Published: November 2024
Missing your Business Activity Statement (BAS) deadline is one of the costliest mistakes Australian businesses make. Late lodgement triggers automatic penalties starting at $313 for small businesses, plus interest charges accumulating daily on unpaid amounts. For businesses with GST turnover exceeding $20 million, monthly penalties can reach over $1,000.
In 2023, the ATO issued over 180,000 failure to lodge (FTL) penalties for late BAS submissions, collecting approximately $95 million in penalties. Most were preventable with proper calendar management and understanding of actual due dates.
This article provides complete BAS due dates for 2025-2026, explains different reporting frequencies, clarifies the difference between self-lodgement and registered agent deadlines, and helps you avoid penalties.
A Business Activity Statement reports your GST, PAYG withholding, and other tax obligations to the ATO. If you are registered for GST, you must lodge BAS according to your reporting frequency. Your lodgement frequency depends primarily on your annual GST turnover.
GST-registered businesses: Any business registered for GST must lodge BAS, regardless of turnover. You must register for GST when your annual turnover reaches $75,000 ($150,000 for non-profit organisations). You can voluntarily register below these thresholds.
Businesses with PAYG withholding obligations: If you employ staff and withhold tax from wages, you must report PAYG withholding through BAS even if not registered for GST.
Businesses with other tax obligations: Various other obligations can trigger BAS requirements, including fringe benefits tax instalments, luxury car tax, wine equalisation tax, and fuel tax credits.
The ATO assigns your reporting frequency based on GST turnover, though you can sometimes choose more frequent reporting.
Who reports monthly: Businesses with GST turnover of $20 million or more must report monthly. This is mandatory, not optional.
Due date: The 21st day of the month following the reporting month. For example, January 2025 activity is due 21 February 2025.
Why monthly matters: Large businesses have substantial GST obligations requiring regular reporting and payment. Monthly reporting also means monthly refunds if you are in a GST credit position, improving cash flow.
Real example: A Sydney wholesaler with $28 million annual turnover reports monthly BAS. Their January sales generated $140,000 GST collected from customers and $95,000 GST paid on purchases, resulting in $45,000 owing to the ATO. This is due by 21 February. Missing this deadline triggers immediate penalties plus interest on the $45,000.
Who reports quarterly: Businesses with GST turnover under $20 million can report quarterly. This is the most common frequency for Australian SMEs.
Due dates: The 28th day of the month following each quarter end. Quarters align with July to September (Q1), October to December (Q2), January to March (Q3), and April to June (Q4).
Why quarterly works for SMEs: Quarterly reporting reduces administrative burden compared to monthly, aligns with quarterly superannuation obligations, and matches typical business planning cycles. Most businesses with $1 million to $20 million turnover use quarterly reporting.
Real example: A Melbourne café with $850,000 annual revenue reports quarterly. Their July to September quarter generated $23,000 GST collected and $8,500 GST paid, resulting in $14,500 owing. This is due 28 October. They lodge electronically through their accountant who has automatic extensions, giving them until 25 November.
Who reports annually: Businesses that voluntarily registered for GST despite turnover below $75,000 can choose annual reporting. This is uncommon but available.
Due date: Same date as your income tax return. For individuals and sole traders, this is 31 October following the financial year if lodging yourself, or up to 15 May the following year if using a registered tax agent.
Why annual might suit you: Minimal GST transactions throughout the year, very simple business with few purchases or sales, and preference to bundle tax compliance into one annual process.
Limitation: You can only claim GST credits annually rather than quarterly, impacting cash flow if you make large GST-inclusive purchases.
January 2025 activity: Due 21 February 2025
February 2025 activity: Due 21 March 2025
March 2025 activity: Due 21 April 2025
April 2025 activity: Due 21 May 2025
May 2025 activity: Due 21 June 2025
June 2025 activity: Due 21 July 2025
July 2025 activity: Due 21 August 2025
August 2025 activity: Due 21 September 2025
September 2025 activity: Due 21 October 2025
October 2025 activity: Due 21 November 2025
November 2025 activity: Due 21 December 2025
December 2025 activity: Due 21 January 2026
January 2026 activity: Due 21 February 2026
February 2026 activity: Due 21 March 2026
March 2026 activity: Due 21 April 2026
April 2026 activity: Due 21 May 2026
May 2026 activity: Due 21 June 2026
June 2026 activity: Due 21 July 2026
July 2026 activity: Due 21 August 2026
August 2026 activity: Due 21 September 2026
September 2026 activity: Due 21 October 2026
October 2026 activity: Due 21 November 2026
November 2026 activity: Due 21 December 2026
December 2026 activity: Due 21 January 2027
Q1 2025-2026 (July to September 2025): Due 28 October 2025
Q2 2025-2026 (October to December 2025): Due 28 February 2026
Q3 2025-2026 (January to March 2026): Due 28 April 2026
Q4 2025-2026 (April to June 2026): Due 28 July 2026
Q1 2026-2027 (July to September 2026): Due 28 October 2026
Q2 2026-2027 (October to December 2026): Due 28 February 2027
Q3 2026-2027 (January to March 2027): Due 28 April 2027
Q4 2026-2027 (April to June 2027): Due 28 July 2027
One significant advantage of using a registered BAS or tax agent is automatic lodgement extensions. Agents receive extended due dates through their participation in the ATO lodgement program.
