How to Troubleshoot GST Direct Filing Errors

Learn how to identify and resolve common GST direct filing errors in Farm Focus to ensure successful submission to Inland Revenue.

Why This Is Important

GST filing errors can disrupt your reporting process and may cause delays in submission to Inland Revenue. Understanding common errors and their solutions helps you resolve issues efficiently.

Common GST Filing Errors and Solutions

1. Unknown Error

If you receive an 'Unknown error has occurred' message when filing GST for the first time, try submitting the return again.

NOTE: If the error persists, a follow-up message will appear with further information about the issue.

2. Unauthorised Delegation

This error means you do not have permission to file GST on behalf of the farm business.

Solution:

• Log in to myIR and check your delegation settings under Account Details for GST filing.

• Ensure that Full account access is selected.

3. Invalid Filing Period

This error occurs if the GST filing period in your Farm Focus farm business does not match the expected period (e.g. 1-monthly, 2-monthly, 6-monthly).

Solution:

• While viewing the GST return, click the Settings cog in the top right corner of the screen.

• Verify and correct the GST period if needed.

• Check that the start and end dates for the return period are accurate.

4. No Return Found

No GST return exists for the selected filing period.

Solution:

• Confirm that the filing period (e.g. 1-monthly, 2-monthly, 6-monthly) is correct in Farm Focus.

5. Duplicate Return

This error means a GST return for the selected period has already been filed with Inland Revenue.

Solution:

• Verify previous submissions to avoid filing the same period again.

6. Uncoded Transactions/Invoices

This error indicates that there are uncoded transactions (payments basis) or invoices (invoice basis) within the GST period that are still in the Needs Action screen.

Solution:

• Code all transactions or invoices before attempting to file the GST return.

7. Older Invoices Included in First GST Return

If you are entering older invoices or transactions for comparative reporting and not reconciling them with GST returns, you may encounter a warning.

Solution:

• Tick the Omit from GST return checkbox to exclude these items from the first GST return.

8. Incorrect Invoice Date from Invoice Scanner

Sometimes the invoice scanner may auto-populate an incorrect invoice date (e.g. 2000 instead of 2024).

Solution:

• Open the invoice and correct the date to avoid accrual reporting issues.

• If left uncorrected (not recommended), use the Omit from GST return option.

9. Unable to Finalise GST Return

If you cannot finalise your current GST return, it may be because older GST returns are not finalised.

Solution:

• Go to the oldest non-finalised GST period and finalise it before proceeding with newer returns.

10. Changes Made to Finalised GST Return

Once you finalise a GST return and then convert it back to preview mode for changes, a new GST invoice will not be generated.

Solution:

• Be aware that any changes made after finalising may not generate a new invoice.

11. Opting Out of Receiving a GST Invoice

You can choose not to receive an automated GST invoice.

Steps:

1. Go to Reports > GST returns.

2. Click the Settings icon (top right).

3. Scroll down and select your preferred invoice option.

12. Edit Invoices or Transactions from the GST Report

You can edit invoices or transactions directly from the GST return.

Steps:

1. Open the GST return and go to Coded lines.

2. Click the View icon next to the transaction.

3. Click +Edit to make changes to the invoice.

13. Correcting GST Errors in a Finalised Return

For New Zealand businesses, use the Late GST claim process to correct errors (click here for more info). For Australian businesses, use the GST reversal process (click here for more info).