GST on $50
Both answers, because "GST on $50" means two different things depending on whether that figure already includes GST.
How much GST is on $50?
- If $50 is before GST: GST is $7.50 and the total becomes $57.50.
- If $50 already includes GST: the GST portion is $6.52 and the price before GST is $43.48.
- Working: $50.00 × 1.15 = $57.50 · $50.00 ÷ 23 × 3 = $6.52
$50, worked both ways
| Treating $50 as… | GST | Ex GST | Inc GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| a price before GST | $7.50 | $50.00 | $57.50 |
| a total that includes GST | $6.52 | $43.48 | $50.00 |
| an Australian price at 10% | $5.00 | $50.00 | $55.00 |
The two NZ rows are the ones people mix up. Charging $7.50 of GST on an invoice whose total is meant to be $50 would leave you $0.98 short once Inland Revenue takes its cut — the GST inside $50 is only $6.52.
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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Hnry takes your income, works out the GST, ACC and income tax, pays them and files the returns. Built for NZ sole traders.
See Hnry →GST on other amounts
The rest of the toolkit
Ten free tools that talk to each other — send hours or an accepted quote straight into an invoice without retyping a thing. No signup on any of them.