BAS
5 min read
Monthly vs Quarterly BAS: Which Should You Choose?
Most small businesses can choose how often they lodge BAS. Here's how monthly and quarterly compare on due dates, cash flow and admin, and how to pick.
If your GST turnover is under $20 million, you can usually choose whether to report GST monthly or quarterly. Most businesses default to quarterly and never think about it again. For some, monthly is the better choice.
Quick answer: quarterly suits most small businesses because it’s less admin. Monthly can be better if you regularly get GST refunds, want tighter cash flow discipline, or are growing fast. Businesses with GST turnover of $20 million or more must report monthly.
The due dates
Monthly BAS is due on the 21st of the following month. For example, the July BAS is due 21 August.
Quarter | Months | Standard due date |
|---|---|---|
Q1 | July to September | 28 October |
Q2 | October to December | 28 February |
Q3 | January to March | 28 April |
Q4 | April to June | 28 July |
Lodging online or through a registered BAS agent can give quarterly reporters extra time, except for Q2, which already includes an extension. Our BAS due dates calendar has every date in one place.
When quarterly makes sense
You usually owe GST. Holding GST for longer between payments can help cash flow, as long as you set it aside.
Your business is steady. Predictable sales and costs mean fewer surprises to catch each month.
You want less admin. Four lodgements a year instead of twelve.
When monthly makes sense
You’re often in a refund position. Exporters, businesses buying big equipment and early-stage companies with high setup costs get GST credits back sooner.
You want tighter control. Smaller, more frequent GST bills are easier to plan for than one large quarterly hit.
Your books are already current. If your bookkeeper reconciles weekly, monthly BAS adds very little extra work.
The real risk: the GST you’ve spent
Whichever cycle you choose, the GST you collect isn’t yours. The most common cash flow mistake we see is treating it as revenue and being short when BAS is due. A simple fix is moving GST into a separate account every week.
How to change your BAS cycle
You can ask the ATO to change your reporting frequency, usually from the start of a new quarter or financial year. Your BAS agent can manage the request and update your lodgement schedule. At Equilo, monthly and quarterly BAS cost the same, so choose what suits your business, not your bookkeeper.
Need a hand?
We prepare and lodge BAS as a registered BAS agent. Answer three questions to get your fixed monthly quote.