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inself(Initiate)Initiate
20 Apr 2025

I have a contract with Company A for a total of $11,000, which includes $10,000 plus 10% GST. The transaction has been completed. However, I’ve just discovered that the supplier does not appear to be tax-registered — they have no ABN or TFN.


My question is:

Am I still eligible to claim the $1,000 GST as input tax credits in this case?


I’m confused because if I claim it, it seems like the government may lose $1,000 due to the supplier not being registered. But if I don’t claim, then I bear the cost. I would really appreciate your guidance on how I should proceed in this situation.


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6 replies
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Taxduck(Taxicorn)Taxicorn
20 Apr 2025

No. From ATO

"You can claim a credit for any GST included in the price you pay for things you use in your business"

As the supplier wasn't registered for GST then there was no GST in the price.

When you can claim a GST credit | Australian Taxation Office

The total $11,000 will now be a deductible expense.

To claim a GST credit you need to hold a valid tax invoice. So did they provide a fraudulent tax invoice?

Tax invoices | Australian Taxation Office

Liked by inself
inself(Initiate)Initiate
22 Apr 2025

After being assured by the supplier that GST was included, it never crossed my mind that a company with over $10 million in turnover might not even have an ABN. If that’s the case, it could potentially involve fraud or corruption — but that’s well beyond anything I can control, and honestly not something I want to be involved in.


Right now, my main concern is this: now that I’ve found out they don’t have an ABN, is it still compliant for me to claim the GST?


Taxduck(Taxicorn)Taxicorn
22 Apr 2025

Your supplier is not registered for GST so there is no GST to claim. From ATO guidelines (as provided in earlier reply)

"When claiming GST credits, make sure your suppliers are registered for GST"

inself(Initiate)Initiate
23 Apr 2025

@Taxduck

Thanks for the reply. Honestly, I kinda regret looking into whether they had an ABN—if I hadn’t checked, I could’ve just claimed the GST and stayed blissfully unaware. Now that I know, I can’t un-know it… and I just have to wear the loss.


Man, these big guys stealing from the government is one thing, but stealing from a broke guy like me too? That’s just brutal.😰


Anyway, appreciate your help!


gtho4(Devotee)Devotee
22 Apr 2025

As the supplier doesn't have an ABN, you also have a second issue to address.


https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/hiring-and-paying-your-workers/payg-withholding/payments-you-need-to-withhold-from/withholding-from-suppliers/withholding-if-abn-not-provided


Did you deduct deduct 47% withholding [$5,170.00], and send it to the ATO on your next BAS?

Liked by inself
inself(Initiate)Initiate
22 Apr 2025

Hi gtho4,


Thanks for your response. I was told the amount included GST, and honestly, it never occurred to me that a company with over $10 million in revenue wouldn’t have an ABN — so I didn’t withhold anything.


This is not a world I want to get involved in, nor one I’m able to navigate. I just want to do the right thing and claim GST properly.


If that’s not allowed, then I guess I’ll just have to accept the loss.


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