When displaying prices

A GST-registered trader must show GST-inclusive prices on all its price displays and advertisement or publicity brochures. Prices that are quoted verbally must also be GST-inclusive.

In the Hotel and Food & Beverages (F & B) industries, there could be operational difficulties in displaying GST-inclusive prices because of the imposition of service charge. Thus, for goods and services subject to service charge, prices displayed may be GST-exclusive.

Prices displayed

It is important for the public to know upfront the final price of goods and services that they have to pay. The following illustration shows the acceptable and non-acceptable price display format:

If two prices (i.e. both GST-inclusive and GST-exclusive price) are displayed, the GST-inclusive price must be prominently displayed.

Prices advertised

All prices stated on the advertisements should be inclusive of GST. The following clauses are not acceptable:

• "Prices stated are subject to GST"
• "Prices stated are exclusive of GST"
• "Prices stated are before GST"

Where a trader intends to give a discount equal to the GST amount to the consumer, it is incorrect to advertise that there is 'no GST' for the goods or services. Such advertising is misleading, as there is always a GST element in all the goods and services supplied by a GST-registered trader.

Prices published

All prices published on a price list must be inclusive of GST. Similarly, prices published on the website of a GST-registered trader must include the GST component.

Prices quoted

All written and verbal quotations must be inclusive of GST.

However, the requirement to quote prices inclusive of GST is not applicable if it is intended solely for the supply to a GST-registered person, in a form not ordinarily available for public distribution.

Prices subject to bargaining

Where the retail price is subject to bargaining, the price displayed or quoted must still be inclusive of GST. However, the amount of GST to be accounted by the retailer will be the tax fraction of the final price paid by the customer.

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