Missing a BAS deadline is stressful and can cost you in penalties and interest. Here's a simple quarterly checklist to keep your lodgements on track all year.
Standard quarterly BAS due dates
Most small businesses lodge BAS quarterly. As a general guide, the standard ATO quarterly due dates are:
- Quarter 1 (Jul–Sep): due 28 October
- Quarter 2 (Oct–Dec): due 28 February
- Quarter 3 (Jan–Mar): due 28 April
- Quarter 4 (Apr–Jun): due 28 July
One of the benefits of lodging through a registered BAS agent is access to extended lodgement dates — a real, practical advantage that gives you more breathing room. Always confirm your specific due dates, as they can vary with your reporting cycle.
Your pre-BAS checklist
Before each BAS is lodged, make sure you've:
- Reconciled all bank and credit card accounts to the end of the period
- Entered and coded all sales and purchases
- Checked GST is applied correctly (and to the right codes)
- Reviewed any unusual or uncategorised transactions
- Confirmed payroll and PAYG withholding figures
- Captured all supplier bills and expense receipts
If that list feels like a lot, that's exactly what a bookkeeper is for. When your books are kept current throughout the quarter, BAS becomes a quick review rather than a scramble.
What happens if you're behind?
Overdue BAS is extremely common and completely fixable. Maree regularly helps businesses catch up on multiple overdue periods and get back into good standing with the ATO — without judgement, just a plan.
The secret to never missing a BAS deadline isn't willpower — it's keeping your books reconciled every month so there's nothing to catch up on.
Let Maree keep you on track
With Bells Bookkeeping handling your BAS, IAS & PAYG, you'll never miss a due date again. Book a free consultation to get started.
Need a hand with this? Maree offers a free, no-obligation consultation. Get in touch →