Change GST filing frequency or accounting basis in myIR
GST filing frequency is how often you send returns to Inland Revenue (IRD). Accounting basis is when a sale or purchase lands in that return. They are different settings, and both can be updated in myIR when your turnover or cash flow needs change.
This guide covers GST filing frequency NZ thresholds, when you must change, how to change filing frequency in myIR, and how to change your accounting basis (including debtor and creditor adjustments). Rules are working papers for the 2026/27 year (1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027), checked against IRD. GSTCalc.nz is not IRD and this is not tax advice.
Filing frequency vs accounting basis
Mixing the two choices is a common trap. Filing frequency answers “how often do I file?” Accounting basis answers “when does GST on this invoice count?”
- GST filing frequency: monthly, two-monthly, or six-monthly for most NZ businesses (quarterly applies in limited non-resident cases).
- Accounting basis: payments, invoice, or hybrid.
You pick one of each. A business can be two-monthly on payments, or six-monthly on invoice, if the thresholds allow. Wider registration context sits in the GST Basics Guide category. Day to day 15% maths stays on the free GST calculator.
GST filing frequency thresholds
IRD’s which GST accounting basis and filing frequency should I use page sets eligibility by sales in any 12-month period. You can always file more often than the longest option you qualify for. You cannot file less often than the rules allow.
| Filing frequency | Who is eligible | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | Anyone. You must file monthly if sales are over $24 million in any 12-month period (GST group total applies at group level). | Businesses that often get GST refunds and want money back sooner. |
| Two-monthly | Sales under $24 million in any 12-month period. | Most small and medium NZ businesses that want regular paperwork without a monthly chore. |
| Six-monthly | Sales under $500,000 in any 12-month period. | Low volume traders. Only two returns a year, but each return covers a lot of activity. |
| Quarterly | Required if you are a non-resident business that only supplies remote services, low value imported goods, or listed services. | That narrow non-resident path only. |
IRD’s changing your GST filing frequency page repeats the same thresholds and notes the $24 million monthly rule excludes non-resident businesses that only supply remote services, low value imported goods, or listed services.
Align periods with your balance date
Your GST taxable periods should align with your income tax balance date. For most Kiwi businesses that is 31 March. IRD says:
- With a 31 March balance date, two-monthly filers should use periods ending in odd months (May, July, September, November, January, March).
- Six-monthly filers on a 31 March balance date should use periods ending 30 September and 31 March.
If your current periods do not line up, request a change in myIR. IRD can also approve alternative taxable period end dates for a 4-weekly accounting cycle where there are good commercial reasons.
When you must change GST filing frequency
If sales in any 12-month period move you out of your current band, you may no longer be eligible for that frequency. Examples:
- Sales rise above $500,000: six-monthly is no longer available.
- Sales rise above $24 million: monthly filing becomes compulsory.
- You may also choose to move from six-monthly to two-monthly if six months of catch-up feels too heavy, provided you stay eligible.
Business.govt.nz notes most small businesses choose two-monthly or six-monthly, and that you can check your frequency in myIR to confirm due dates.
How to check your GST return filing frequency
Log in to myIR, open the GST account, and review account details and return periods. The pattern of taxable period end dates is your filing frequency. Due dates usually fall on the 28th of the month after the period ends, with the usual March and November exceptions (7 May and 15 January).
How to change GST filing frequency in myIR
IRD’s step guide on change your GST filing frequency is short:
- Confirm you are eligible for the frequency you want.
- Log in to myIR.
- On the GST account, select More.
- Select Update GST account details.
- Select the filing frequency you want to change to.
What happens next: IRD contacts you within 15 working days to tell you the date the change comes into effect. Do not invent your own start date. Wait for that confirmation before you treat the new periods as live.
New registrants choosing frequency for the first time should start with how to register for GST in NZ. Once returns are due, use how to file your GST return in myIR. Late return risk can be estimated with the late GST penalty calculator.
Choosing an accounting basis
Accounting basis decides when GST on sales and purchases enters the return.
| Accounting basis | Who is eligible | What you include |
|---|---|---|
| Payments | Total sales $2 million or less in the last 12 months, and likely $2 million or less in any 12-month period starting on the first day of a month. | Amounts customers have paid you, and amounts you have paid suppliers (when you hold taxable supply information). |
| Invoice | Anyone. Required in practice once you leave payments eligibility. | Amounts you have invoiced customers (even if unpaid), certain prepayments, and supplier invoices you hold taxable supply information for (even if not fully paid). |
| Hybrid | Anyone. Rarely used by small businesses. | Invoice basis for sales, payments basis for expenses. Can hurt cash flow because you may return GST on sales before cash arrives, while only claiming when you pay suppliers. |
Full cash flow comparison sits in invoice basis vs payments basis. Paperwork that supports claims is in taxable supply information and the GST invoice generator.
When you must change accounting basis
On changing your GST accounting basis, you must change if both apply:
- you are using the payments basis, and
- your annual sales increase to more than $2 million.
You can also ask to change voluntarily when you remain eligible for another basis, for example moving to payments if slow paying clients are hurting cash flow.
How to change accounting basis in myIR
IRD’s change your GST accounting basis steps match the filing frequency path:
- Confirm you are eligible for the basis you want.
- Log in to myIR.
- On the GST account, select More.
- Select Update GST account details.
- Select the accounting type you want to change to.
IRD again contacts you within 15 working days with the effective date.
Adjustments after an accounting basis change
When the basis change takes effect, you must adjust for outstanding debtors and creditors in your next GST return:
- If you file in myIR, use the debit adjustments and credit adjustments boxes.
- If you file on paper, use the GST adjustments calculation sheet IR372, complete the change of accounting basis boxes, then copy figures into boxes 9 and 13 of the return.
IRD points to GST plus IR546 for which adjustments apply depending on the basis you leave and the basis you join. If a return later needs correcting for another reason, see how to correct GST return errors.
Practical tips for NZ businesses
- Review frequency after any year where turnover jumped across $500,000 or $24 million.
- Review basis after payment terms change, or when sales approach $2 million on payments.
- Keep software (Xero, MYOB, and similar) on the same basis as your IRD registration.
- Set GST cash aside every period so a longer frequency does not create a surprise bill.
- Sole traders with several brands still have one registration and one filing frequency unless a company uses official branch registration.
Related posts: multiple trading names, $60,000 GST threshold guide, voluntary registration, and the ultimate guide to GST in New Zealand. Publisher path: About Us and Contact Us.
FAQs
What is GST filing frequency in New Zealand?
It is how often you must file GST returns: monthly, two-monthly, or six-monthly for most NZ businesses. Eligibility depends on sales in any 12-month period.
What are the GST filing frequency thresholds?
Six-monthly under $500,000. Two-monthly under $24 million. Monthly is compulsory over $24 million. GST group figures are measured at group level.
How do I change GST filing frequency in myIR?
Log in, open the GST account, select More, then Update GST account details, then choose the new frequency. IRD confirms the effective date within 15 working days.
How do I check my GST return filing frequency?
Open your GST account in myIR and look at the taxable periods and due dates on file. That pattern is your filing frequency.
When must I change my GST accounting basis?
If you are on payments and annual sales rise above $2 million, you must change. You can also request a change in myIR while you remain eligible for another basis.
Last verified 26 August 2026 against Inland Revenue filing frequency and accounting basis pages, Business.govt.nz GST guidance, and IR546 basis change notes. Ads may fund this free site. Not Inland Revenue. Not tax advice.