Registered agents have concessional due dates for client lodgements. These extensions apply automatically when a registered agent lodges on your behalf. You do not need to apply for extensions separately.
Typical quarterly extensions: For quarters 1, 3, and 4, agents typically receive an additional four weeks beyond the standard due date. The December quarter (Q2) typically has the same due date as self-lodgement because the ATO already extends this quarter to late February.
Example quarterly agent due dates:
Q1 (July to September): Standard due date 28 October, Agent due date approximately 25 November
Q2 (October to December): Standard due date 28 February, Agent due date 28 February (same)
Q3 (January to March): Standard due date 28 April, Agent due date approximately 26 May
Q4 (April to June): Standard due date 28 July, Agent due date approximately 25 August
Critical requirement: These extensions only apply if you formally engage a registered agent and they accept responsibility for lodgement. Simply planning to use an agent without formal engagement does not grant extensions.
Real example: A Brisbane retailer engages their accountant as their registered BAS agent in August 2025. Their Q1 BAS (July to September) has a standard due date of 28 October, but their agent's concessional due date is 25 November. This extra four weeks allows better month-end processing and reconciliation before lodgement.
Monthly reporters typically receive shorter extensions, usually 7 to 14 days beyond the standard 21st due date. The exact extension depends on the agent's lodgement program tier based on their lodgement performance.
Agent extensions are forfeited if you lodge late even by the extended deadline, you change from an agent to self-lodgement mid-year without notifying the ATO, your agent withdraws from representing you, or you have outstanding compliance issues or ATO debt.
If you miss your agent's extended deadline, you face penalties as though you missed the original deadline. The ATO does not provide additional leniency because you had extra time.
ATO online services: Log into myGov linked to the ATO, access your business portal, and complete your BAS online. The system calculates amounts automatically based on your entries. Payment can be made electronically immediately.
ATO app: The ATO app allows BAS completion on mobile devices for simple BAS with minimal transactions. This suits small businesses with straightforward GST reporting.
Paper lodgement: Paper BAS forms can be mailed to the ATO, though this method is increasingly discouraged. Processing takes longer and you miss electronic lodgement confirmations.
Important timing consideration: If you lodge electronically on the due date, you have until 11:59 PM AEST that day. If you lodge by paper, Australia Post collection times apply, so you should mail several days before the due date to ensure timely receipt.
Most Australian SMEs engage registered BAS agents (typically accountants or bookkeepers) to prepare and lodge BAS. This provides professional review reducing errors, automatic lodgement extensions providing extra time, integration with year-end tax planning, and peace of mind that obligations are met correctly.
Agent lodgement process: Your bookkeeper or accountant prepares BAS from your accounting software (usually Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks), reviews for accuracy and unusual items, obtains your approval, lodges electronically through their registered agent portal, and provides you with lodgement confirmation and payment instructions.
Cost considerations: BAS agent fees typically range from $150 to $500 per BAS depending on business complexity and transaction volume. Quarterly lodgement for a business with $2 million turnover might cost $250 to $350 per quarter. This investment often saves more through error prevention and tax optimisation.
When a BAS due date falls on a weekend or public holiday, the due date automatically extends to the next business day. This applies to both lodgement and payment.
Example: If 28 October 2025 falls on a Tuesday, your Q1 BAS is due Tuesday 28 October. If 28 April 2026 falls on a Sunday, your Q3 BAS is due Monday 29 April 2026.
Public holiday considerations: The relevant public holiday depends on where the ATO processes lodgements (typically Australian Capital Territory public holidays for electronic lodgement). For practical purposes, if the due date is a weekend or any Australian public holiday, you have until the next business day.
A Perth business with a quarterly BAS due 28 July 2026 (a Tuesday) has until end of business that Tuesday. If 28 July falls on a Saturday, they have until Monday 30 July 2026.
Understanding penalty structures helps you appreciate the importance of timely lodgement and payment.
The ATO automatically issues FTL penalties when you lodge late. Penalty amounts depend on your business size.
