If you’re a small business owner in Australia, the Business Activity Statement (BAS) lodgement deadline is one of the most important dates on your tax calendar. With the Quarter 1 BAS (July–September 2025) due by 25 November 2025, now’s the time to review your figures, check your cash flow, and ensure everything is ready to lodge.
In this guide, our expert BAS accountants explain what BAS is, who needs to lodge it, how to prepare, and what happens if you miss the deadline. Whether you handle it yourself or use registered BAS agents in Melbourne, staying on top of your obligations will save you time, stress, and potential ATO penalties.
What Is a Business Activity Statement (BAS)?
A Business Activity Statement (BAS) is a report that businesses registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) must submit to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
The BAS helps the ATO track the taxes your business collects and pays, including:
- Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding
- Pay As You Go (PAYG) instalments
- Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) instalments
- Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) (if applicable)
Essentially, it’s how you report and pay your tax obligations throughout the year, instead of waiting until your annual tax return.
When Is Quarter 1 BAS Due?
For the 2025–26 financial year:
- Quarter 1 BAS period: 1 July – 30 September 2025
- Lodgement deadline: 28 October 2025
- Extended deadline (if lodged electronically through a registered BAS or tax agent): 25 November 2025
That means if your BAS is lodged through a registered BAS agent or tax accountant, you get almost an extra month to finalise and submit it.
Pro Tip: A reliable BAS accountant in Melbourne should be contacted in advance of the deadline, as this extension is only applicable if your agent files online.
Who Needs to Lodge a BAS?
You must lodge a BAS if your business is:
- Registered for GST
- Withholding PAYG tax from employees
- Paying PAYG instalments for income tax
- Liable for FBT or other business taxes
Even if your business made no sales or income during the period, you still need to lodge a nil BAS.
Consult a Melbourne-registered tax agent if you have any questions. They can verify your responsibilities and help you avoid expensive mistakes.
How to Prepare for Your Quarter 1 BAS Lodgement
Before lodging your BAS, take the time to review and reconcile your records. Here’s a simple step-by-step checklist:
1. Reconcile Your Accounts
- Ensure that your business bank transactions align with your accounting software.
- Reconcile all income, expenses, and GST amounts.
- Double-check payroll data for accuracy.
2. Review Your GST Records
- Confirm that GST has been collected on taxable sales.
- Ensure you’ve claimed GST credits only on eligible business purchases.
3. Check PAYG Withholding and Instalments
- Ensure that PAYG withheld from employee wages is reported accurately.
- Review your PAYG instalment amount if your income has changed.
4. Use Reliable Accounting Software
Using cloud-based platforms like Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks makes BAS lodging for businesses much easier. These systems can automatically calculate your GST, PAYG, and totals, reducing the risk of errors.
5. Get Help from a BAS Accountant
Working with an experienced BAS accountant or tax return accountant ensures your figures are accurate and your lodgement is compliant. A professional can also identify potential tax credits or adjustments that you might miss.
Why Work with BAS Agents in Melbourne?
Lodging your BAS might seem simple, but even small mistakes can lead to ATO penalties or delayed refunds. That’s why many businesses prefer to work with registered BAS agents in Melbourne.
Here’s how they can help:
- Accurate lodgement: Ensure your BAS is complete, correct, and submitted on time.
- ATO representation: If the ATO requests clarification or conducts a review, your agent can handle it on your behalf.
- Extra time: Lodging through a BAS agent automatically extends your due date to 25 November 2025.
- Tax planning advice: Get guidance from income tax professionals on how your BAS affects your overall tax position.
By working with trusted income tax accountants, you can focus on running your business while staying compliant with the ATO.
What Happens If You Miss the BAS Deadline?
If you miss the 25 November 2025 BAS lodgement date, the ATO may issue:
- Failure to lodge (FTL) penalties – typically starting at $313 for small businesses, increasing every 28 days it’s overdue.
- Interest charges on any unpaid GST or PAYG amounts.
- Increased audit scrutiny if you have a pattern of late lodgements.
To avoid these issues, contact your BAS accountant as soon as possible. In some cases, they can request an extension or negotiate a payment plan on your behalf with the ATO.
Tips to Stay ATO-Compliant
- Keep digital records: Store invoices, receipts, and payroll files for a minimum of five years.
- Automate where possible: Use accounting software that integrates directly with the ATO portal.
- Set reminders: Add BAS lodgement dates to your business calendar.
- Work with professionals: A reliable tax return accountant or BAS agent ensures everything runs smoothly.
- Plan your cash flow: Always set aside your GST and PAYG obligations throughout the quarter.
How a BAS Accountant Adds Value Beyond Lodgement
A qualified BAS accountant does more than just submit your BAS. They help you:
- Monitor business performance through quarterly reports.
- Identify deductible expenses to reduce taxable income.
- Streamline your bookkeeping and record-keeping systems.
- Ensure your tax returns align with your BAS submissions.
Their insights can help you make more informed financial decisions and reduce compliance stress during tax season.
Registered Tax Agents in Melbourne: Your Compliance Partner
Make sure that a BAS or tax agent is registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) before selecting them. Only registered tax agents in Melbourne are legally authorised to prepare and lodge BAS and tax returns on your behalf.
Partnering with a registered professional ensures:
- Compliance with ATO standards
- Accurate tax calculations
- Secure handling of your business data
- Access to extended lodgement dates and professional support
If you’re unsure about your BAS or want professional help lodging before the 25 November 2025 deadline, reach out to SMH Accountants & Advisors.
Our team of registered tax agents in Melbourne can assist with:
- BAS preparation and lodgement
- GST reconciliation
- PAYG and payroll reporting
- Tax return services and business advisory
Get in touch today to ensure your BAS is accurate, compliant, and lodged on time.
Final Thoughts
In the end, with the Quarter 1 BAS due 25 November 2025, now is the perfect time to organise your records and get professional guidance. Whether you’re managing BAS lodgement for a small business or a growing enterprise, having the right BAS accountant by your side can make all the difference.
Avoid last-minute stress, penalties, and confusion, stay ATO-compliant and confident with expert help from BAS agents in Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who needs to lodge a Business Activity Statement (BAS)?
Any business registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) must lodge a BAS. This includes sole traders, partnerships, companies, and trusts. You must also lodge a PAYG tax from employees or pay PAYG instalments.
Q2. What happens if I miss my BAS lodgement deadline?
The ATO might charge a Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalty and interest on any unpaid taxes if you fail to file by the deadline of November 25, 2025. Contact your Melbourne-registered tax agent or BAS accountant to avoid fines; they may be able to arrange an extension.
Q3. What information do I need to prepare my BAS?
You’ll need:
- Total sales and income for the period
- GST collected on sales and GST paid on purchases
- PAYG withholding amounts for employees
- Any PAYG instalments or FBT instalments
- Reconciled bank statements and accurate bookkeeping records
Your income tax professionals can help you organise and verify these details.
