Turn off GST, Singapore

Thank you for choosing QuickBooks for your business, @BSL_Ling. 

I'm here to share some ideas about the GST feature in QuickBooks Online. This way, you can decide whether to turn it off or not.

QuickBooks has a default set of GST/VAT codes created for you automatically. That said, it can do the calculations for you on your invoices and receipts for easy and accurate filing. 

Once you have setup or turned on GST, we can no longer turn off this option. This includes your past transactions with the GST. If you don't want them to be calculated, you can set it up manually.

You'll want to consider changing your default tax rate. Take note that changing an existing one can affect your sales tax tracking, especially on prior transactions.

To learn more about GST rates, you can visit this article. It includes steps on how to deactivate and add group tax.

I highly suggest reaching out to an accountant so they can help you identify the correct amounts and code to be used. 

You might also find these links helpful regarding GST:

• FAQ for GST in QuickBooks Online.
• Change custom sales tax rates.

If you have further questions about GST, always know that the Community is always ready to help. We'll be on a lookout for your reply. Keep safe.

HI @JamaicaA 

Thank you for your reply.

Is this article on "how to setup GST for non GST registered clients" apply to QBO International, in particular Singapore?

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-au/gst-and-bas/how-do-i-set-gst-to-not-apply-to-the-f...

If this applies to Singapore, is it possible to build in the tax code N-T (Ie Not Taxable) as Out-of-Scope is defined by IRAS as follows (https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/goods-services-tax-(gst)/charging-gst-(output-tax)/when-is-gst-not-cha...):

GST does not need to be charged on out-of-scope supplies and such supplies need not be reported in the GST return.

Out-of-scope supplies include sale of goods not brought into Singapore, sales of overseas goods made within the Free Trade Zone and Zero GST Warehouses, and private transactions.

Sale of Goods not Brought into Singapore

Sale of goods that are delivered from a place outside Singapore to another place outside Singapore. Such supplies are considered to be out-of-scope supplies; they are not subject to GST and need not be reported in the GST return.

And since some of our clients have a combination of OFS and taxable supplies/purchases, it can be confusing to put it as OFS in the advanced settings.

Hello, @BSL_Ling.

Thanks for posting here in the QuickBooks Community. I'm joining in the conversation to share additional information about this GST concern.

Your linked article applies to QBO Australia users, hence, the country's flag is indicated at the top-right of the post. For your country, you need to manually toggle if the sale is inclusive, exclusive or out of scope for GST. See this:

If you're using the program for Singapore, refer to these GST links:

• Conducting nontaxable sales
• Set up and use GST in QuickBooks Online
• FAQ for GST in QuickBooks Online
• Learn how QuickBooks Online calculates GST

Please post here again if there's anything else you need help with. I'll be right here to help you out with your tax concerns. Have a good one!

Hi @Jen_D 

Thank you for your comments. 

FYI.  If the quote we are supposed to use for non-registered GST traders in Singapore is OFS, this may create some confusion since some of our clients who are GST registered traders provide both OFS and taxable supplies. 

I am enclosing the definition from IRAS on what constitutes OFS supplies/purchases

(https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/goods-services-tax-(gst)/charging-gst-(output-tax)/when-is-gst-not-cha...):

GST does not need to be charged on out-of-scope supplies and such supplies need not be reported in the GST return.

Out-of-scope supplies include sale of goods not brought into Singapore, sales of overseas goods made within the Free Trade Zone and Zero GST Warehouses, and private transactions.

Sale of Goods not Brought into Singapore

Sale of goods that are delivered from a place outside Singapore to another place outside Singapore. Such supplies are considered to be out-of-scope supplies; they are not subject to GST and need not be reported in the GST return.

Therefore, would it be possible to build in the tax code N-T (Ie Not Taxable) in the Settings Page as shown

Welcome back, BSL_Ling.

I appreciate you for pointing out some information. Let me share some clarifications about tax codes in QBO.

The option to add a tax code for how to record GST for non-GST registered clients. We acknowledge this idea and will surely give updates once our developer reviews this.

Have this article handy for a video tutorial on how to set up sales taxes in QBO: How to set up sales tax

Also, I want you to get in the loop about the latest news and product developments in QuickBooks. That said, I encourage you to visit our Firm of the future site. To narrow down your search, you can go to the Product & Industry News tab.

You might want to visit the following link to become more familiar with the features and functions of QBO: Help Articles.

I'm looking forward to hearing this being resolved. Let me know if you have other QuickBooks questions and I'll be here to help. Wishing you a good one.