🚛 Does GST Apply to Horse Float Finance in Australia?
Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies to most new vehicle purchases, but whether you need to pay GST on a horse float depends on who you buy from, whether it’s new or used, and if it’s for business use.
✔️ New horse floats from dealers include GST in the price
✔️ Private sales do not include GST, so there’s no GST to claim back
✔️ Business owners can claim GST if the float is used for commercial purposes
✔️ GST applies to lease repayments, but not loan repayments
💡 Tip: If you finance a horse float for business use, you may be able to claim the GST back on your BAS statement.
🏦 How GST on Horse Float Purchases Varies by State
Each state follows the same GST rules, but stamp duty and registration fees vary, affecting the overall cost.
| 🔑 State | GST on New Floats | GST on Used Floats | GST Claimable for Businesses? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇺 QLD | ✅ 10% included in dealer sales | ❌ No GST on private sales | ✅ Claimable if used for business |
| 🇦🇺 NSW | ✅ 10% on dealer floats | ❌ No GST on private sales | ✅ Business use floats can claim GST |
| 🇦🇺 VIC | ✅ GST applies to new floats | ❌ No GST on private purchases | ✅ Businesses can claim GST credit |
| 🇦🇺 WA | ✅ GST included in dealer pricing | ❌ No GST for private sellers | ✅ ABN holders can claim GST |
| 🇦🇺 SA | ✅ GST applies to all new floats | ❌ No GST on second-hand floats from individuals | ✅ GST is claimable for eligible businesses |
| 🇦🇺 TAS | ✅ GST included in new sales | ❌ No GST for private purchases | ✅ Business-use floats qualify for GST credits |
| 🇦🇺 NT | ✅ 10% GST applies to new purchases | ❌ No GST on used floats from private sellers | ✅ Businesses can offset GST |
| 🇦🇺 ACT | ✅ GST applies to all new horse floats | ❌ No GST for second-hand private sales | ✅ Business buyers can claim back GST |
💡 Tip: If you buy from a GST-registered dealer, you’ll pay GST upfront but may claim it back if the float is used for business.
📋 How GST Affects Horse Float Finance
Whether you lease or finance your horse float determines how GST is applied to repayments.
| 🔑 Finance Type | How GST Applies | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚛 Chattel Mortgage (Loan for Business Buyers) | GST is paid upfront and may be claimed back | Business owners using the float for work |
| 💰 Consumer Loan (Personal Finance) | GST is included in the purchase price, no claimable GST | Private buyers |
| 📆 Lease (Commercial Finance Option) | GST applies to each repayment | Businesses that want tax-deductible repayments |
| 📉 Personal Loan | No GST on repayments, only the purchase price | Private buyers financing second-hand floats |
💡 Tip: If you finance your float with a chattel mortgage, the GST may be claimed upfront as a tax credit, reducing your business costs.
🏆 Pros & Cons of GST on Horse Float Finance
✅ Pros:
✔️ GST is only charged on new horse floats from dealers
✔️ Business owners can claim back GST if using the float for work
✔️ Some finance options allow GST to be claimed upfront
⚠️ Cons:
❌ GST increases the upfront purchase price for new floats
❌ No GST refunds for private buyers or personal-use floats
❌ Lease repayments include GST on every payment, increasing long-term costs
💳 How a Finance Broker Can Help You Save on GST Costs
A finance broker can:
✅ Find lenders who offer GST-friendly finance options for businesses
✅ Help with chattel mortgage setup to maximize tax benefits
✅ Guide you through GST claims and financing strategies
🔑 Final Thoughts
GST on horse float finance applies only to new purchases from GST-registered dealers. While private buyers can’t claim GST back, business owners may be able to reduce their tax burden by choosing the right finance structure.
🚀 Need horse float finance that works with GST rules? Get expert advice today!
DISCLAIMER
The information provided on this website is general in nature only and has been prepared without considering your financial needs, circumstances and objectives and should NOT be construed as financial, taxation or legal advice. For more information, get in touch with our experienced partner brokers today.
