Why Google Ads and Canva don’t charge GST and what the ATO expects from you

Connect Client

16 November 2025

accounting

If you’re a small business owner in Australia, you likely subscribe to various digital tools each month, such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Canva, Grammarly, Slack, Dropbox, ChatGPT, and many others. Most of these services are billed from overseas, which is an important aspect that small business owners often overlook.

Just because these companies don’t charge GST on your invoice doesn’t mean there’s no GST obligation

The ATO has a specific rule that may apply to you: the GST reverse charge. While this rule isn’t new, it is commonly overlooked by small businesses, even those who have bookkeepers.

This article provides a clear breakdown with real examples, a simple flowchart, and a practical checklist.

Why doesn’t Google Ads or Canva charge GST?

Many global digital companies operate from outside of Australia or use overseas billing entities. Even when they have a presence in Australia, their invoicing might still be routed through:

The US (e.g. many SaaS subscriptions)
Singapore (Google Ads)
Ireland (Meta/Facebook)
Other international hubs

GST is only charged on invoices when the supplier is:

Making a taxable supply in Australia, and
Registered (or required to be registered) for GST.

If the supplier isn’t conducting business in Australia, the GST rules shift the responsibility to you, the customer. This mechanism is known as a reverse charge.

What is the GST reverse charge?

Typically, the seller is responsible for charging GST. However, when you purchase digital services from overseas and no GST is applied, the ATO may require you to calculate the GST and include it in your BAS. You effectively pay GST on the purchase price.

The advantage? If you’re registered for GST and the purchase pertains to your business, you can usually claim an input tax credit, meaning there’s typically no net cost unless your sales are input-taxed (e.g. financial services, residential rent).

This is why many businesses that reverse-charge end up seeing a net impact of $0.

Examples from small business clients

1. Google Ads billed from Singapore

Invoice has no GST → Reverse charge applies.
For BAS:

You add 10% GST on the amount.
You claim the same amount as a credit (if eligible).

2. Canva billed from the US

Invoice has no GST → Reverse charge applies.

3. OpenAI or ChatGPT Team billed from the US

No GST → Reverse charge applies.

4. Meta/Facebook Ads billed from Ireland

Often no GST → Reverse charge applies.

5. Xero or Adobe

Some charge GST, some don’t, based on the entity and plan. If GST has already been charged, then the reverse charge does not apply. There are inconsistencies that an accountant can help clarify.