This Christmas is probably the first major spending time for many families under the new tax system. She said that it was important for people to remind themselves of how the tax applied and to watch for any potential rip-offs. Ms Petschler said that consumers had a chance to save if they choose the right items. If you are buying big electrical gifts, like a TV, then the GST will mean, hopefully, the price will be lower than it would have been last year. If you're going on a holiday, it is going to be more expensive.
Books are more expensive.
Toys should be a bit cheaper. Consumers should be aware of GST pitfalls, Ms Petschler warned. The survey by the NTAA took the cost of each item, subtracted the GST and added sales tax where appropriate to show what the goods would have cost under the previous tax system. The survey did not take into account price increases for other reasons. The consumers' association is encouraging people to record their Christmas experience on its website so that the impact of the GST can be evaluated.