BAS

How to Lodge Your First BAS

Lodging your first BAS can be daunting, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be.

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Submitting your first Business Activity Statement can feel like a big deal — especially if no one’s ever walked you through it. Whether you’ve crossed the GST threshold for the first time or launched a new business, lodging is non-negotiable for compliance. But it doesn’t have to be stressful.

Here’s how to lodge your first BAS, plus how Simplify can make it easier.

What Is a BAS — and Why Do You Need to Lodge One?

A BAS is how you report and pay tax to the ATO — including GST, PAYG withholding, and PAYG instalments

You’ll generally need to lodge if:

You’re registered for GST (required if your business earns $75,000+ per year)
You employ staff and withhold PAYG tax from wages
Make certain types of business purchases or receive specific credits

When you register for GST, the ATO will automatically send you a BAS when it’s due. Most small businesses lodge quarterly, but some do it monthly or annually.

Important: Even if you have nothing to report, you still need to lodge a “nil BAS” by the due date.

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What You Need Before Lodging Your BAS

You’ll need these financial records to lodge your statement:

Sales invoices (total income earned in the period)
Expense receipts and supplier invoices
Bank statements (to cross-check transactions)
Wage records (if reporting PAYG withholding)
Amount of GST collected and paid (if registered for GST)

Also check:

The due date
That your GST registration is active (via the ABN register or ATO portal)
How you’ll lodge: online, by phone (for nil BAS), or through a registered BAS or tax agent

How to Lodge Your First BAS Online

1. Log into the ATO portal

Sole traders can use myGov linked to the ATO
Companies and partnerships use Online Services for Business

2. Access your form (usually ready about 2 weeks before it’s due)

3. Enter the required amounts

GST collected on sales (label 1A)
GST paid on purchases (label 1B)
PAYG withheld and wages (W1 and W2)

4. Review for accuracy

Reconcile with your bookkeeping software or spreadsheets
Double-check GST calculations

5. Lodge your BAS

You’ll get a confirmation and receipt number; save this for your records
You can pay via BPAY, direct debit, or credit card — or even in person at Australia Post

Why a Bookkeeper Can Help You Get It Right From the Start

You can lodge your BAS yourself, but it’s easy to miss details if you’re new to business taxes or short on time.

A bookkeeper can help you:

Reconcile your records to ensure accuracy
Categorise your income and expenses correctly
Check GST amounts and claim credits you’re entitled to
Avoid common mistakes that lead to ATO penalties

At Simplify Bookkeeping & BAS, we organise your records to ensure they’re ready for our registered BAS agents to lodge. That means less stress, fewer mistakes, and more time for your business.

Simplify Lodgement With Support You Can Trust

You know what to prepare, how to lodge, and why records matter. Congratulations, you’re ready for your first BAS!

BAS time can be stressful, especially the first time. Our bookkeeping services give you peace of mind that your lodgements are accurate and you’re claiming what you should.

Want to get your tax obligations right the first time? We’re here to help — let Simplify handle the stress so you can focus on your exciting new business.

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Nil BAS Explained: When You Still Need to Lodge and Why

If the ATO issues an activity statement and your GST or PAYG roles are still active, you need to lodge a Nil BAS by the due date. Skipping it can trigger ATO reminders and Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalties, even if you owe nothing.

Compliance

Can Overseas Companies Use Bookkeeping & BAS in Australia?

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.

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