If you’re running a small business in Australia, chances are you’ve heard of Business Activity Statements (BAS). Whether you’re just getting started or looking to stay ATO-compliant, understanding how BAS lodgement works is crucial for managing your tax obligations and avoiding unnecessary penalties.
In this guide, we’ll break down BAS in simple terms—what it is, who needs to lodge it, how often, and how outsourcing can make the process stress-free.
📘 What Is BAS?
The Business Activity Statement (BAS) is a form submitted to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) that summarises the taxes your business has collected and paid during a specific period.
It includes:
- Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Pay As You Go (PAYG) Withholding
- PAYG Instalments
- Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)
- Luxury Car Tax and others (if applicable)
👥 Who Needs to Lodge a BAS?
If your business is registered for GST, you’re required to lodge a BAS. This typically applies to:
- Sole traders
- Partnerships
- Companies
- Trusts
You must register for GST if your annual turnover is $75,000 or more (or $150,000 for non-profits).
🗓️ How Often Do You Need to Lodge?
Depending on your business size, BAS can be lodged:
- Monthly
- Quarterly (most common for small businesses)
- Annually (only in some cases)
The ATO will notify you of your due dates, but here are the standard quarterly BAS due dates:
| Quarter | Period Covered | BAS Due Date |
| Q1 | July – September | 28 October |
| Q2 | October – December | 28 February |
| Q3 | January – March | 28 April |
| Q4 | April – June | 28 July |
🔔 If you lodge through a BAS or Tax Agent, you may get extended deadlines.
✅ What Do You Need to Lodge BAS?
Before you lodge, make sure:
- Your books are up to date
- You’ve accurately recorded income and expenses
- You’ve calculated GST collected and paid
- PAYG and Super obligations are reconciled
Most businesses use accounting software like Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks to simplify this process.
📤 How to Lodge Your BAS
You can lodge your BAS via:
- Online through the ATO Business Portal
- Using your accounting software
- Through a registered BAS or Tax Agent
- By mail (paper form)
Outsourcing BAS preparation ensures it’s done accurately and on time, helping you avoid penalties and cash flow issues.
🧮 Common BAS Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect GST codes in transactions
- Forgetting to include bank fees and cash transactions
- Late lodgements resulting in ATO fines
- Not reconciling accounts before lodgement
🤝 How AccoServe Can Help
At AccoServe, we specialise in BAS preparation and lodgement for Australian small businesses. Our expert team ensures:
- Your books are clean and BAS-ready
- Lodgements are made accurately and on time
- You stay compliant with changing ATO rules
- You save time, reduce stress, and focus on growing your business
📌 Final Thoughts
BAS lodgement might seem complex at first, but with the right processes and support, it becomes a manageable (and stress-free) part of running your business.
Need help with your BAS?
👉 Let’s talk. Contact AccoServe today for a free consultation and discover how we can simplify your bookkeeping and tax lodgement needs.
