If you’re a new business owner in Australia, one of the first things you will hear about is the BAS, or Business Activity Statement. Every business registered for GST must submit a BAS to the ATO.
One question confuses almost everyone: “Should I lodge my BAS quarterly or monthly?”
The answer depends on your income, tax obligations, cash flow, and sometimes the ATO’s rules. This guide offers detailed information for business owners in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, and Tasmania.
A Business Activity Statement (BAS) is a report you send to the ATO to show:
If you are registered for GST, you must lodge a BAS even if you had no sales.
You must lodge a BAS if:
Most small businesses lodge BAS every quarter, but some must do it monthly.
The ATO allows two main options:
Annual BAS is only for micro businesses with special rules, so we will focus on the two main options.
Who usually lodges quarterly?
According to ATO data, over 70% of small Australian businesses lodge BAS quarterly. This includes:
Quarterly BAS due dates (ATO confirmed):
If a registered BAS agent lodges for you, the ATO often gives extra time.
Benefits of Quarterly BAS:
Downsides of Quarterly BAS:
Who must lodge monthly?
The ATO requires monthly BAS lodgement if:
Many growing businesses choose monthly BAS, even if it’s not required.
Benefits of Monthly BAS:
Downsides of Monthly BAS:
Monthly BAS due date: 21st of each month
Example:
August BAS is due 21 September.
The best BAS cycle depends on your business size, turnover, and cash flow style. Here is a simple breakdown:
Choose Quarterly BAS if:
Most Australian businesses fall into this category.
Choose Monthly BAS if:
Example 1: Barber Shop in Adelaide
Turnover: $110,000 per year
Example 2: Construction Contractor in Melbourne
Example 3: Cafe in Sydney
Example 4: Online Store in Perth
Yes. This is one of the main reasons businesses make the switch. Quarterly BAS payments feel larger.
Example: If your GST payable is $1,200 for the quarter, you pay it all at once.
Monthly BAS breaks it into smaller amounts.
Example: Instead of paying $1,200 at once, you pay about $400 each month. For many small businesses, this makes managing expenses easier.
Yes, the ATO allows you to change once per financial year. You can request this through your registered BAS agent, ATO Online Services, or ATO phone support. Most changes happen from 1 July.
If you submit your forms late, the ATO may impose a Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalty. ATO penalty units apply for every 28 days you are late: 1 penalty unit equals $330 at the 2024-25 rate.
If your business is small or stable, quarterly BAS is usually the best choice. If your business is growing quickly or has high expenses, monthly BAS can help you manage cash flow and claim credits sooner. Still unsure? A BAS agent can review your income, GST collected, and expenses to show you which option saves you more money.
We help thousands of small businesses across Australia stay compliant and stress-free.
AMA Accountants — Registered Tax Agents & BAS Specialists
Servicing Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Tasmania
📞 +61 (0)420 529 890
📧 finance@amaaccountant.com.au
Amit Chugh is a Partner at The AMA Accountant and a highly respected CPA & Registered Tax Agent with a proven track record of delivering exceptional accounting and taxation services to individuals, businesses, and corporations across Australia.
Amit Chugh is a Partner at The AMA Accountant and a highly respected CPA & Registered Tax Agent with a proven track record of delivering exceptional accounting and taxation services to individuals, businesses, and corporations across Australia.
With over 25+ of professional experience, Amit has helped thousands of clients streamline their finances, optimise tax returns, and ensure full compliance with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements. His client base spans Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Tasmania, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Canberra, and regional hubs including Prospect, Modbury, Mawson Lakes, Woodville, Mount Gambier, Victor Harbor, Whyalla, Port Lincoln, Murray Bridge, Port Augusta, Gawler, and Port Pirie.
Office Address: 477 Torrens Road Woodville SA 5011
