Small business guide

Do I need to register for GST? The $75,000 rule explained (2026)

Q: How long do I have to register for GST?

21 days from when your GST turnover goes over the threshold.

Updated 3 October 2026. From the ATO, ASIC and business.gov.au, linked at the end. General information only, not advice for your business.

The short answer

$75,000

You must register for GST once your GST turnover reaches $75,000 a year ($150,000 for a non-profit), and you have 21 days to do it¹. Taxi and rideshare drivers must register whatever they earn¹.

Who has to register

Who	Must register when
Most businesses	GST turnover reaches $75,000 a year¹
Non-profit organisations	GST turnover reaches $150,000 a year¹
Taxi, limousine and rideshare drivers	From the start, whatever your turnover¹
Deadline	Within 21 days of going over the threshold¹

Close to $75,000?

A registered tax agent can tell you when you cross the line and register you. Tell us once and hear from up to three near you. Free, no obligation.

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What counts as GST turnover

GST turnover is your business income, not your profit. The ATO looks at two figures: your current turnover (this month and the 11 before it) and your projected turnover (this month and the 11 after it). If either reaches the threshold, you need to register. If your current turnover is over but the ATO is satisfied your projected turnover will be under, you do not have to¹.

Some income does not count, such as GST itself and some financial supplies. A registered tax agent can check what is in and out for your business.

Registering before you have to

You can choose to register below the threshold, for example to claim GST back on your set-up costs. If you do, you generally have to stay registered for at least 12 months¹.

What changes once you are registered

You add GST, which is 10% on most goods and services², to your prices and pay it to the ATO.
You can claim back the GST included in what you buy for the business.
You lodge a business activity statement (BAS), usually every quarter. See BAS explained.
Your invoices need to show the GST.

Who can help

Tax agentsRegister you for GST and lodge your BAS BookkeepersSet up GST in your books and prepare the BAS AccountantsAdvise on timing and structure

Questions people ask

What is the GST threshold in Australia?

$75,000 of GST turnover a year for a business, or $150,000 for a non-profit¹.

How long do I have to register for GST?

21 days from when your GST turnover goes over the threshold¹.

Do Uber and taxi drivers need to register for GST?

Yes. If you provide taxi or rideshare travel you must register regardless of your GST turnover¹.

Can I register for GST if I earn under $75,000?

Yes. Registration is voluntary under the threshold, but you generally have to stay registered for at least 12 months¹.

Talk it through with a professional

Tell us once and hear from up to three tax agents who cover your postcode. Free, no obligation, and FIZO never recommends one over another.

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Sources

FIZO is a directory, not a tax or legal adviser. Rules and thresholds change: check the source, or ask a registered professional about your own business.