Turning over less than $60 k? In 90 seconds you’ll learn the one-line rule that tells Kiwi businesses when an invoice without GST in New Zealand is legit. Ready?

If “no GST” is your green light, here’s how to show totals, label the doc, and dodge the three slip-ups IRD fines most. Copy the checklist, send clean invoices today, and future-proof for the day you cross the $60 k mark.

Can You Issue an Invoice Without GST in New Zealand?

When Can You Issue an Invoice Without GST?

What Should a Non-GST Invoice Include?

What If You're Registered, but Want to Skip GST?

Common Mistakes With Invoices In New Zealand

Still confused about invoicing rules in NZ?

 

 

Can You Issue an Invoice Without GST in New Zealand?

If you're running a business in New Zealand, you've probably asked this at some point: "Can I issue an invoice without GST?" The short answer? Yes, but only in specific situations. Let’s break it down so you know when it’s allowed, and when it’s not.

 

 

When Can You Issue an Invoice Without GST?

You can issue an invoice without GST if you’re not registered for GST with Inland Revenue (IRD). In New Zealand, GST registration is only mandatory if:

Your turnover exceeds $60,000 in the past 12 months

Or you expect it to exceed $60,000 in the next 12 months

If you fall below that threshold, registering for GST is optional and your invoices should not include GST. The rules are:

You must not charge GST

You must not include your GST number (because you don’t have one)

You can still issue invoices — just label them clearly as not GST-registered

 

 

What Should a Non-GST Invoice Include?

Even without GST, your invoice still needs to be professional and compliant. Here’s what to include:

Your business name and contact details

The word “Invoice”

A unique invoice number

Date of issue

Description of goods/services

The total amount payable (with no GST line)

A note stating: “Not registered for GST”

More details about invoices you can find in a complete guide for New Zealand.

 

 

What If You're Registered, But Want to Skip GST?

That’s not allowed. If you’re registered for GST:

You must charge 15% GST on all taxable supplies

You must include your GST number on the invoice

You must file regular GST returns

Trying to skip GST is tax evasion.

 

 

Common Mistakes With Invoices In New Zealand

Quoting GST when not registered is illegal and can trigger penalties plus backdated GST.

Forgetting to register after crossing $60 k: inland Revenue can back-date your registration and charge interest.

Using old “tax invoice” templates post-2023: Update to align with TSI requirements if you register.

 

 

Still confused about invoicing rules in NZ?

Use a compliant invoicing API or software that adapts to your tax setup and stays aligned with IRD rules.

Track your rolling 12-month revenue monthly so you know when you approach $60 k.

Keep basic records even if unregistered; you may need them when you do register.

If unsure, talk to an accountant or call Inland Revenue’s GST help line.

Review your client contracts—some larger customers require a GST number; negotiate wording if you aren’t registered.

Additional reading:

• 2030 Intra Community E-invoicing Mandatory EU ViDA
• 3 Best White-Label Invoicing APIs for B2B SaaS, Fintech, and Neobank Platforms