bookkeeping accounting services
Chartered Accountants
Tax Practitioners Board
Xero
Quick Books
09 Feb 2022

The ATO’s Use of the GST Analytical Tool

Details have been released on the GST Analytical Tool used by the ATO in GST reviews and other assurance matters. Fundamentally, the tool obtains figures from lodged Business Activity Statements and the financial statement of performance from an entity and makes various adjustments in order to understand whether the correct amount of GST is being paid relative to the reported economic activity. While this tool is currently only being used for the Top 100 and Top 1000 GST assurance programs, the basic principle could be applied to all GST reviews. Therefore ensuring you’re getting the right GST services is critical.

What is GAT (GST Analytical Tool)?

The ATO has recently released details of one of its tools used to obtain assurance that business taxpayers are paying the right amount of GST, called the GST Analytical Tool (GAT). This tool uses a standard method statement applying a top down approach to identify and understand variances between accounting figures reported in financial statements, and GST figures reported in Business Activity Statements (BAS).

The GAT provides the ATO with an understanding of the reasons for the differences between accounting and GST figures as well as verifying them with objective evidence. In essence, it is providing the ATO with a holistic view of the business, and assurance that the correct amount of GST is being paid relative to the economic activity reported.

Although at this stage the ATO is only seeking to apply the GAT to the Top 100 and Top 1000 GST assurance programs, the general principle of the analytical tool could be applied to any other sized taxpayer to obtain assurance that the correct amount of GST is being paid.

How Will the ATO Use the GAT?

According to the ATO, it will seek to apply the GAT at an early stage in any GST assurance review to provide an informed basis to drive the program, therefore, the GAT will not be looked at as a standalone measure. It will also seek to obtain assurance over adjustments derived through the GAT.

The process begins with the ATO obtaining figures from both the BASs lodged and the financial statement performance (prior to adjustments). Adjustments are then made consisting of grouping variances, exports, GST-free sales, input-taxed financial supplies, sale of fixed assets, accrued and/or deferred income, and any other adjustments which may affect GST (i.e. rebates)

An effective GST expense rate is then calculated after the adjustments to work out the effective GST sales rate, effective GST expenses rate, and the effective net GST rate, as well as any unexplained dollar value variances. In this process, where all the variances can be explained, a “Stage 3 rating” will be achieved.

In the course of a review, the ATO will work with the taxpayer to agree on the most appropriate approach, as according to the ATO, the GAT process is collaborative.

Need Assurance?

If you’re not sure whether your business GST processes are robust, our bookkeepers in Melbourne can help you to ensure that all transactions are recorded correctly. If you need help with your BAS or to get through a GST review process, we have the expertise to make it easy. Contact Alexander Bright today to learn more about our GST services and book your obligation-free consultation.

Accountants & business advisors Let's Get to Work Today

    +61 3 8658 5821 +61 3 8658 5821 Enquire Now Enquire Now
    Review Widget