If you run a business in Australia, chances are you’ve faced the stress of preparing and lodging your Business Activity Statement (BAS). It’s one of those recurring responsibilities that seems simple on the surface—but gets complicated fast. Mistakes can result in overpaid taxes, missed GST credits, or worse: an unwanted knock from the ATO.
That’s why hiring a BAS accountant isn’t just a luxury for large businesses—it’s a smart move for small business owners, sole traders, and freelancers alike.
But one of the most common questions we hear is: “How much does a BAS agent cost in Australia?”
In this article, we’ll break down the BAS accountant cost in 2025, what influences those prices, and why choosing the right accountant is more important than simply choosing the cheapest.
💲 How Much Does a BAS Accountant Cost in Australia? (2025 Update)
The cost of hiring a BAS accountant varies depending on the size of your business, how often you lodge BAS, and how complex your financial records are.
Here’s what you can expect to pay in 2025:
| Service Type | Estimated Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Quarterly BAS Lodgement | $150 – $400 per quarter |
| Monthly BAS Lodgement | $200 – $600 per month |
| Catch-Up or Overdue BAS Lodgement | $200 – $500+ per statement |
| BAS with Payroll Integration | $300 – $800+ per month |
| GST Registration Setup | $100 – $300 (one-off) |
Keep in mind these are industry averages. Some accountants bundle services or offer fixed monthly packages for convenience.
📊 What Affects BAS Accountant Pricing?
Keyword: accountant BAS pricing
Not all businesses are created equal, and neither are their BAS needs. The following factors influence how much a BAS accountant will charge:
✅ 1. Frequency of BAS Lodgement
- Monthly lodgers pay more than quarterly
- Monthly BAS is common for larger businesses (>$20M turnover) or those voluntarily lodging more often
✅ 2. Business Size & Turnover
- More revenue often means more complexity and higher fees
- More transactions = more reconciliation work for your accountant
✅ 3. Number of Employees or Contractors
- Payroll processing, STP reporting, and PAYG withholding all add to the workload
- Businesses with staff usually require BAS + payroll bundles
✅ 4. Volume of Transactions
- A cafe with 100 transactions/day vs a consultant with 5 invoices/month will have very different bookkeeping needs
✅ 5. Accounting Software Used
- Businesses using Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, or similar cloud-based systems reduce manual work
- Manual spreadsheets = more hours and higher costs
✅ 6. Industry-Specific Rules
- Construction, medical, and retail industries have unique GST and reporting requirements
Understanding these variables helps you anticipate pricing—and see why BAS accountant cost is not one-size-fits-all.
📆 Breakdown of Common BAS Lodgement Fees
Keyword: BAS lodgement fee
Most registered BAS agents charge for preparing and submitting the BAS statement to the ATO. Here’s what that usually includes:
What’s Included in BAS Lodgement Services:
- Reviewing and reconciling GST on income and expenses
- PAYG withholding calculations (if applicable)
- Generating and checking the BAS statement
- Lodging electronically via the ATO portal or your software
- Handling ATO correspondence related to the BAS
- Providing reports and summaries for your records
Important: Only registered BAS agents or tax agents can legally charge for these services in Australia. Always verify their registration via the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB).
❓ How to Tell If You’re Getting a Fair Price
Keyword: how much does a BAS agent cost
Pricing transparency is essential when hiring a BAS agent. While it’s tempting to go with the lowest quote, beware of what’s not included.
Signs of a Fair BAS Lodgement Fee:
- A clear, itemised quote
- No hidden extras (e.g. charges for phone calls or document storage)
- Clear communication of what’s included in the price
Warning Signs of Low-Quality Service:
- No ABN or registration details
- Cash-only payment or no invoice
- Vague promises without a service agreement
- Inability to explain compliance obligations
A low BAS fee may seem attractive—until it costs you thousands in missed GST credits or ATO fines.
⚠️ Why Cost Shouldn’t Be the Deciding Factor
Many business owners try to save money by handling their BAS themselves or hiring the cheapest provider they can find. Unfortunately, this often backfires.
What You Risk by Going Cheap:
- Inaccurate GST calculations
- Missed PAYG obligations
- Late lodgements
- ATO audits or review notices
- Incorrect business records
What a Qualified BAS Accountant Delivers:
- Accurate lodgements every time
- ATO-compliant recordkeeping
- Expert advice on GST claims and PAYG
- Time savings so you can focus on growing your business
Think of it this way:
Hiring a qualified BAS accountant isn’t a cost—it’s an investment in compliance, peace of mind, and financial accuracy.
🔄 Comparing BAS Accountant Fees: What to Look For
When shopping for BAS services, it’s not just about price. It’s about value, trust, and experience.
Questions to Ask:
- Are you a registered BAS agent with the TPB?
- Do you specialise in businesses like mine?
- Do you offer monthly or quarterly packages?
- What’s included in the fee?
- Do you provide bookkeeping or payroll add-ons?
Pro Tip:
Use Finistry.com.au to compare BAS agents across Australia, filter by service type, and view reviews from other small business owners.
💡 Smart Ways to Reduce Your BAS Accounting Costs
Want to save money without cutting corners? Here are some proven ways to reduce your BAS accountant cost without sacrificing quality:
✅ 1. Organise Your Records
- Ensure your receipts and invoices are categorised
- Upload documents to your accounting software regularly
✅ 2. Use Cloud-Based Accounting Software
- Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks reduce time spent on manual data entry
- Accountants charge less for clients using integrated platforms
✅ 3. Lodge BAS Quarterly Instead of Monthly (If Eligible)
- If your turnover allows, opt for quarterly lodgements to reduce frequency and cost
✅ 4. Bundle BAS with Bookkeeping and Payroll
- Packages often cost less than standalone BAS prep
✅ 5. Don’t Leave it to the Last Minute
- Rush jobs or late lodgements can attract premium pricing or penalties
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to lodge a BAS statement in Australia?
In 2025, most BAS lodgements cost between $150 and $400 per quarter, depending on your business size and complexity.
Why are BAS accountants expensive?
They save you money by ensuring you claim all eligible GST credits, avoid ATO penalties, and lodge on time. Their value often outweighs their cost.
Can I lodge my own BAS?
Yes, if you understand GST, PAYG, and ATO compliance rules. But errors are costly, which is why many business owners use a registered BAS agent.
What happens if I lodge BAS late?
The ATO may apply Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalties, which start at $275 per period and increase based on the delay and business size.
Are BAS services included in accounting packages?
Sometimes. Some firms offer all-in-one packages that include BAS, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax. Always ask for a breakdown.
🔽 Conclusion: Accuracy Matters More Than the BAS Fee
When it comes to your quarterly tax obligations, the BAS accountant cost shouldn’t be the main concern. What matters most is:
- Lodging on time
- Claiming all eligible credits
- Avoiding ATO penalties
- Keeping clean, accurate records
An experienced, registered BAS accountant helps you achieve all of this—and gives you more time to grow your business.
“You’re not paying for a lodgement. You’re buying peace of mind.”
🚀 Ready to Find a BAS Accountant in Your Area?
Whether you need help with overdue BAS statements, payroll integration, or just want a reliable expert to handle your quarterly lodgements, it all starts with finding the right professional.
Visit Finistry.com.au to:
- Compare BAS accountant fees
- View services offered (bookkeeping, payroll, cloud software setup)
- See reviews from other business owners
- Contact registered BAS agents directly
Don’t wait for the next BAS deadline. Get compliant today—and take the stress out of tax time.
Need help with your BAS in 2025?
Search Finistry.com.au to find trusted, verified BAS accountants near you and simplify your tax lodgements once and for all.
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