Small businesses (turnover under $1 million): One penalty unit per period, currently $313.
Medium businesses (turnover $1 million to $20 million): Two penalty units per period, currently $626.
Large businesses (turnover over $20 million): Five penalty units per period, currently $1,565.
These penalties apply per late lodgement. If you are late with four quarterly BAS lodgements, a small business faces $1,252 in penalties ($313 x 4) even if you ultimately owe no GST.
Real example: A Canberra café with $680,000 turnover forgot to lodge their October to December 2024 quarterly BAS. The ATO issued an FTL penalty of $313 in March 2025. Despite the business actually being in a GST refund position (owed money by the ATO), the lodgement penalty still applied.
When you lodge late and owe money to the ATO, GIC applies daily on the unpaid amount from the original due date until payment. The GIC rate changes quarterly based on the 90-day bank bill rate plus 7%. As of late 2024, the GIC rate is approximately 10.72% per annum (approximately 0.029% per day).
Calculation example: A Brisbane manufacturer owes $12,000 GST for their January to March quarter, due 28 April 2025. They lodge and pay on 28 June 2025, 61 days late.
FTL penalty: $626 (medium business)
GIC calculation: $12,000 x 61 days x 0.029% daily = $213 approximately
Total penalties and interest: $839 on top of the $12,000 owed
In addition to GIC, the ATO can issue FTP penalties for unpaid amounts. These are typically applied when you repeatedly lodge or pay late, or ignore ATO contact regarding overdue amounts.
FTP penalties are calculated as a percentage of the unpaid amount, starting at 5% and increasing for continued non-compliance.
Set calendar reminders: Electronic calendar entries 7 days before BAS due dates give you buffer time. If using a registered agent, set reminders 14 days before agent due dates to allow time for preparation and review.
Use accounting software prompts: Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks all include BAS preparation and lodgement prompts. Configure these to alert you well before deadlines.
Engage a registered agent: Agent extensions provide extra time, reducing the risk of missing deadlines. Professional preparation also minimises errors.
Lodge even if you cannot pay: If cash flow prevents immediate payment, lodge your BAS on time and contact the ATO to arrange a payment plan. Lodging on time avoids FTL penalties, and payment plans can reduce or eliminate GIC if approved.
Maintain good ATO standing: Businesses with clean compliance histories may receive penalty remission if they lodge late once due to genuine oversight. Serial late lodgers receive no leniency.
Some businesses receive Instalment Activity Statements rather than BAS. IAS applies to businesses with PAYG instalments calculated by the ATO based on previous income tax. IAS has the same due dates as quarterly BAS (28 October, 28 February, 28 April, 28 July).
Small businesses eligible for simplified GST accounting can use simpler BAS lodgement methods, calculating GST on a cash basis rather than accrual, using the instalment method where GST is calculated as a percentage of turnover, or using the annual apportionment method.
Eligibility typically requires turnover under $10 million and specific business circumstances. Consult with your accountant to determine if simpler methods suit your business.
Your first BAS covers the period from your GST registration date to the end of the relevant reporting period. If you register for GST on 15 August 2025 with quarterly reporting, your first BAS covers 15 August to 30 September 2025 (partial quarter), due 28 October 2025.
The ATO sends a letter confirming your GST registration date and first BAS due date. Mark this carefully as missing your first BAS creates immediate compliance problems.
When you close your business and cancel GST registration, you must lodge a final BAS covering the period up to your cancellation date. This is due within 21 days of cancellation.
Ensure all income and expenses up to closing date are captured, all GST collected is remitted, and you claim all GST credits on final expenses. Many businesses miss claiming GST on closing costs like final stock clearance or lease termination.
If you realise you have missed a BAS deadline, lodge immediately and include a voluntary disclosure statement explaining the delay. The ATO may reduce penalties if you proactively disclose and correct the mistake before they contact you.
Lodging your BAS creates the obligation, but payment must occur separately (unless using software that integrates lodgement and payment).
Electronic payment options:
BPAY using reference numbers from your lodgement confirmation
Direct bank transfer to the ATO using your Payment Reference Number (PRN)
Credit or debit card through the ATO payment portal (note: 0.56% to 1.45% surcharge applies depending on card type)
Payment plans for amounts you cannot pay immediately
Payment timing: Payments must be received by the ATO by the due date. Electronic payments made on the due date are considered on time if processed before midnight AEST. Bank transfers can take 1 to 2 business days, so pay early to ensure timely receipt.
Example: A Melbourne tradie lodges their quarterly BAS on 28 October (due date) showing $8,500 owing. They initiate a bank transfer at 4 PM on 28 October. The transfer processes on 29 October, technically one day late. The ATO does not penalise this because the payment was initiated on the due date, but best practice is to pay 2 to 3 days before the deadline to avoid any issues.
