Staying on top of BAS due dates is essential for Australian businesses to remain compliant with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Missing a deadline can result in penalties, interest charges, and unnecessary stress.
This guide covers everything you need to know about BAS statement due dates, lodgement methods, and tips to avoid late fees.
Understanding BAS
The Business Activity Statement (BAS) is a crucial reporting requirement for Australian businesses registered for GST. It helps businesses report and pay various tax obligations, ensuring they meet their compliance requirements with the ATO.
What Is A BAS?
A Business Activity Statement (BAS) is a tax form businesses submit to the ATO to report and pay tax obligations, including:
- Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding
- Other tax obligations (if applicable)
Your BAS due dates depend on your business’s reporting frequency, which is determined by turnover.
Key BAS Due Dates
BAS lodgement deadlines vary based on whether you report monthly, quarterly, or annually. Understanding your reporting schedule is essential to avoid penalties.
Quarterly BAS Due Dates
The majority of small and medium businesses submit their BAS statement every quarter. Here are the due dates:
| Quarter | Period Covered | Due Date |
| Q1 | July – September | October 28 |
| Q2 | October – December | February 28 |
| Q3 | January – March | April 28 |
| Q4 | April – June | July 28 |
In most cases, tax agents get an additional 4 weeks on top of the above to lodge BAS’s for Q1, Q3 and Q4. That gives you more time to lodge and pay your BAS.
Monthly BAS Due Dates
Businesses with a GST turnover of $20 million or more must lodge monthly BAS. The due date is the 21st of the following month.
For example, the BAS statement due date for January would be February 21.
Annual BAS Lodgement
Small businesses with a GST turnover under $75,000 (or $150,000 for non-profits) may be eligible to lodge an annual BAS. This simplifies tax reporting but requires businesses to pay GST in one lump sum rather than spreading payments throughout the year.
Determining Your Lodging Frequency
The ATO assigns BAS due dates based on turnover to ensure businesses pay their tax obligations regularly. Some businesses must lodge more frequently than others.
Why The Difference In Frequency?
BAS lodgement frequency depends on your business turnover. Larger businesses with higher revenue must report monthly, while smaller businesses have the option to lodge quarterly or annually to reduce administrative work.
Benefits Of Each Frequency
Each reporting schedule has advantages, depending on your business size and cash flow needs:
- Monthly BAS lodgement: Helps manage cash flow by spreading tax payments across the year.
- Quarterly BAS lodgement: Reduces the frequency of lodgements, making it easier for smaller businesses to manage tax reporting.
- Annual BAS lodgement: Simplifies reporting but requires businesses to set aside funds for a single large payment.
How To Lodge Your BAS
Lodging your BAS correctly and on time is essential to avoid penalties. There are several methods to submit your BAS statement.
Online Lodgement
The fastest and most convenient way to submit your BAS statement is through the ATO’s Online Services for Business or via accounting software.
Lodging Through A BAS Or Tax Agent
A registered BAS or tax agent can manage your BAS due dates and ensure accuracy, reducing the risk of errors and penalties.
Paper Lodgement
While rare, businesses can still submit their BAS statement using paper forms sent via mail to the ATO. This method can be slower and more prone to delays.
Tips For Timely Lodgement
Missing BAS due dates can result in penalties. Using the right tools and strategies can help you lodge on time.
Set Reminders
Use digital calendars or ATO alerts to track BAS statement due dates and avoid late fees.
Use Accounting Software
Platforms like Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks automate transaction tracking and make BAS lodgement easier.
Conduct Regular Financial Reviews
Review financial records frequently to ensure accurate reporting before each BAS due date.
Consequences Of Late Lodgement
Failing to lodge your BAS statement on time can have financial consequences.
Penalties And Charges
Late lodgement may result in:
- Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalties, starting at $313 for small businesses and increasing for larger entities.
- General Interest Charges (GIC) on unpaid amounts. The current GIC rate is around 11%, which compounds and adds to your tax debt.
How To Mitigate Late Lodgement Issues
If you anticipate missing a BAS due date, contact the ATO as soon as possible. The ATO may offer:
- Extensions in special cases
- Payment plans for outstanding tax debts
Additional Resources And Support
If you need help with BAS lodgement, there are resources available to guide you.
ATO Help And Support
The ATO website offers online tools, fact sheets, and helplines to assist businesses with BAS lodgement.
Professional Financial Advice
A tax professional can provide tailored advice and ensure your business remains compliant with ATO regulations. Solve Accounting offers expert BAS lodgement services to help businesses meet their tax obligations accurately and on time. These can be provided as an ongoing packaged service, or once off to bring you up to date.
If you’re unsure whether you even need to lodge a BAS, check out our guide: What is a BAS, and Do I Need to Lodge a BAS?
Keeping track of BAS due dates is essential for avoiding penalties and maintaining good standing with the ATO. By using the right tools and strategies, you can streamline your BAS lodgement process and focus on running your business.
How Can Solve Help?
Managing BAS due dates can be overwhelming, especially when running a business. Solve can help by offering:
- Expert BAS lodgement services to ensure compliance with the ATO.
- Ongoing bookkeeping support so your financial records stay up to date.
- Automated tax reminders so you never miss a deadline.
Whether you need help with quarterly BAS due dates, monthly BAS due dates, or a one-time lodgement, Solve provides tailored solutions to keep your business tax-compliant.
Let’s take BAS off your to-do list—talk to us today.
FAQs
What happens if I miss a BAS due date?
Late lodgement can result in penalties and interest charges. If you’re running late, contact the ATO to discuss options.
Can I change my BAS lodgement frequency
Yes, in some cases. If your business turnover changes, you may need to switch between monthly, quarterly, or annual BAS lodgement. Contact the ATO to confirm your eligibility.
Can I get an extension on my BAS due date?
Extensions may be available for businesses affected by unforeseen circumstances. Registered BAS agents also receive extended deadlines.
Do I need to lodge a BAS if I had no income?
Yes, you must still lodge a nil BAS statement to inform the ATO that no tax is payable. In some cases you may receive money back from the ATO if you had GST credits on your expenses.
How do I check my BAS due dates?
Log in to the ATO Online Services for Business, check your BAS agent portal, or refer to the ATO website for updated due dates.
Can a bookkeeper help with BAS lodgement?
Yes! A qualified bookkeeper can assist with BAS preparation, ensuring your financial records are accurate and up to date before lodgement. However, only a registered BAS or Tax agent can officially lodge BAS on your behalf. If you need help managing your books and staying on top of BAS requirements, check out our bookkeeping services for ongoing support.
