yes, I'm GST registered.
Enter your IRD number, and then click Add IRD.