Tax Receipt - definition & overview
Contents
What's a tax receipt?
A tax receipt can be a physical or digital document which serves as a record of a transaction and proof of purchase for the customer.
What Information Should a Tax Receipt Include?
- Your business name (and logo, if applicable)
- Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Date of sale
- A unique invoice number
- Description of the goods or services provided
- Quantity of goods or services
- Price per item (including GST if applicable)
- Total amount paid
How Should I Provide Tax Receipts?
You can provide receipts to your customers in a variety of ways:
- Printed paper receipts (traditional method)
- Electronic receipts sent via email
- Digital receipts displayed on a screen for customer to accept
Why Are Tax Receipts Important for Small Businesses?
Receipts are crucial for several reasons:
- Customer Satisfaction: Receipts provide a clear record of the purchase for the customer, allowing them to track their spending or return items if needed.
- Tax Records: Receipts help you track your income and claim GST credits (if applicable).
- Dispute Resolution: A receipt serves as evidence of the transaction in case of any disputes with the customer.
- Accounting: Proper receipts ensure your business records are accurate for tax and accounting purposes.
Additional Considerations:
- Electronic vs. Paper Receipts: Consider offering both options to cater to customer preference and environmental concerns.
- Record Keeping: Always keep copies of issued receipts for your business records.
- Software: Accounting software often includes features to generate and manage receipts electronically.
Resources:
- Australian Taxation Office: Record keeping for small business: https://www.ato.gov.au/other-languages/information-in-other-languages/business/record-keeping-for-small-businesses