Vendor's GST status

John asks:
(updated on Tuesday, September 16th 2014)

I'm buying a motel that has been used as a rental property without the usage being changed after purchase. Can I change the usage to short-term rentals and claim the GST back off the purchase price?

Our Experts Answer:

John, if the vendor is unregistered for GST and you intend using the property in a taxable activity of short term letting you will be able to seek a GST refund via the second hand good provisions. If however the vendor is registered and the property Is in their taxable activity the GST will be charged at zero rate under the new compulsory zero rating rules. Care is needed in this situation because an acquisition inclusive of GST but zero rated leaves you with no further claim. I can't emphasise enough the importance of gaining written confirmation of the vendors GST status before you start negotiating.

Most Read

Unity First Home Buyer special 3.99
ICBC 4.25
SBS FirstHome Combo 4.29
Co-operative Bank - First Home Special 4.35
TSB Special 4.39
Co-operative Bank - Owner Occ 4.45
ANZ Special 4.49
ASB Bank 4.49
SBS Bank Special 4.49
Unity Special 4.49
Westpac Special 4.49
Westpac Special 4.45
SBS Bank Special 4.49
BNZ - Std 4.49
Kiwibank Special 4.49
TSB Special 4.49
AIA - Go Home Loans 4.49
ANZ Special 4.49
ASB Bank 4.49
Co-operative Bank - Owner Occ 4.49
ICBC 4.59
Wairarapa Building Society 4.59
SBS Bank Special 4.99
Westpac Special 4.99
ICBC 4.99
BNZ - Std 4.99
AIA - Go Home Loans 5.15
ASB Bank 5.15
Co-operative Bank - Owner Occ 5.19
ANZ 5.39
TSB Special 5.39
Kiwibank Special 5.39
Kainga Ora 5.49
SBS FirstHome Combo 3.29
AIA - Back My Build 3.34
SBS Construction lending for FHB 3.74
CFML 321 Loans 4.25
Co-operative Bank - Owner Occ 4.99
Co-operative Bank - Standard 4.99
Heartland Bank - Online 5.30
ICBC 5.39
Kiwibank - Offset 5.65
Kiwibank 5.65
ANZ 5.69