What Is a BAS? Business Activity Statements Explained
Quick answer
A BAS (Business Activity Statement) is a form businesses lodge with the ATO to report and pay GST and other business taxes, such as PAYG withholding and PAYG instalments. Most small businesses lodge quarterly, with due dates of 28 October, 28 February, 28 April and 28 July. You need to lodge a BAS if you’re registered for GST, even if you made no sales.
If you’ve just registered for GST, the BAS is probably the first ATO form you’ll see regularly. It looks intimidating, but for most small businesses only a few boxes matter.
What is a BAS used for?
The BAS brings several business taxes together in one form. Depending on your business, it can include:
- GST: the GST you collected on sales minus the GST you paid on purchases
- PAYG withholding: tax you withheld from employees’ wages
- PAYG instalments: prepayments of your own income tax
- Other taxes: fringe benefits tax instalments, fuel tax credits, wine equalisation tax and luxury car tax, if they apply
Who has to lodge a BAS?
You must lodge a BAS if you’re registered for GST. You may also receive one if you have employees (for PAYG withholding) or if the ATO has put you into PAYG instalments. A sole trader who isn’t registered for GST and has no staff often won’t need to lodge a BAS at all, but may still receive an instalment notice.
What goes on a BAS: the main labels
Most small businesses with a turnover under $10 million use Simpler BAS, which only needs three GST figures:
| Label | What it means |
|---|---|
| G1 | Total sales, including GST |
| 1A | GST you collected on sales |
| 1B | GST credits on business purchases |
| W1 / W2 | Wages paid and tax withheld (only if you have employees) |
| T7 or 5A | PAYG instalment amount (if you’re in instalments) |
If 1A is bigger than 1B, you pay the difference to the ATO. If 1B is bigger, you get a refund.
BAS due dates
| Lodging | When it’s due |
|---|---|
| Quarterly (most small businesses) | 28 October, 28 February, 28 April, 28 July |
| Monthly | 21st of the following month |
| Annually (voluntary GST, turnover under $75,000) | With your income tax return, or 28 February if you don’t lodge a return |
Lodging through a registered BAS or tax agent can give you extra time. When a due date falls on a weekend or public holiday, you can lodge on the next business day.
How to lodge your BAS
- Online through myGov (sole traders): see our step-by-step guide to lodging BAS online
- Online services for business, for companies and other businesses
- Accounting software such as Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks
- A registered BAS or tax agent
Tip: Lodge a “nil” BAS if you had no sales in a period. The ATO still expects one, and missing lodgements can lead to penalties.
BAS for sole traders
Sole traders registered for GST lodge a BAS like any other business. Most can lodge it themselves through myGov in under an hour if their records are up to date. If you’re not registered for GST, read do I need to register for GST? to see whether you should be.
Rather hand over your BAS?
We’ll keep your books up to date and lodge your BAS on time, every quarter.
Frequently asked questions
What does BAS stand for?
BAS stands for Business Activity Statement. It’s the form businesses use to report GST and other business taxes to the ATO.
Do I need to lodge a BAS if I’m not registered for GST?
Usually not, unless you have employees or the ATO has put you into PAYG instalments. In that case you may receive an activity statement to report those amounts.
How often do I lodge a BAS?
Most small businesses lodge quarterly. Businesses with a GST turnover of $20 million or more must lodge monthly, and some smaller businesses voluntarily registered for GST can choose to report annually.
What happens if I lodge my BAS late?
The ATO can apply a failure-to-lodge penalty and charge interest on unpaid amounts. Lodge on time even if you can’t pay, then arrange a payment plan.
This article is general information only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check ato.gov.au or speak with a registered tax agent about your situation.
