GST on Second-Hand Goods: How to Claim Back Tax on Used Business Equipment in NZ

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GST on Second-Hand Goods in New Zealand: A Complete Guide

If you’re running a business in New Zealand and looking to purchase second-hand equipment, you’ve probably wondered about the GST implications. Whether you’re buying a used lawnmower for your landscaping business, a printer for your office, or tools from TradeMe, understanding how to handle GST on second-hand goods can save you money and keep you compliant with Inland Revenue requirements.

The good news? You can claim back GST on second-hand purchases even when the seller isn’t GST-registered. This article explains everything you need to know about GST on second-hand goods, including how to calculate it, what records to keep, and the exceptions you should be aware of.

Understanding GST on Second-Hand Purchases

One of the most common questions business owners ask is whether they can claim GST when purchasing second-hand items from private sellers who aren’t GST-registered. Perhaps you’ve found the perfect piece of equipment on TradeMe, or you’re buying a used vehicle from a private seller who can’t provide a GST invoice.

The answer is yes – you can claim the GST component on second-hand goods purchased for your business, even when the seller isn’t GST-registered. This is a significant benefit that many business owners don’t realize they’re entitled to.

Calculating GST on Second-Hand Goods

Calculating the GST component on second-hand purchases is straightforward once you know the formula. Here’s how it works:

The Formula:
Take the total price paid and divide by 23, then multiply by 3 to get the GST portion.

GST Amount = (Purchase Price ÷ 23) × 3

Practical Example

Let’s say you purchase a second-hand printer for your business for $100. Here’s how you’d calculate the GST:

  • Purchase price: $100
  • GST calculation: ($100 ÷ 23) × 3 = $13.04
  • GST claimable: $13.04

Alternatively, if you pay through your business bank account, you can simply treat it as a GST purchase in your accounting software, which should automatically calculate the correct GST amount.

Record-Keeping Requirements

Even though you may not receive a traditional GST invoice from a private seller, you still need to maintain proper records to claim the GST. Inland Revenue requires you to document the following information about your second-hand purchase:

  • Name and address of the supplier – Keep details of who you purchased from
  • Date of the purchase – Record when the transaction occurred
  • Description of the goods – Be specific about what you bought
  • Quantity of goods – Note how many items you purchased
  • Price paid – Document the total amount you paid
  • Location confirmation – Verify that the goods are situated in New Zealand

These records are essential for your GST claim and may be requested during an IRD audit, so keep them organized and easily accessible.

Important Exception: Associated Persons

There’s one crucial exception to be aware of when claiming GST on second-hand goods. If you’re purchasing from someone associated with you (such as family members, business partners, or close friends), different rules apply.

When buying from an associated person who isn’t GST-registered, you can only claim the lowest of the following three amounts:

  1. The purchase price you paid
  2. The current market value of the item
  3. The GST component (if any) of the original cost to the supplier

This rule exists to prevent tax manipulation between family members and associates. For example, if you buy a car from your brother who isn’t GST-registered, and he originally paid $20,000 for it (GST component: $2,608.70), but you pay him $15,000 when the current market value is $18,000, you can only claim GST on $15,000 (the lowest amount).

Using the GST Calculator

To make your calculations easier, consider using an online GST calculator. Beany offers a free GST calculator that can quickly help you determine:

  • GST-inclusive prices
  • GST-exclusive prices
  • The GST component of any amount

This tool can save you time and reduce calculation errors when processing second-hand purchases for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GST?

Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a 15% tax added to most goods and services in New Zealand. If you’re GST-registered, you can claim back the GST portion on purchases used for taxable business activities. This effectively reduces your business costs by allowing you to recover the tax component of your expenses.

Where can I find my GST number?

Your GST number depends on your business structure:

  • Sole traders: Your GST number is the same as your personal IRD number
  • Companies and partnerships: Your GST number is the same as your company or partnership IRD number

You’ll need this number when completing GST returns and for business correspondence with Inland Revenue.

What are zero-rated supplies?

Zero-rated supplies have a GST rate of 0% applied to them. These are different from GST-exempt supplies (where no GST is charged at all). Zero-rated supplies typically include exports of goods and services, as well as certain financial services and supplies of going concerns.

When is my GST return due?

New Zealand businesses file GST returns at different frequencies depending on their size:

  • Six-monthly: For businesses with sales under $500,000 in any 12-month period
  • Two-monthly: For mid-sized businesses
  • Monthly: For larger businesses

Check the IRD website for specific eligibility criteria for different filing frequencies, or speak with your accountant to determine the best option for your business.

Can I claim GST on a second-hand vehicle?

Yes, you can claim GST on a second-hand vehicle purchased for business use, following the same rules as other second-hand goods. Calculate the GST component using the formula provided, and ensure you keep proper records of the purchase. Remember that if you’re buying from an associated person, the special exception rules apply.

What if I don’t have proof of purchase?

While you may not receive a formal invoice from a private seller, you must still maintain records of the transaction. Keep emails, text messages, TradeMe purchase confirmations, bank statements, or any other documentation that proves the purchase. Create your own record with all the required information listed in the record-keeping section above.

Can I claim GST on goods purchased overseas?

The rules for second-hand goods apply to items situated in New Zealand. For overseas purchases, different rules may apply, and you should consult with your accountant to ensure you’re claiming correctly.

What happens if I can’t determine the GST component?

If you’re uncertain about the GST calculation or have a complex purchase situation, it’s best to consult with a qualified accountant. They can help ensure you’re claiming the correct amount and maintaining proper records for IRD compliance.

Why Proper GST Management Matters

Understanding and correctly claiming GST on second-hand goods can make a real difference to your business cash flow. Many business owners miss out on legitimate GST claims simply because they’re unaware of the rules or uncertain about the process.

By staying informed and maintaining proper records, you can:

  • Maximize your GST claims and improve cash flow
  • Stay compliant with IRD requirements
  • Avoid potential issues during tax audits
  • Make more informed purchasing decisions for your business

Get Expert Help with Your GST Requirements

Navigating GST rules, especially for second-hand purchases and special transactions, can be complex. While claiming GST on second-hand goods is relatively straightforward, other aspects of GST compliance may require professional guidance.

At Business Like NZ Ltd, we specialize in helping ambitious New Zealand businesses manage their accounting requirements, including GST compliance, bookkeeping, and financial strategy. Our team delivers big-firm expertise without the big cost, handling everything from monthly GST returns to annual compliance.

Whether you’re a sole trader just starting out or an established business looking to optimize your accounting processes, we’re here to help you make smarter financial decisions.

Ready to simplify your GST compliance?

Don’t let confusion about GST rules cost your business money or create compliance headaches. Our friendly team of problem solvers is ready to discuss your specific accounting needs and show you how we can help your business thrive.

Contact Business Like NZ Ltd today to discuss your accounting and business requirements:

  • Phone: 09 262 0726
  • Email: info@blnz.co.nz
  • Book a call: Visit our website to schedule a convenient time to discuss your requirements

Get in touch today and discover how Business Like NZ Ltd can help you focus on growing your business while we handle the numbers. Let’s make your GST compliance simple, accurate, and stress-free.

Learn more: Mastering Claiming GST: A Complete Guide

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