Frequently Asked Questions for Business Registration

Do I have to register for GST?

The quick answer is that businesses with a 12-month taxable turnover of over £300,000 must register for GST. 

To go into a little more detail, on the 6th May 2008, you must be registered for GST if your business has made ‘taxable supplies’ (i.e. goods and services that are to be taxed at the standard and/or zero-rate), of £300,000 or more, in the preceding 12 months, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe the value of your taxable supplies in the coming 12 months is likely to exceed £300,000.

Because zero-rated goods are also classified as taxable supplies, you must register for GST, even if the only supplies you make are zero-rated, provided that their total value is at, or above, the £300,000 threshold for registration. However, you cannot include the value of exempt supplies in calculating your taxable turnover. If the only supplies of goods and/or services are exempt, you cannot normally be registered for GST.

Who is required by law to register for GST in Jersey ?

It is the legal entity, for example the Sole Proprietor, the Partnership (including husband and wife partnerships) or a Limited Company that becomes registerable based on the nature and size of its business activities. Each registration covers ALL the business activities of the registered person.

How do I register for GST?

You can apply on the online Business Registration for GST or a printed form is available from the Customer Service Centre at Cyril Le Marquand House in St Helier.  Completed printed forms should be returned to the GST Offices at Cyril Le Marquand House.

Where can I obtain a paper application form to register for GST?

GST registration application forms can be obtained from Cyril Le Marquand House, The Parade, St Helier.  Please note that only original application forms, not photocopies should be used.

Can I register over the Internet?

Yes, providing you already have an Income Tax number via Online Business Registration for GST .  If you do not have an Income Tax number you will have to submit a manual application so that you can be allocated an Income Tax number.

What information do I need to give?

You will need to give details of the person or entity applying for registration, the trading name (if different) the business address, including post code and relevant telephone numbers. You will also have to indicate the name and status of the person making the application to register.  If you are making a manual application it will help us to process your application if you give details of your expected annual taxable turnover, the nature of your business and any preference you have for the months you wish to make your quarterly GST return.  If you register electronically you will not be able to enter all of this information on line.  GST officers may therefore need to contact you subsequently to obtain this information.

When should I apply for registration?

The Income Tax office is using a phased GST registration programme for businesses.

Phase one - Started on Monday 14 January for businesses with a 12-month taxable turnover of more than £10 million.

Phase two - Started on Monday 18 February for businesses with a 12-month taxable turnover of between £1 million and £10 million.

Phase three - Starts on Tuesday 18 March for businesses with a 12-month taxable turnover of between £300,000 and £1 million and for those requesting voluntary registration.

If my turnover is below the threshold can I register voluntarily?

If you have an established business in Jersey which has a 12-monthly taxable turnover below £300,000, you may apply to the Comptroller of Income Tax to register voluntarily.

The decision to apply for voluntary registration is an individual commercial decision based on the particular circumstances of your business.  A number of factors need to be taken into account, such as considering who you supplying your goods and service to; if your customers are mainly GST registered businesses then it may be advantageous for you to be registered.  In this way you will be able to recover any GST you incur on purchases and expenses.  Likewise GST charged by you to your registered customers will be reclaimable by them.  If you are not registered then you can't reclaim any GST.

What must I do once I am registered?

Once registered, you must charge GST to your customers on all standard-rated items.

You will be required to make returns and pay any tax due to the Comptroller within one month of the end of the quarterly period to which they relate. If you fail to do so you may be liable to a financial penalty, together with any interest on the GST owed.

You will also have to maintain records, as directed by the Comptroller, for at least six years following the period to which they relate. (See the Jersey Income Tax Office’s information leaflet “Keeping books and records”).

For further information see Part 2 of the Goods and Services Tax (Jersey) Law, 2007, which deals with the imposition of GST and Part 3 that covers responsibilities under the Law.

What about supplies made by the States?

The States of Jersey is also liable to be registered but will be treated as a single person, i.e. any minister, department, or administration of the States will be taken to be that same person. However, the States will not charge GST on any of its statutory functions or services, only where it is providing goods and services in competition with commercial organisations (e.g. the provision of sports facilities). Jersey’s twelve parishes will also be registered for GST as separate entities and will be treated in the same way as the States.

I am still confused, where can I get more help with GST?

Email the GST Help Desk on gst@gov.je or call them on 440555.  They can also arrange to come and visit you in person if they can't answer your questions.