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Australia does not use a VAT system. In Perth, the relevant practice is GST and indirect tax law, covering federal GST and Western Australian taxes such as transfer duty and land tax.
Legal work commonly involves GST registration, taxable and input-taxed supplies, property transactions, business sales, development projects, imports, restructuring, and disputes with the Australian Taxation Office or RevenueWA.
Perth businesses may need advice where a transaction crosses state or international borders, involves mining or resources activity, or combines commercial property, construction, finance, and development arrangements. The correct treatment often depends on contracts, valuation, entity structure, and how the transaction is carried out.
The A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth) is the principal GST statute in Perth and throughout Australia. GST commenced on 1 July 2000, and the Act governs registration, taxable supplies, input tax credits, exemptions, invoicing, and anti-avoidance rules.
The A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Regulations 2019 (Cth) support the GST Act and replaced the earlier GST regulations from 1 April 2019. The Taxation Administration Act 1953 (Cth) contains important administration, assessment, penalty, objection, and review provisions.
For Western Australian transactions, the Duties Act 2008 (WA) governs transfer duty and other duties, while the Land Tax Act 2002 (WA) governs land tax. Both can apply alongside GST, and their treatment may differ from the federal GST result.
Australia does not charge VAT. The comparable broad consumption tax is GST, which generally applies at 10 percent to taxable supplies unless an exception or special rule applies.
A business generally must register when its projected or current GST turnover reaches the statutory threshold of $75,000. The threshold for a non-profit organisation is generally $150,000, while taxi and ride-sourcing operators have separate registration rules.
A lawyer can advise on the legal treatment of transactions and help prepare supporting positions. BAS and tax return preparation may also require a registered tax agent, particularly where the work involves providing tax agent services.
The lawyer can identify the issues, preserve relevant documents, prepare submissions, and communicate with the ATO. They may also advise on voluntary disclosure, penalties, payment arrangements, objections, and possible review rights.
A straightforward information request may resolve within weeks, while an objection or complex audit can take several months. Court or tribunal proceedings usually take longer and depend on evidence, jurisdiction, and the dispute’s complexity.
Fees commonly depend on the lawyer’s hourly rate, seniority, technical complexity, and the amount of documentation involved. Before work begins, request a written scope, estimate, billing method, likely disbursements, and the circumstances that could increase the estimate.
A lawyer cannot lawfully remove GST that legislation requires. They can assess whether the sale is taxable, GST-free, input-taxed, or eligible for a special rule such as the margin scheme, subject to the statutory conditions.
GST is a federal tax on taxable supplies, while transfer duty is a Western Australian duty that commonly applies to dutiable transactions involving property and certain business assets. A single Perth transaction may involve both, with different liability, timing, and valuation rules.
Yes. A foreign business may need advice on Australian GST registration, imported goods, digital supplies, Australian-connected transactions, and contracts with Perth customers or suppliers.
Many routine transactions proceed with a settlement agent and accounting advice. A lawyer becomes more useful where the sale involves development, a going concern, a margin scheme, related parties, unusual contracts, disputed duty, or an ATO or RevenueWA issue.
Confidential communications made for the purpose of obtaining legal advice may attract legal professional privilege. The protection has limits, including situations involving waiver, unlawful conduct, or communications that are not genuinely for legal advice.
Useful documents include contracts, invoices, BAS records, settlement statements, valuations, entity charts, leases, loan documents, ATO or RevenueWA correspondence, and relevant accounting workpapers. Providing a clear timeline and identifying disputed transactions can reduce review time.
Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Perth through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including VAT, GST & Indirect Tax, experience, and client feedback.
Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.
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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
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