GST
Expert Help with GST Returns,
Filing & Tax Compliance
Supporting New Zealand Business Owners with Goods & Services Tax
Filing GST Tax Returns, Registering GST, and Calculating GST
Common GST Mistakes
Expert support for accurate GST returns, registering GST, and filing GST tax returns through Xero and MYOB for New Zealand business owners.
Managing Goods & Services Tax (GST) is an important part of every New Zealand business, yet it remains one of the most common sources of financial error. Many business owners make costly mistakes when filing GST tax returns, often due to incorrect timing or misunderstanding of Inland Revenue requirements.
One frequent issue is registering GST too early or too late. Businesses are required to register once their annual turnover exceeds $60,000, but some do so prematurely, while others delay registration and face penalties. Another mistake involves selecting the wrong accounting basis—for example, choosing invoice rather than payments basis without understanding how this affects when GST must be declared.
Accurate record-keeping is equally essential. Every receipt, invoice, and expense record must be maintained to ensure full compliance and to simplify calculating GST correctly at the end of each filing period. Failing to reconcile your accounts through trusted systems such as Xero or MYOB accounting software can result in overstated or understated GST liabilities.
As a business owner, keeping on top of these obligations can be challenging while managing day-to-day operations. The team at Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants helps ensure all GST payments and returns are completed accurately and submitted on time, avoiding unnecessary interest or late-filing penalties with Inland Revenue. Our proactive approach keeps your GST obligations current and your financial records clear, giving you peace of mind that your compliance is in expert hands.
Preparing Your GST Returns
Our qualified Chartered Accountants provide complete assistance for every stage of your GST process. Whether you are a sole trader, contractor, partnership, or limited company, we guide you through registering GST, setting up your accounts, and managing accurate GST returns from start to finish.
At Long + Cowan, we tailor our accounting services to match your business structure and reporting cycle. We help determine whether you should file monthly, two-monthly, or six-monthly based on cash flow, transaction volume, and your preferred accounting basis. By using Xero and MYOB accounting software, we streamline your calculating GST process and automate much of the reporting, reducing manual error and improving efficiency.
Our approach ensures GST is correctly applied to the pricing of your goods and services, helping maintain accurate margins and full compliance with Inland Revenue. We also review your transactions to identify GST adjustments that may apply to capital purchases, asset sales, or mixed-use expenses, ensuring you claim or pay only what is required.
We send regular reminders so you never miss a filing deadline and handle the electronic submission of your GST returns directly with Inland Revenue. This process provides transparency, accuracy, and peace of mind. Whether you are filing your first return or managing complex business accounts, Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants ensures your Goods & Services Tax obligations are completed properly and on time.
Trust us to keep your records accurate, your returns compliant, and your financial operations running smoothly. For clear, reliable, and professional GST support, contact Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants, Wellington’s trusted experts in accounting services and tax compliance.