Sales of Vouchers

SALES OF VOUCHERS

In most jurisdictions, you should not charge GST when you sell the vouchers. You should only charge GST when the voucher is used to purchase merchandise.

Here's why and how to handle it:

• GST is a tax on the supply of goods and services. ¹ When you sell a voucher, you haven't yet supplied any goods or services. You've only sold the right to obtain them in the future. Therefore, no GST is due at this point.  
• Record the sale of the voucher as a liability. This represents your obligation to provide goods or services in the future. You can use an account like "Gift Certificates Outstanding" or "Unearned Revenue."  
• When the voucher is redeemed, you recognize the revenue and charge GST. At this point, you're making a sale of merchandise, which is subject to GST. You'll then reduce the liability account accordingly.

Here's an example:

1. Sale of voucher: A customer buys a $100 voucher. You record this as:
   • Debit: Cash $100
   • Credit: Gift Certificates Outstanding $100
2. Redemption of voucher: The customer uses the voucher to buy merchandise worth $90 + $9 GST (assuming a 10% GST rate). You record this as:
   • Debit: Gift Certificates Outstanding $100
   • Credit: Sales Revenue $90
   • Credit: GST Payable $9

By handling it this way, you avoid charging GST twice and accurately reflect your financial position.  

Important Note: While this is the general rule, GST laws can be complex and vary by jurisdiction. It's always best to consult with a tax professional or refer to your local tax authority's guidelines to ensure you're handling GST correctly.