Excise errors are expensive and entirely avoidable. Here are the five we see most.

1. Using a stale duty rate

The rate changes every February and August. Reusing last year's figure understates your liability. See excise rates explained.

2. Ignoring the angel's share

Evaporation during maturation has to be recorded, not quietly dropped. See do you pay excise on the angel's share?

3. Sloppy sample records

Spirit taken for QA or the cellar door still needs to be accounted for.

4. Month-end reconstruction

If you only do the numbers when the return is due, errors compound. Capture events as they happen.

5. Confusing GST and excise

They're separate taxes — see GST vs excise for distillers.

Avoid all five by making compliance a by-product of daily record-keeping, as covered in our excise compliance guide.

This article is general information, not tax or legal advice. Confirm your obligations with the ATO or a qualified adviser.

See it on your own production: Book a demo.