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GST on advance payments

Taken a deposit or advance before delivering? Whether GST applies depends on what you're supplying. Here's the rule.

By the Launch My Office team · Updated 2026-06-22 · 5 min read

Advances are common in custom orders, services and B2B deals. The GST treatment differs between goods and services, and getting it wrong creates reconciliation headaches.

Goods vs services

In your returns

Advances liable to GST are reported in the relevant return period and then adjusted when you raise the final invoice. Keep the trail clean so totals reconcile.

Service providers especially should account for GST on advances in the month received — a common miss that surfaces in reconciliation later.

Document it properly

Use receipt vouchers for advances and adjust them on the final tax invoice. Tidy documentation prevents double-counting.

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Frequently asked questions

Is GST charged on advance payments?

For services, generally yes, when received. For goods, most suppliers account for GST at invoice/supply, not on the bare advance.

What document do I issue for an advance?

A receipt voucher where GST applies, later adjusted against the tax invoice.

How do advances appear in returns?

Reported when liable and adjusted when the final invoice is raised.

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