loader image

Home > Blog > ATO shifts the responsibility for paying GST from developers to purchasers

ATO shifts the responsibility for paying GST from developers to purchasers

Date: 1 May 2018

The ATO will soon be outsourcing the collection of GST on new residential property sales and home site sales to innocent purchasers in an attempt to thwart cowboy developers who do not meet their GST obligations.

Parliament has recently passed legislation that changes the way GST is paid and accounted for in transactions involving new residential property. In effect, the purchaser will be required to withhold the GST portion from the sale price prior to settlement, then pay that amount directly to the ATO on behalf of the property developer.

When will it apply?

The new rules will apply on all contracts entered into from 1 July 2018. Additionally, contracts entered prior to 1 July 2018 will also be caught if settlement is to occur on or after 1 July 2020.

Which property?

The new rules apply to the sale of new non-commercial residential property, or potential residential land. Potential residential land means land permissible for use as residential premises which does not contain any buildings.

The new rules do not apply to the construction of commercial property (factories, shops etc.), commercial residential property (hotels, motels etc.), new residential property created through substantial renovations or the sale of taxable land where both parties are registered for GST.

Amount paid & timing

The amount that must be withheld by the purchaser and paid to the ATO at or before settlement will generally be one-eleventh of the total purchase price.

If the vendor has a GST margin scheme in place, the withholding amount will be 7%. The vendor can then recover the excess amount of GST by claiming a refund as part of their BAS for the period.

Obligations and liability

Vendors must give written notice to purchasers instructing whether they are required to withhold at least 14 days prior to settlement. Importantly, though the withholding requirement only applies to certain residential property, notice must be given to the purchaser of all residential property and potential residential land (commercial, renovated etc.).

If a vendor fails to give notice to the purchaser, or if a purchaser fails to make the withholding payment to the ATO after receiving notice, they may face a fine or administrative penalty.

Know More

Office Closure – Tuesday 4 November

Office Closure – Tuesday 4 November

Please note that our offices will be closed on Tuesday, 4 November 2025 as our team participates in a company-wide Team Building Day. This day is all about strengthening collaboration, creativity and connection across our teams. We’ll be back on deck and ready to...

read more
19 for 19 Challenge

19 for 19 Challenge

Roberts + Morrow was proud to sponsor the incredible 2025 19 for 19 Challenge - a day filled with heart, hope and community spirit in support of Anya’s Wish and world-leading osteosarcoma research. From walkers and runners to volunteers and local businesses, the event...

read more