This tool is designed to guide you through the process of preparing your GST return and reconciling it against your balance sheet, helping ensure your return is accurate before you file.
Select your GST period and basis below, then work through the checklist before using the reconciliation section to confirm your figures stack up.
If you have any questions about your GST return, or need help with your reconciliation, please get in touch at [email protected].
Select your GST period and basis, complete the checklist, then use the reconciliation section below to verify your return figures.
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For support with the tool, or to report a bug or error, please contact [email protected].
This tool is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute professional advice. Step Ahead Accounting Limited accepts no liability for any actions taken based on its use.
On a payments basis, you account for GST when money is actually received or paid. On an invoice basis, you account for GST when you issue or receive an invoice, regardless of whether payment has been made. Most small businesses with turnover under $2 million can use either basis.
On a payments basis, outstanding invoices (money owed to you and by you) haven't been included in your GST return yet. You'll account for that GST when the cash is actually received or paid. To reconcile your GST return against your balance sheet, you need to account for the GST sitting in those outstanding amounts, which is why the reconciliation includes an Aged Receivables and Aged Payables adjustment.
Unfinalised adjustments are entries that have been posted to your accounting software but not yet filed in a GST return. These include, for example, end-of-year journal entries, accruals, or corrections processed after the period end. These can create a timing difference between your balance sheet and your filed return.
A small variance may indicate a missed transaction, a coding error, or a timing difference. Review your unfinalised adjustments and outstanding invoices first. If you can't reconcile the variance, contact us at [email protected] and we can help investigate before you file.
GST return due dates depend on your filing frequency. Monthly filers must file by the 28th of the following month. Two-monthly and six-monthly filers also generally have a 28th of the month deadline after the period ends, though certain periods may have different dates. Check your specific due dates on the IRD website.
Yes. Use the period dropdowns at the top of the tool to select any month and year. The checklist tasks will automatically update to reference the period you've selected.
Yes. While we're based in Dunedin, we work with clients across New Zealand. We offer video call consultations and manage all compliance work remotely, so your location is no barrier to working with us.