Understand the GST implications of a transaction

Get clear GST advice before your business transaction.

GST is one of those tax areas that looks straightforward but catches experienced business people out constantly. The rules around supply classifications, input tax credits, margin schemes, and cross-border transactions are complex, and the consequences of getting them wrong are significant – penalties, interest, and deals that unravel. If you are entering a material transaction, you need to understand exactly how GST will apply before you commit. ADLV Law provides comprehensive GST analysis so you can proceed with confidence.

Understand the GST implications of a transaction

ADLV Law will analyse your transaction, identify GST risks and opportunities, and provide clear guidance on the most tax-effective structure.

Which transactions are most commonly affected by complex GST issues?

Commercial property transactions, business sales, property developments, financial supplies, and cross-border arrangements are the most common sources of GST complexity. The treatment of each can vary significantly depending on how the transaction is structured, and small differences in structure can produce very different GST outcomes.

What is the GST margin scheme and when does it apply?

The margin scheme is an alternative method for calculating GST on the sale of real property. It can significantly reduce GST liability compared to the standard method – particularly where the seller acquired the property before GST was introduced, or as part of a GST-free acquisition. The parties must agree in writing for the margin scheme to apply.

Can a business sale be structured as a GST-free going concern?

Yes, where certain conditions are met – including that the seller is carrying on an enterprise and transfers everything necessary for the buyer to continue that enterprise. Structuring a business sale as a going concern can eliminate a significant GST liability, but the conditions must be carefully satisfied or the ATO may treat the sale as taxable.

What are the risks of getting GST wrong on a business transaction?

The ATO can reassess GST for up to four years from the date the return was due. Where GST is incorrectly classified, penalties of up to 75% of the shortfall can apply, plus interest. On a large transaction, the combined exposure can be substantial – and the cost of correcting an error is always higher than the cost of getting it right at the outset.

Avoid costly GST mistakes

Optimal transaction structure

Correct GST treatment

Get GST clarity today.

Contact our GST specialists for expert advice on your transaction. We will help you understand the implications before you commit.

Don't let GST surprises derail your deal.

GST can significantly impact the cost and viability of a transaction. The rules are complex and constantly changing, and mistakes can trigger substantial penalties and interest. One wrong assumption about GST treatment could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars or trigger an ATO audit that disrupts your business for months.

When a complex transaction raises difficult GST questions

You have built something valuable through hard work and smart decisions. Now you are facing a transaction that could take your business to the next level, perhaps an acquisition, property development, or restructure. But the GST implications are not clear, and you need to understand them before you commit to anything.

What's included in your GST advice service

GST complexity shouldn't kill good deals.

You need to understand exactly how GST will apply to your transaction – what is taxable, what credits you can claim, and how to structure things for the best outcome. Without proper advice, you risk unexpected tax bills that destroy transaction margins, lost input tax credits worth thousands, and audit exposure that disrupts your business. GST errors are not merely embarrassing – they can cost more than the profit the transaction was meant to generate. And unlike some tax issues, the damage tends to surface when you are already committed and the deal is done.

How we bring GST clarity to your transaction

We provide comprehensive GST analysis specific to your transaction, identifying risks, optimising the structure, and ensuring full compliance before you sign. We examine every relevant aspect – supply classifications, credit entitlements, margin scheme eligibility, and the going concern rules – so you have a complete picture before you commit. Our advice is written and specific to your facts, not generic. With clarity achieved, you can focus on executing your business strategy, confident that the GST treatment is correct and the transaction is structured to minimise cost.

Your GST clarity roadmap.

Get it right the first time - understand GST before you sign.

Transaction review

Share your transaction details with our GST specialists. We will identify key issues and opportunities immediately.

GST analysis

We examine every aspect - supply classifications, credit entitlements, margin scheme eligibility, and optimal structuring for your transaction.

Clear guidance

Receive comprehensive written advice with practical implementation steps before your transaction proceeds.

GST specialists with 25+ years advising on complex business transactions.

We understand that GST feels like a minefield when you are trying to close an important transaction. The rules seem designed to catch you out, and the stakes are high. For over 25 years, ADLV Law has guided businesses through complex GST scenarios – from property developments to business sales, restructures to cross-border deals. Our firm has been recommended by Doyle’s Guide as a leading tax law firm, and our team includes Accredited Specialists in Business Law.

We understand you want to know the cost, before we get started.

We will map out our process, from beginning to end, so you know what the journey will look like before you get started.

We will provide you with a clear and detailed Work Proposal covering each step along the way.

Our fair fees are all-inclusive. No hidden costs for telephone calls, emails, photocopying, couriers, or coffee.

Our great lawyer guarantee

We want to be part of your team over the long term. We achieve this by adhering to these core principles:

Take the time

We listen carefully to understand what you want to achieve. Then we thoroughly explain our advice and step you through the documents. You can be sure you know the full consequences.

Share our knowledge

We will pass on as much knowledge as we can, so you can make your own informed decisions. We want to make you truly independent.

Stick to our knitting

We only do what we're good at. You can be confident that we know what we're doing and don't pass on the cost of our learning.

Work as one team

Someone will always be available to answer your questions, or point you in the right direction. You will also benefit from a range of perspectives and experience.

Fair pricing

For advice and documents, we provide a fixed or capped quote so you don't take price risk. If you're in a dispute, we map out the process and costs so you know what to expect.

It's your show

We're not in this for our egos. We're in it for a front row seat to witness your success.

Get GST clarity today.

Contact our GST specialists for expert advice on your transaction. We will help you understand the implications before you commit.

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Understand the GST implications of a transaction

Get clear GST advice before your business transaction.