Australia — GST / BAS Preparation & Lodgement

Confirm the client holds a current ABN and GST registration, determine their BAS lodgement frequency (monthly if turnover ≥ $10M or by election; quarterly otherwise; annual if turnover < $75K and elected), identify the exact BAS period, and retrieve any carried-forward GST credit from the prior period. Also establish whether the client is on Simpler BAS or Full BAS.

Gather all transaction records needed to classify GST treatment. Minimum requirement is a bank statement covering the full BAS period. Recommended additions are sales invoices (especially for exports and GST-free supplies), purchase invoices for input tax credit claims above AUD $82.50 (the tax invoice threshold), the prior period BAS, and any accounting software export from Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks.

Apply the Australian GST rules to each transaction: 10% standard rate on taxable domestic supplies; 0% GST-free on basic food (Division 38-A), exports (Division 38-E), and medical/educational services; input taxed exclusions for residential rent (Division 40) and financial supplies (bank fees, BNPL charges, life insurance). Populate Full BAS labels G1 (total sales), G2 (export sales), G3 (other GST-free), G10/G11 (capital/non-capital acquisitions), and calculate 1A (GST on sales) and 1B (input tax credits on purchases). Flag any non-resident SaaS suppliers to check whether reverse charge under Division 84 applies.

Complete the non-GST sections of the BAS. For PAYG withholding (W-labels), cross-check gross wages at W1 and amounts withheld at W2 against STP Phase 2 payroll reports; add no-ABN contractor withholding at W4 (rate 47%) to arrive at total withholding at W5. For PAYG income tax instalments, determine whether the entity uses Method A (ATO pre-filled amount at T7) or Method B (instalment income × ATO rate = T1 × T2). Consider whether a downward variation is warranted — note that GIC applies if the varied amount is less than 85% of the correct instalment. Complete FBT instalment at F1 if the prior-year FBT liability was ≥ $3,000.

Assemble the final BAS, confirm total net payable (GST net + W5 + instalment + F1 less credits), and lodge through the ATO Business Portal (bp.ato.gov.au), myGov, or tax agent software (e.g. Xero Tax, MYOB Tax, CCH iFirm) by the applicable due date. Payment must be made by the same due date to avoid a general interest charge (GIC). Retain all working papers and tax invoices for five years (TAA 1953 s 262A).