BAS: what is it and how to lodge it

What is a BAS?

A BAS is a form that you fill out between one and twelve times a year, depending on your business size. The ATO uses the information on your BAS to work out your GST refund or bill. It’s also used for business income tax (if you’re in the pay-as-you-go system), employee income tax, fringe benefits tax, luxury car tax, wine equalisation tax, and fuel tax credits.

Information you will need

You’ll need a record of how much GST you collected on sales, and how much was paid on purchases. You won’t need to submit tax invoices when you lodge your BAS, but you will need to have them on hand. The ATO may ask to see them later.

Because your BAS may also be used for other tax reasons, you will probably need to provide extra information about your business, its income, and any employees. Learn more on the ATO page about business activity statements.

How to lodge a BAS

You can lodge your BAS online:

• via your online accounting software
• through your myGov account if you’re a sole trader
• through the ATO’s online business portal
• by having a registered tax or BAS agent (generally an accountant or bookkeeper) submit it for you

What are BAS due dates?

How often you complete a BAS – and when you must submit it – depends on how much business you’re doing. And that’s measured by your annual turnover.

More than $20 million annual turnover

Lodge: Monthly.

Deadlines: You must submit a BAS within 21 days of the month closing.

Less than $20 million annual turnover

Lodge: Quarterly.

Deadlines:

• Quarter 1 (July-September) BAS is due on 28 October.
• Quarter 2 (October-December) is due on 28 February.
• Quarter 3 (January-March) is due on 28 April.
• Quarter 4 (April-June) is due on 28 July.

If your turnover is less than $10 million, you may be able to lodge annually – but you’re still required to pay a quarterly instalment of the GST you owe.

Less than $75,000 annual turnover (or $150,000 for non-profits)

Lodge: Annually.

Deadline: Submit with income tax return.

If you miss your BAS due date

You may be penalised by the ATO if you blow your BAS deadline without a good reason. Here’s how they calculate the size of the fine.

GST payment

If your BAS says that you owe GST, then you are generally required to make that payment on the same day. You can pay online, by mail, or in person at Australia Post.

If you can’t afford to pay the GST you owe, you may still be able to avoid a fine by lodging your BAS on time, then working out a payment plan with the ATO.

Getting a GST refund

If you paid more GST than you collected, the ATO will owe you a refund. It will be paid directly into your nominated bank account.