As a business owner, keeping track of your Business Activity Statement (BAS) due dates is crucial to maintaining good standing with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). BAS submissions are essential for businesses registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST), as they allow you to report on your GST, pay-as-you-go (PAYG) withholding, and other tax obligations. Missing BAS deadlines can lead to costly penalties and interest charges. Understanding BAS due dates and ensuring timely submissions can save your business from these financial burdens.
In this article, we’ll break down the BAS due dates for 2025, what your obligations are, and the steps you can take to stay on top of your business’s tax commitments.
What is BAS and Why is It Important?
A Business Activity Statement (BAS) is a crucial form that businesses must lodge with the ATO to report and pay various taxes, such as GST, PAYG withholding, and PAYG instalments. Your BAS helps ensure compliance with Australian tax laws, making it vital for business owners to manage their BAS obligations correctly.
Key BAS Due Dates for 2025
For businesses that need to lodge quarterly BAS, it’s important to keep track of the following due dates for the 2025 financial year:
If lodging through a Tax/BAS Agent:
- 1st Quarter (Jul – Sep): Due 25 November 2025
- 2nd Quarter (Oct – Dec): Due 25 February 2026
- 3rd Quarter (Jan – Mar): Due 26 May 2025
- 4th Quarter (Apr – Jun): Due 25 August 2025
If lodging yourself (no agent concession):
- 1st Quarter (Jul – Sep): Due 28 October 2025
- 2nd Quarter (Oct – Dec): Due 28 January 2026
- 3rd Quarter (Jan – Mar): Due 28 April 2025
- 4th Quarter (Apr – Jun): Due 28 July 2025
If your business is on a monthly BAS cycle, you must submit your BAS for each month by the 21st of the following month. For example, your January 2025 BAS is due on 21 February 2025.
Quick Tip: If the due date falls on a weekend or public holiday, the ATO typically extends the due date to the next business day.
BAS Payment Methods and Penalties for Late Lodgement
Submitting your BAS on time is critical to avoid late lodgement penalties. If you fail to lodge your BAS by the due date, the ATO may apply penalties and charge interest on any overdue payments. These penalties can range from $313 to over $1,500, depending on the size of your business and how late your submission is.
However, even if you’re unable to pay your BAS on time, it’s still essential to lodge your BAS by the due date to minimise penalties. You may be able to set up a payment plan through the ATO’s Payment Plans Portal if your business is facing cash flow challenges. Failing to lodge your BAS on time could lead to additional fines and possibly trigger an audit by the ATO.
Learn more about late payment penalties from the ATO here.
PAYG Withholding & GST Reporting
For businesses that employ staff, PAYG withholding is a key component of your BAS reporting. If your business withholds over $20,000 in PAYG tax per year, you’ll need to report your PAYG withholding obligations monthly rather than quarterly. This is in addition to reporting your GST obligations on a quarterly or monthly basis.
GST is calculated based on the difference between the tax you’ve collected on sales and the tax you’ve paid on purchases. Understanding how to accurately calculate and report your GST can be complex, but staying compliant with GST regulations will help you avoid costly mistakes. If you’re unsure about your GST obligations, we recommend consulting the ATO’s GST guidelines or seeking professional advice.
You can find more about PAYG withholding and GST obligations on the ATO’s official page here.
Adjusting Your BAS Reporting Cycle
If your business has fluctuating income or if you’re struggling to meet quarterly deadlines, you may be eligible to switch between quarterly and monthly BAS reporting. The ATO allows eligible businesses to adjust their reporting frequency based on their turnover and other factors. For instance, businesses with a turnover of $20 million or more may be required to lodge their BAS monthly, while smaller businesses can opt for quarterly reporting.
Before switching, make sure you fully understand how the change will impact your cash flow and reporting obligations. A professional accountant or tax advisor can assist in making the right decision for your business.
Learn more about adjusting your BAS reporting cycle from the ATO here.
BAS Due Date Reminders and How to Stay on Track
The best way to stay on top of your BAS due dates is by setting reminders. Here are a few ways you can stay organised:
- Set calendar reminders: Use a digital calendar (like Google Calendar) to remind you of upcoming BAS deadlines.
- Engage an accountant: Having a professional accountant handle your BAS lodgement will give you peace of mind.
- Automate your BAS submission: Many accounting software packages like Xero, QuickBooks, or MYOB offer automated BAS lodgement and reminders.
- Join the ATO’s online services: Register for the MyGov portal or use the ATO Business Portal to track due dates and lodgement status.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead with BAS Due Dates
BAS due dates are a critical part of maintaining compliance with Australian tax laws. Ensure you’re aware of your 2025 BAS due dates and make timely submissions to avoid penalties. If you’re struggling to meet deadlines or need assistance with BAS reporting, consider working with a qualified tax professional who can help you manage your obligations efficiently. Staying on top of your BAS not only ensures compliance but also helps your business stay on track for long-term success.
For further details on BAS due dates, visit the official ATO page on BAS lodgement here.
Need help staying on top of your BAS lodgements or tax obligations? At Sheppard Advisory, we specialise in helping businesses like yours stay compliant and organised. Get in touch with our team today to discuss how we can streamline your BAS reporting process and ensure you’re meeting all ATO deadlines.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule a consultation.