BAS Deadlines You Can’t Miss: A Complete Guide for Australian Businesses
Understanding and adhering to Business Activity Statement (BAS) deadlines is crucial for Australian businesses to maintain compliance with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and avoid penalties. This comprehensive guide outlines the key BAS due dates for the 2025–2026 financial year, including quarterly, monthly, and annual lodgement deadlines, along with tips to ensure timely submissions.
Understanding BAS Reporting Cycles
Your BAS reporting frequency depends on your business’s annual GST turnover:
Monthly Reporting: For businesses with an annual GST turnover of $20 million or more.
Quarterly Reporting: For businesses with an annual GST turnover under $20 million.
Annual Reporting: For businesses with a GST turnover under $75,000 (or $150,000 for non-profit organisations).
It’s important to note that the ATO may require businesses to change their reporting cycle based on their GST turnover or other factors. Always consult the ATO or a registered BAS agent to confirm your reporting obligations.
Key BAS Due Dates for 2025–2026
Quarterly BAS Due Dates
For businesses reporting quarterly, the standard due dates are as follows:
Quarter 1 (July–September 2025): Due 28 October 2025
Quarter 2 (October–December 2025): Due 28 February 2026
Quarter 3 (January–March 2026): Due 28 April 2026
Quarter 4 (April–June 2026): Due 28 July 2026
Registered BAS agents may be eligible for an automatic four-week extension for quarterly BAS lodgement. For example, the due date for Quarter 1 (July–September 2025) would be extended to 25 November 2025 when lodging through an agent.
Monthly BAS Due Dates
For businesses required to lodge monthly, the due dates are the 21st of the following month:
July 2025: Due 21 August 2025
August 2025: Due 21 September 2025
September 2025: Due 21 October 2025
October 2025: Due 21 November 2025
November 2025: Due 21 December 2025
December 2025: Due 21 January 2026
January 2026: Due 21 February 2026
February 2026: Due 21 March 2026
March 2026: Due 21 April 2026
April 2026: Due 21 May 2026
May 2026: Due 21 June 2026
June 2026: Due 21 July 2026
Note: The ATO may grant an extension for the December monthly BAS lodgement for businesses with a turnover under $10 million
Annual BAS Due Date
For businesses eligible for annual BAS lodgement, the due date is 31 October 2026. If lodging with a tax return, the tax return due date applies.
What Happens If You Miss a BAS Deadline?
Failing to lodge your BAS on time can result in:
Penalties: The ATO may impose failure-to-lodge penalties.
Interest Charges: General Interest Charges (GIC) may apply to any unpaid amounts.
Cash Flow Issues: Late lodgement can affect your business’s cash flow and financial planning.
If you anticipate missing a deadline, it’s advisable to:
Contact the ATO: Inform them of your situation and seek guidance.
Engage a Registered BAS Agent: They can assist with lodgement and may help negotiate extensions.
Tips to Stay on Top of BAS Deadlines
Set Reminders: Use digital calendars or apps to set reminders for BAS due dates.
Automate Processes: Utilise accounting software to automate BAS preparation and lodgement.
Regular Reconciliation: Reconcile your accounts regularly to ensure accurate BAS reporting.
Consult Professionals: Engage a registered BAS agent or accountant to assist with BAS preparation and lodgement.
Conclusion
Adhering to BAS deadlines is essential for maintaining compliance with the ATO and avoiding penalties. By understanding your reporting cycle and staying organised, you can ensure timely and accurate BAS lodgement.
