If your company is based overseas, you can get help with Australian bookkeeping and BAS. However, you should know about some key rules and restrictions before working with an agent. Find out how to get started, understand local requirements, and see how Simplify helps your business stay compliant.
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If you’re expanding into Australia, you’ll need to get across a new set of rules. Most overseas companies want affordable bookkeeping and BAS support, but run into issues if they don’t have a local base, a clear structure, or understand GST.
Overseas companies can use Australian bookkeeping and BAS services, but only once you’re set up for local company and tax rules. A BAS agent can help you stay compliant, but you need the right legal structure and must meet all tax obligations first.
There are two main ways to operate in Australia. The best fit depends on how you plan to trade, hire, and contract.
If your foreign company is doing business in Australia, you’ll usually need to register with ASIC as a foreign company. You must have a local agent in Australia and keep up with ongoing obligations like maintaining an office and keeping ASIC updated.
If you set up an Australian proprietary company (Pty Ltd), ASIC requires at least one director who lives in Australia.
A bookkeeper or BAS agent can’t act as your director or local agent. You need the right structure in place before any BAS work can start.
GST is a 10% tax on most sales in Australia, usually calculated as 1/11th of the GST-inclusive price. It works much like VAT in other countries.
If you’re a non-resident, you’ll generally need to register for GST when your sales connected with Australia hit A$75,000 or more. For non-profits, the threshold is A$150,000.
BAS is the form you use to report and pay GST, PAYG withholding, and some state taxes.
If you’re registered for GST, you’ll need to lodge a BAS monthly or quarterly to show how much GST you’ve collected and how much you can claim back. The ATO uses your BAS to work out your tax or refund.
With the ATO actively focused on GST compliance, getting your reporting right from day one is essential.
The BAS calculation formula is:
GST Collected on Sales – GST Paid on Purchases = Net GST Payable or Refund
If you collect $10 in GST on sales and have $5 in GST credits on business purchases, your net GST for the period is $5.
Only if you set up an Australian proprietary company, in which case ASIC requires at least one company director who lives in Australia. A foreign branch uses a local agent instead.
Planning to trade or hire in Australia? Confirm your structure and registrations first to avoid delays. Then hand over your bookkeeping, payroll, and BAS to a registered BAS agent.
Talk to us about GST registration. We’ll help you find the cleanest path to compliant, low-stress reporting.
