1. Unknown error
If you file GST from Farm Focus for the first time and get an 'Unknown error has occurred' error message try filing it again.
If you are still unsuccessful, a message will appear indicating the reason.
2. Unauthorised delegation
This means that you don't have permission to file GST on behalf of the farm business.
You will need to get the correct access to continue.
Check within your myIR to ensure the correct access delegation. You will need to log into myIR and view under the Account Details for the GST filing, that the full account access has been selected.
2. Invalid filing period
Check that you have the correct filing period in your Focus farm business i.e. 1-monthly, 2-monthly or 6-monthly.
While you're viewing the GST return, click on the Settings cog in the top right corner of your screen. Correct the GST period if necessary.
Also, check that the start and end date for the return period is correct.
3. No return found
No return exists for the selected filing period. Check that you're filing period of 1-monthly, 2-monthly or 6-monthly is correct.
4. Duplicate return
A return for this period has already been filed with IRD.
5. This period contains uncoded transactions/invoices
There are uncoded transactions (Payments basis) or invoices (Invoice basis) in the Needs Actions screen which are dated within this GST period.
6. Omit older invoices from 1st GST return
Some new users will want to record older invoices and transactions in Farm Focus and not reconcile them to GST returns as they may already have been reconciled in another system. The user wants the invoices and transactions in Farm Focus for reporting/comparative purposes. If that scenario plays out, the user will get the warning below. Select the tick box Omit from GST return. This will mean the invoices and transactions will not be included in your first GST return.
7. The invoice scanner inserts an invoice date for a prior GST period
On occasion, the invoice scanner may insert the incorrect invoice date into invoices eg 2000 rather than 2024. It is best practice to correct the invoice date.
If you are invoice basis for GST, and the date hasn't been corrected and it is before your first GST in Farm Focus, you will get a warning in Needs Action.
Open the invoice. You can either correct the invoice date (best practice) or select to omit or include the invoice in the next available draft GST return. Please note that choosing not to correct the invoice date may affect your accrual reporting.
If you are payment basis for GST, you will be able to submit your GST correctly but some of your reports may not include these invoices when viewed in accrual view (ie: these reports are based on the invoice date rather than the payment date).
8. No option to finalise
You cannot finalise your current GST return, if you have historical GST returns that are not finalised. You will have to go to the oldest non-finalised GST period and work your way forward. Read more.
9. Additional GST invoices will not be generated if changes made to finalised GST return
When you finalise your GST return, an invoice will show up on your Needs Action screen. A new GST invoice will not be generated, if you subsequently convert this GST to preview and make changes to the GST return and re-finalise.
10. Opt out of receiving a GST invoice
You can opt out of receiving an automated GST invoice.
Go into Reports > GST returns > Settings icon (top right-hand side)
Scroll to the bottom of the page and select your preferred option.
11. Edit invoices or transactions directly from the GST report
In the GST return under Coded lines, click on the view icon next to the transaction you wish to change
This will take you to the associated invoice or transaction. Click on the +Edit function and then make the appropriate changes within the invoice.
12. How to correct and claim a GST error in a finalised return
For New Zealand businesses, the late GST claim process applies. Click here to learn more.
For Australian businesses, create a GST reversal process applies. Click here to learn more.