If you cannot pay your BAS by the due date due to cash flow difficulties, contact the ATO immediately to arrange a payment plan. The ATO is surprisingly accommodating if you communicate proactively.
Payment plan considerations:
Lodge your BAS on time even if you cannot pay (avoids FTL penalties)
Contact the ATO before the payment due date if possible
Propose a realistic payment schedule you can actually meet
GIC continues to accrue on unpaid amounts but may be reduced if you meet payment plan terms
Payment plans protect you from debt recovery action while you pay down the amount
Example payment plan: A Sydney retailer owes $22,000 GST for the October to December quarter but lacks cash flow to pay in full by 28 February. They lodge on time and immediately contact the ATO proposing six monthly payments of $3,667. The ATO approves the plan. GIC continues to accrue, but at a reduced rate, and the business avoids additional penalties and recovery action.
While this article focuses on BAS due dates, it is important to note that superannuation guarantee obligations are reported separately, not through BAS. Superannuation payments for employees are due quarterly (same quarter dates as GST), but reporting occurs through Single Touch Payroll (STP) or annual superannuation reporting, not through your BAS.
However, PAYG withholding from employee wages is reported through BAS. Your quarterly BAS shows total tax withheld from employees during the quarter.
What happens if I lodge my BAS late?
The ATO automatically issues failure to lodge (FTL) penalties ranging from $313 to $1,565 depending on your turnover. If you owe money, general interest charge (GIC) accrues daily from the original due date at approximately 10% to 11% annually. Late lodgement also jeopardises your ability to use registered agent extensions in future periods.
How long does a BAS refund take after lodgement?
The ATO typically processes BAS refunds within 12 business days for electronic lodgements. Delays can occur if your business has outstanding ATO debt (the ATO may offset refunds against other amounts owing), a history of late lodgements or compliance issues, or unusual transactions requiring review. Paper lodgements take significantly longer, sometimes 4 to 6 weeks.
Do I have to lodge BAS if my turnover is under $75,000?
You only lodge BAS if you are registered for GST. If your turnover is under $75,000, GST registration is voluntary, not mandatory. However, if you voluntarily register for GST (for example, to claim GST credits on business purchases), you must lodge BAS according to your reporting frequency regardless of actual turnover.
Can I change from quarterly to monthly BAS reporting?
Businesses under $20 million turnover can voluntarily elect monthly reporting by contacting the ATO. This might suit businesses that want faster GST refunds or prefer monthly cash flow management. You cannot change from monthly to quarterly if your turnover exceeds $20 million. Changes typically take effect from the next reporting period after the ATO approves your request.
What if the due date falls on a weekend?
When a BAS due date falls on a weekend or public holiday, the deadline automatically extends to the next business day. For example, if 28 October falls on a Saturday, your quarterly BAS is due Monday 30 October. This applies to both lodgement and payment.
Do I need to lodge BAS separately for each business I own?
Each separate business entity (each ABN) requires its own BAS. If you operate multiple companies, each company lodges separately. If you run multiple businesses through one ABN (for example, two separate activities under your sole trader ABN), you report all activity on one BAS. Consider whether separate entities make sense for liability and accounting purposes.
How do payment plans affect BAS penalties?
Arranging an ATO payment plan does not eliminate penalties that have already been applied, but can prevent additional penalties and recovery action. GIC continues to accrue on unpaid amounts, though sometimes at a reduced rate if you meet all payment plan commitments. The key is lodging on time to avoid FTL penalties, then immediately arranging payment terms for amounts you cannot pay.
Can I get BAS lodgement extensions without using an agent?
The ATO rarely grants individual lodgement extensions for BAS. Extensions are generally only available through registered agents who have concessional due dates through the lodgement program. Individual extensions might be granted in exceptional circumstances like natural disasters, serious illness, or system failures, but these require formal application and supporting evidence.
What is the penalty if I forget to charge GST on sales?
You still owe the GST to the ATO even if you forgot to charge customers. If you invoiced $10,000 for services but forgot to add GST, you owe the ATO $909 ($10,000 divided by 11) from your own funds. The ATO does not waive GST because you made a charging error. This is why GST-registered businesses must ensure their invoicing systems automatically apply GST.
Do I report PAYG withholding separately or through BAS?
PAYG withholding from employee wages is reported through your BAS using the W1 and W2 labels (tax withheld). The amounts reported should match your Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting. Pay-as-you-go instalments (PAYG instalments) for your own business income tax may appear on your BAS or on a separate Instalment Activity Statement depending on your circumstances.
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