Eye Glasses Discount Deal Throws New Light on GST Calculation
A retailer of spectacles has won a court case regarding the correct calculation of GST in relation to spectacles it sold to customers under a special promotion. Broadly, the taxpayer offered its customers spectacle frames at a discount provided they purchase the lenses at full price. The lenses are GST-free, whereas the frames are a taxable supply – together the spectacles are referred to as a "mixed supply". The Full Federal Court agreed with the taxpayer that the discount should only be applied to the frames, and not apportioned between the lenses and the frames as contended by the Commissioner.
TIP: The Court's method may result in a lower amount of GST payable than the method contended by the Commissioner in the case.
