BAS and GST for truck drivers (plain English)

BAS and GST for truck drivers — the only math that matters

BAS GST truck driver questions usually come down to one number: GST you charged on invoices (collected) minus GST buried in fuel and costs you paid (claimable). That’s roughly what you owe — or the credit — for the quarter.

When a price includes GST, the usual shortcut is 1/11 of the total. Rego and insurance are different: use the GST printed on the notice (rego fee itself has no GST; CTP often does). Meals are private unless you slept away overnight. Bank fees have no GST credit.

Fuel tax credits (extra to GST)

Heavy vehicles can also claim fuel tax credits on eligible diesel (BAS label 7D). That’s separate from the GST in the pump price. OwnerHaul estimates 7D from litres and current rates — confirm with the ATO calculator before you lodge.

BAS quarters (AU)

Quarters run Jul–Sep, Oct–Dec, Jan–Mar, Apr–Jun. Put GST aside as you go. Don’t wait until the BAS is due and raid next month’s fuel money.

• Log every fill-up and cost when it happens
• Invoice with GST if you’re registered
• Review the quarter before lodgement
• Export a spreadsheet for your accountant

Income tax is separate

GST isn’t the same as income tax. A rough “put aside ~25% of what you kept” after fuel and costs is a safety buffer, not advice. Talk to your accountant for your situation.

How OwnerHaul helps

The Tax screen shows GST in vs GST out by BAS quarter and what to put aside. Download the CSVs, or email the whole pack straight to your accountant in one tap.