If you’re running a business in Australia, lodging your Business Activity Statement (BAS) on time and accurately is a legal and financial necessity. Thanks to modern accounting software and the ATO’s online systems, it’s now easier than ever to lodge your BAS electronically. But even with all the tools at your fingertips, many business owners are unsure of how to lodge BAS online or whether they should consider hiring a professional to help them get it right.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the process of online BAS lodgement, highlight the common pitfalls, and explain exactly when it makes sense to hire an accountant or BAS agent instead.
Let’s make BAS simple.
📆 What Is a BAS and Who Needs to Lodge It?
Before diving into the digital how-to, it’s important to understand the purpose of the BAS.
What Is a BAS?
A Business Activity Statement (BAS) is a form businesses use to report and pay various taxes to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), including:
- Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding
- PAYG instalments
- Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) instalments
- Fuel tax credits
Who Needs to Lodge a BAS?
You must lodge a BAS if:
- You are registered for GST (mandatory if your annual turnover is $75,000 or more)
- You have employees and withhold PAYG tax
- You claim fuel tax credits or other relevant taxes
Lodging your BAS accurately and on time is essential to avoid ATO penalties and interest charges.
💻 How to Lodge BAS Online: A Step-by-Step Guide
Primary Keyword: how to lodge BAS online
Option 1: Lodge via the ATO Business Portal
Keyword: lodge BAS ATO
If you prefer to lodge directly through the ATO, the Business Portal is the go-to platform for small businesses. Here’s how:
- Set up your myGovID and link your ABN via the Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM)
- Log in to the ATO Business Portal
- Navigate to “Lodge BAS”
- Enter your activity statement details
- Review your calculations
- Submit the form
- Receive an instant lodgement receipt
This method is best for business owners confident in their recordkeeping and tax knowledge.
Option 2: Lodge Using MYOB
Keyword: MYOB BAS lodgement
MYOB integrates directly with the ATO, allowing for seamless BAS lodgement if your accounts are up to date.
- Open your MYOB Essentials or AccountRight software
- Navigate to the BAS/IAS Centre
- Review automatically generated data
- Make necessary adjustments
- Hit “Lodge” and submit directly to the ATO
Benefits of using MYOB:
- Built-in checks to reduce errors
- Easier recordkeeping
- Real-time tax tracking
Option 3: Lodge Using Xero
Keyword: Xero BAS guide
Xero makes it easy to generate and lodge your BAS with the ATO through its digital tools:
- Go to Accounting > Reports > Activity Statement
- Select the correct period
- Review the GST collected and paid
- Make any manual adjustments
- Submit directly to the ATO using Xero’s online lodgement
Xero is ideal for business owners already managing daily transactions within the software.
📅 What You Need Before Lodging Your BAS Online
To ensure a smooth lodgement process, you’ll need to gather:
- Your ABN and ATO portal access credentials
- Reconciled income and expense records
- GST collected and paid totals
- PAYG instalment amounts (if applicable)
- Any outstanding credits or adjustments
Tip: Keep digital records of all receipts and invoices for at least 5 years, in case of an ATO audit.
❌ Common BAS Lodgement Mistakes to Avoid
Online tools make BAS lodgement easier, but errors can still occur. Watch out for these common mistakes:
- ❌ Incorrect GST coding on transactions
- ❌ Forgetting to report cash payments
- ❌ Claiming GST on ineligible purchases
- ❌ Lodging after the due date
- ❌ Missing PAYG obligations
Each of these errors can trigger ATO penalties, interest charges, or even a compliance audit.
🤝 When Should You Hire an Accountant or BAS Agent Instead?
Lodging your BAS online might seem straightforward, but it’s not always the best path—especially if you’re juggling other aspects of running your business.
Consider hiring a professional if:
- ⚠️ You’re not confident in GST calculations
- ⚠️ Your business structure is complex
- ⚠️ You have employees and PAYG reporting requirements
- ⚠️ You’ve made BAS errors in the past
- ⚠️ You want to ensure full ATO compliance
Benefits of Hiring a BAS Agent or Accountant
- ✅ Registered BAS agents are legally authorised to lodge on your behalf
- ✅ They can help identify errors and provide tax-saving tips
- ✅ Many offer lodgement extensions beyond standard ATO deadlines
- ✅ Peace of mind knowing your BAS is accurate and timely
Hiring a professional may cost between $150 to $400 per quarter, but the investment can save you significantly more in avoided penalties and improved cash flow.
✨ Tip: You can find a local, qualified BAS agent at Finistry.com.au – Australia’s go-to directory for trusted finance professionals.
📄 DIY Lodgement vs Accountant: Quick Comparison
| Feature | DIY Lodgement | Accountant/BAS Agent Support |
|---|---|---|
| Time Investment | High | Low |
| Risk of Errors | Medium to High | Low |
| ATO Representation | No | Yes |
| Complexity Handling | Limited | High |
| Lodgement Extensions | No | Often Available |
| Software Integration Support | Self-managed | Included |
📆 BAS Lodgement Dates You Can’t Miss
Here are the quarterly BAS lodgement dates for most small businesses:
| Quarter | Period | Standard Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | July 1 – Sept 30 | Oct 28 |
| Q2 | Oct 1 – Dec 31 | Feb 28 (next year) |
| Q3 | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | April 28 |
| Q4 | April 1 – June 30 | July 28 |
If you use a registered BAS agent, you may qualify for an extended deadline.
✅ Tips for Easier, Stress-Free BAS Lodgement
- ✉️ Set calendar alerts for due dates
- 💼 Reconcile your accounts monthly
- 📅 Store all receipts and invoices digitally
- ⚖️ Use accounting software with BAS features
- ✍️ Keep personal and business expenses separate
- 📉 Work with a BAS agent for quarterly reviews
❓ FAQs: People Also Ask
How do I lodge my BAS online?
You can lodge your BAS online using the ATO Business Portal or through accounting software like Xero and MYOB, which integrate directly with the ATO.
Can I lodge my own BAS?
Yes, as long as you understand GST and PAYG obligations. If you’re unsure, a BAS agent can help ensure it’s accurate.
Is it worth paying an accountant to do BAS?
Absolutely, especially if your business is growing or you’re short on time. They help avoid errors, reduce stress, and can even help improve cash flow with better tax planning.
How much does it cost to lodge BAS with an agent?
Fees typically range from $150 to $400 per lodgement depending on your business complexity and reporting frequency.
What happens if I lodge BAS late?
You may incur Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalties and interest charges. If you’re repeatedly late, the ATO may escalate compliance measures.
🚀 Conclusion: Get Your BAS Right, Every Time
Lodging your BAS online is convenient and accessible, especially with tools like MYOB, Xero, and the ATO Business Portal. However, getting it right is far more important than doing it fast.
If you’re unsure, short on time, or simply want peace of mind, consider working with a qualified professional who knows how to navigate ATO requirements.
✨ Need help lodging your BAS? Discover trusted, qualified BAS agents near you on Finistry.com.au – Australia’s go-to directory for finance professionals.
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