Does Facebook charge GST on ads NZ? Yes, it does. And if you’re advertising your business on the platform, it’s something worth paying attention to. Since 2019, Meta, like other overseas digital service providers, has been required to charge 15% GST on ads delivered to businesses based in New Zealand.
The challenge is that many business owners either don’t realise GST is being added or haven’t set up their account properly to claim it back. That means you could be missing out on a legitimate tax deduction just because your invoice isn’t set up the right way or your GST number hasn’t been added.
In this article, you’ll learn how GST applies to Facebook ads in New Zealand, how to check if you’re being charged, what to look for on your invoices, and how to make sure you’re not leaving money behind when it comes to your tax return. It’s easier than you think and can help your ad spend go further.
Is GST charged on Facebook ads in New Zealand?
Yes, if your business is based in New Zealand, Facebook does charge GST on ads. Since April 2019, overseas digital service providers like Meta must collect GST when selling services to NZ customers. That includes advertising on Facebook and Instagram.
This applies whether you’re boosting posts or running campaigns through the Meta Business Manager. As long as your billing address is in New Zealand, GST is part of the deal.
Why does Meta apply GST to New Zealand advertisers?
It all comes down to New Zealand’s tax law for remote services. When the government introduced the rules in 2019, platforms like Meta, Google, and Netflix were brought into the GST system. This means if they provide services to individuals or businesses based in New Zealand, they must register for GST and charge 15%.
In Meta’s case, they’ve registered under the name Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd. So when you advertise from NZ, GST gets added automatically—unless your account setup says otherwise. Some services may qualify for special treatment under zero-rated GST rules, but advertising generally doesn’t fall into that category.
How to check if GST is being charged on your Facebook invoices
Not sure if you’re being charged GST? The fastest way is to check your invoice in Meta Business Manager.
To verify:
- Go to Business Manager > Billing > Transactions
- Click on the invoice for any ad payment
- Look for a “GST” line showing 15%
If your invoice includes a GST line, it means Meta is collecting tax on your ad spend. If not, it could be because your business address or tax info is incomplete.
What a correct invoice should show:
- Your NZ business address
- Your business name
- GST (15%) clearly stated
- Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd’s details
Can you claim GST on Facebook ad spend in New Zealand?
Yes. If you are GST-registered and your invoice shows GST, you can claim it back as part of your GST return.
To do so, make sure your Facebook invoice includes all required details to meet IRD standards.
Here’s a quick summary:
| Situation | Can You Claim GST? |
|---|---|
| GST registered + GST on invoice | ✅ Yes |
| No GST number on file (no GST line) | ❌ No |
| Not GST registered | ❌ No |
| Invoice missing key info | ⚠️ Risky |
If you’re unsure about how GST is applied in your invoicing, we break it down in our guide on GST inclusive vs exclusive pricing.
What to do if your invoices don’t show GST
If you’re not seeing GST on your invoices but you think you should, don’t panic. This usually happens when your account doesn’t have a New Zealand address or your GST number hasn’t been added.
Head to your Business Manager settings and check your billing country, business details, and tax information. Once your GST number is added, future invoices should include GST. Unfortunately, Meta won’t reissue invoices for past campaigns, so it’s best to get this sorted sooner rather than later.
How to add your GST number to your Facebook Business Account
To make sure you’re billed correctly, log into your Meta Business Manager and go to the Payments section. Under Tax Info, you’ll find the field where you can enter your GST number.
Add your business name exactly as it appears on your IRD records. Once that’s done, Meta will start issuing GST-inclusive invoices that are compliant with New Zealand tax requirements. If you’re not sure, you can look up your official business name on the New Zealand Business Number register.
This step is essential if you want to claim GST on your Facebook ad spend without running into issues during your tax return.
What if you’re charged GST but your business isn’t GST-registered?
If you’re not registered for GST and Meta is still charging you the 15%, that cost becomes part of your advertising expense—but you can’t claim it back.
This is common for sole traders or small businesses under the GST threshold of $60,000. In this case, there’s nothing illegal or wrong with paying GST—you just can’t deduct it. If you become GST-registered later on, make sure to update your Meta account to ensure proper invoicing going forward.
If you’re getting close to that limit or want to proactively register, here’s how to become GST-registered in New Zealand.
Do other digital platforms charge GST in New Zealand too?
Yes, Facebook isn’t alone. Several other international platforms charge GST under the same 2019 rules for remote services.
Other platforms that charge GST include:
- Google Ads
- LinkedIn Ads
- TikTok for Business
- Microsoft Ads
Each platform operates independently, so you’ll need to set up your GST info with each one. Don’t assume GST is included — always double-check your invoices.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever wondered “does Facebook charge GST on ads NZ”, now you know the answer: yes, Meta does apply GST to New Zealand-based advertisers.
Whether you’re running boosted posts or large-scale campaigns, that extra 15% GST can be claimed—but only if your account is properly set up and your business is GST-registered. Too many businesses miss out on deductions simply because they didn’t check their invoices or update their tax info.
So if you’re spending on Facebook ads regularly, take five minutes today to double-check your settings. It could make a real difference at tax time. Also, if you’re wondering what else you can claim, check out our full guide on **marketing expenses and tax deductions.**
At BH Accounting, we help New Zealand business owners like you stay compliant and maximise every dollar. Reach out—we’ll match you with the right professional to help you stay ahead.
FAQ – GST on Facebook Ads in New Zealand
Does Facebook charge GST on ads in New Zealand?
Yes. If your billing address is in New Zealand, Meta charges 15% GST on all ad spend unless you’re exempt or not registered.
Can I claim GST back on Facebook ad spend?
You can claim GST if you’re GST-registered and your invoice includes a valid GST breakdown.
Where do I find my Facebook ad invoices?
Log into Meta Business Manager, go to Billing > Transactions, and download your invoice from there.
How do I add my GST number to Facebook?
In your Business Manager, go to Payment Settings, find the Tax Info section, and enter your GST number along with your business name.
What if my invoices don’t show GST?
That likely means your account lacks the correct NZ address or tax info. Update your billing and tax settings to fix it for future invoices.