Avoid 10% GST being added to my products

[sensormart]

I am a new eBay seller in Australia.  I registered with a business account and provided my ACN during registration.  I sell products each priced under AUD300.00; however, eBay automatically adds 10% GST to my listings.   Since I expect my annual turnover to remain below AUD75,000, I'm not required to register for GST and therefore shouldn't be charging it.  I would like to know how to avoid this 10% GST being added to my products.

[gutterpunkz05]

Your items show as being shipped from china and therefore ebay is required to collect  GST

[sandypebbles]

Yes, it should be charged

You send from China

You may need to read up on drop shipping too

And about lifting photos from other websites 

[sensormart]

Thank you for all the replies above.

I understand that eBay sellers are responsible for paying GST to the ATO when goods are shipped from overseas (e.g., China), and I will register for GST when my business turnover requires it (say > AUD 70,000 per annum).

However, I’ve noticed that eBay is automatically adding 10% GST to my listings, which is incorrect in my case. I am not registered for GST and therefore should not be charging GST to buyers.

The issue is that in my Business Information settings, I cannot find any option to update my GST status or untick the “Prices include GST” checkbox. From my research, it seems this option may only appear if I add an ABN — but my ABN is not registered for GST, and I’m unsure how to proceed.

Could anyone please advise how I can:

• Update my account to reflect that I am not GST-registered, or
• Enable the setting so I can manually remove GST from my listings?

I want to ensure I remain compliant with ATO regulations and that buyers are not incorrectly charged GST on my items.

Also, if anyone has a working phone number for eBay Australia Seller Support, I’d appreciate it — I’ve tried calling 1800 322 928 and 1800 093 577 but haven’t been able to get through.

Thanks in advance for your help and guidance.

[twyngwyn]

There is no Australian phone number…..they have an office in Sydney, but I think it employs admin & legal…..it’s not for buyers/sellers

[gutterpunkz05 · Accepted solution]

Hi there,  if the item is low value, IE: under $1000 and is being shipped into Australia, then ebay is required to collect and remit the GST, not the seller.  In some cases it is collected via the shipping agent, but again not the sellers responsibility.

If the item is valued over $1000, then the GST is applied at the border, and the  buyer will be contacted by border force  or the shipping agent and required to pay GST plus charges/duties (usually about 25% all up) before the item will be released.

So no point contacting ebay, they are only doing what they are legally required to do.

[domino-710 · Accepted solution]

I think you had better get a handle on what you are actually doing.

Your items when sold -  are coming directly from China - therefore attracting GST.

Nothing to do with you not being Registered for GST - nothing at all.

[sensormart]

Hi,

Thanks so much to those who took the time to respond to my question about GST exemption. While I’m still seeking a bit more clarity on the topic, I truly appreciate your input and effort in helping out. It’s great to see such a supportive community!