GST classification errors can lead to significant under-reporting of GST for some taxpayers.

The ATO recently issued guidance for small to medium businesses on self-reviewing GST classification of food and health products.

The use of this guide is not mandatory, although the ATO encourages small to medium businesses to regularly self-review the GST classification of supplies, and adopt better practice processes and controls as listed in the accompanying checklist.

The checklist provides practical, step-by-step guidance for entities to:

• self-review the GST classification of their supplies (products they import, purchase as stock or produce for sale); and
• assess the robustness of their business systems, processes and controls that directly impact their GST classification systems.

Small business food retailers with turnover of $2 million or less may use one of the 'GST simplified accounting methods' to account for GST instead.

Note: The material and contents provided in this publication are informative in nature only. It is not intended to be advice and you should not act specifically on the basis of this information alone. If expert assistance is required, professional advice should be obtained.