What is GST

Two Words For The Same Tax – GST vs VAT Tax!

If you are wondering about your business’s tax obligations as it’s time that you pay your annual taxes. Maybe you have heard of a business term that you are not much familiar with – GST! The question that arises here is that what is GST? Let’s do a little digging and you will find out that GST is not very different from VAT.

However, there is a fine line that differentiates GST and VAT. The question is that if these differences between these terms make any difference for your business? This blog has got you covered. We will let you know everything that will satisfy your quest for knowledge about GST or VAT?

Our Professional at Accotax will unfold most related to GST vs VAT for UK-based businesses. Get in touch today and get answers to your most frequently asked questions.

In this handy guide, we will cover the following:

GST vs VAT Tax

  • How to define VAT?
  • What is GST?
  • Major Differences between VAT and GST

How to define VAT?

VAT is the abbreviation of Value Added Tax. on the purchase of certain products and services, it is a consumption tax that is applied then. It is the type of indirect tax that means that Government does not collect it directly from the customers. The businesses that sell products collect this kind of tax themselves from the customers before they pay it to the government.

However, there are some purchases on which the tax is exempted and charged at zero rates. In this situation, the government does not apply VAT currently but there is the possibility that it can be charged in the future. So, the prices get affected by applying VAT on the purchase.

At Accotax, you can learn about its registration process to list your business with the government to be active in sales.

What is GST?

Let’s delve deep to know what is GST? GST is the abbreviation of Goods and Services Tax. It is also a form of Value Added Tax (VAT). It is charged in the countries like Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, India,  and Canada. More or less VAT and GST work the same way in the consumption tax that is imposed on the products and services.

If you are unable to register for GST, the penalties will be significant as you failed to register for GST. It is suggested not to put off the registration to avoid penalties after you are fully aware of GST and the process.

We offer our services at the best. If you intend to file income tax returns or GST compliance for freelancers, be sure to get in touch with us today!

Major Differences between VAT and GST:

It is said that GST and VAT are simply two words for tax. VAT is the kind of tax that is associated with goods and services tax. Whereas GST is a kind of VAT (Value Added Tax), they are mainly two different words for the same tax. Businesses that are based in the UK don’t worry about VAT and GST.

However, if you do business with the premises of countries where GST is applied, several differences might help you if learned, this includes the following.

  • Registration Requirements
  • Tax-free Items
  • Rate Of Taxation

Registration Requirements:

This may vary from country to country for VAT and GST if we talk about registration requirements. If GST turnover goes over AUD 75,000 then it is a must to register for GST. In contrast, the VAT threshold is 85,000 pounds.

Tax-free Items:

Another important point to know is that some products that are exempted from VAT are not free from GST. For example, some precious metals like gold are exempt from VAT in the UK. However, silver and platinum are not exempt from VAT. Some of the precious metals are GST- free in Australia as well.

Rate Of Taxation:

Normally VAT is higher than GST. When it comes to the rate of VAT in the UK, it is 20 percent. In Singapore, Australia, and Canada the GST rate is 7 percent, 10 percent, and 5 percent accordingly.

Conclusion:

As you have read about what is GST and VAT along with several differences between them. If you are in dealing with VAT and GST at the same moment, it is suggested to outsource your tax filing from a professional accountant. As GST and VAT, both are complex taxation areas.

 

Get in touch to outsource tax filing from our expert accountants at Accotax today.

 

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