The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has officially released the updated Supplementary Annual GST Return (SAGR) for the 2024–25 financial year, with the first lodgement deadline set for 21 August 2025 for taxpayers with a December year end.
If your business is part of the Top 100 or Top 1,000 taxpayer groups and has received a GST assurance rating from the ATO on or before 30 June 2024, this new reporting obligation likely applies to you.
Who Must Lodge the New SAGR?
You must lodge the updated SAGR for FY25 if:
- You have received a GST assurance rating in an ATO review (e.g., Top 100, Top 1,000 or CAR) on or before 30 June 2024.
- You are part of a GST group where an entity holding a GST assurance rating contributes 50% or more of the group’s GST throughput (GST on sales + purchases + deferred GST).
- Even if you haven’t received a rating yet, once you do, you’ll need to lodge a SAGR from the following financial year onward.
Key Lodgement Deadlines
| Financial Year End | SAGR Due Date |
|---|---|
| December 2024 | 21 August 2025 |
| Jan–Mar 2025 | 21 November 2025 |
| Apr–Jun 2025 | 21 February 2026 |
| Jul–Sep 2025 | 21 May 2026 |
| Oct–Nov 2025 | 21 August 2026 |
Late lodgements may result in penalties, especially for Significant Global Entities (SGEs).
What’s New in the 2025 SAGR?
The revised return is more detailed, now featuring 8 sections and 15 questions (up from 12). Here’s what you should know:
- Section B: Focuses on ATO recommendations and unresolved issues (e.g., red flags, low-assurance areas).
- Section C: Requires you to self-assess your GST governance and explain any business or system changes.
- Section D: Covers reconciliations using the GST Analytical Tool (GAT), now asking for effective GST rates on sales and expenses.
- Sections E & F: Ask for detailed disclosures about uncertain GST positions, errors, or input tax credits (ITCs) claimed late.
- Section G & H: Standard declaration and submission process via email.
The ATO has released updated instructions and real examples online to guide taxpayers.
What Is the ATO Looking For?
The ATO uses your SAGR responses to:
- Evaluate the strength of your GST governance.
- Decide the intensity and scope of future GST reviews.
- Apply a “differentiated assurance approach”—meaning those with strong governance may face reduced ATO scrutiny in future reviews.
What You Should Do Now
If you’re required to lodge a SAGR for FY25, we recommend you:
- Review and act on all ATO recommendations from your last GST assurance review.
- Document uncertain GST positions and consider seeking a private ruling where appropriate.
- Identify and rectify reporting errors or late ITCs, especially where large amounts are involved.
- Complete the GAT annually, and retain clear evidence to support your net GST rate.
- If your business has undergone changes (e.g., acquisitions, restructures), assess your GST governance readiness under ATO expectations.
Even if you haven’t received a GST assurance review yet, it’s wise to self-assess your readiness now and uplift your governance in anticipation.
Let Boa & Co. Help You Stay Compliant and Strategic
Navigating the ATO’s evolving GST reporting requirements isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about protecting your business from unnecessary scrutiny, penalties, and reputational risk.
At Boa & Co. Chartered Accountants, we work closely with large and multinational businesses to:
- Interpret and implement SAGR requirements,
- Identify governance gaps,
- Prepare robust supporting documentation, and
- Liaise with the ATO on your behalf, if needed.
Our goal is to position your business for stronger GST assurance and less intensive ATO reviews in the future.
For tailored advice on preparing your Supplementary Annual GST Return or strengthening your GST governance, contact us at 1300 952 286, email [email protected], or visit www.boanco.com.au. Let us help you move forward with clarity and confidence.