GST on $40
Both answers, because "GST on $40" means two different things depending on whether that figure already includes GST.
How much GST is on $40?
- If $40 is before GST: GST is $6.00 and the total becomes $46.00.
- If $40 already includes GST: the GST portion is $5.22 and the price before GST is $34.78.
- Working: $40.00 × 1.15 = $46.00 · $40.00 ÷ 23 × 3 = $5.22
$40, worked both ways
| Treating $40 as… | GST | Ex GST | Inc GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| a price before GST | $6.00 | $40.00 | $46.00 |
| a total that includes GST | $5.22 | $34.78 | $40.00 |
| an Australian price at 10% | $4.00 | $40.00 | $44.00 |
The two NZ rows are the ones people mix up. Charging $6.00 of GST on an invoice whose total is meant to be $40 would leave you $0.78 short once Inland Revenue takes its cut — the GST inside $40 is only $5.22.
The two calculations
Adding GST to a GST-exclusive price.
Finding the GST already inside a total.
Stripping GST out to get the ex-GST price.
Taking 15% of a GST-inclusive figure is the common error — it overstates the GST every time. Full guide, with the registration rules and the $60,000 threshold →
Do the next bit too
The number is the easy part. These take it the rest of the way.
Make the invoice
Turn this figure into a compliant GST tax invoice with your logo and download the PDF. The amount carries across automatically.
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See Hnry →GST on other amounts
The rest of the toolkit
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