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BAS and GST tips

Tips on preparing and lodging your business activity statements (BAS) and getting your GST information right.

Last updated 5 May 2021

BAS and GST record keeping tips

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Keeping good records helps you stay on top of your business. Remember to:

  • keep records of all sales, fees, expenses, wages and other business costs
  • keep appropriate records, such as stocktake records and logbooks to substantiate motor vehicle claims
  • reconcile sales with bank statements
  • use the correct GST accounting method
  • keep all your tax invoices and other GST records for five years.

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GST credits

  • Only claim GST credits on the business portion of purchases, and     
    • don't claim GST on private expenses, such as food or entertainment
    • if an item is for business and personal use, only claim the business portion.
     
  • Use the discounted price when claiming GST credits for discounted purchases, even if the discount doesn't appear on the invoice.
  • Claim GST credits up front for purchases under hire purchase agreements (entered into on or after 1 July 2012) – if you account for GST on a cash basis.
  • Claim GST credits on the Australian dollar value when claiming invoices in a foreign currency.
  • If your business changes or ceases you may need to repay some GST credits for business assets you decide to keep.

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When not to claim GST credits

Remember not to claim:

  • purchases that don't include GST in the price, such as      
    • bank fees and charges and stamp duty
    • GST-free items, such as basic foods
     
  • imported goods – unless you're the importer of the goods and import them solely or partly for your business
  • purchases made between entities within a GST group. However, you can claim GST credits on purchases between GST branches.

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Invoices

Remember to:

  • check GST is included on invoices you issue for sales
  • only claim GST credits if you have tax invoices for purchases of $82.50 (including GST) or more
  • make sure invoices are only counted once.

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Avoid manual errors

It's a good idea to:

  • check you are using the correct formulas to work out GST
  • have a separate column for GST in your cash book
  • make sure that column totals and row totals in your cashbooks are the same
  • classify and enter transactions into your accounts payable and accounts receivable systems correctly
  • use an electronic record keeping system tailored to your business type. Many systems can help you to streamline your administration tasks.

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Completing your BAS

When completing your BAS:

  • enter whole dollar amounts – leave cents out and don't round up to the next dollar
  • enter each invoice once only
  • if you account for GST on a cash basis, your expenses and sales must fall within the period you made or received payment
  • only complete the fields that apply to you – if you have nothing to report, enter zero
  • if you're doing this manually, double check your figures and calculations
  • you can always correct a mistake made on an earlier BAS.

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Lodging and paying your BAS

When you lodge activity statements and pay:

  • The due date for lodging and paying is displayed on your BAS. Lodge and pay on time to avoid penalties.
  • If a lodgment date falls on a weekend or public holiday, you can lodge and pay on the next working day.
  • Use the right payment reference number (PRN), also referred to as an EFT code, when you make payments to us.
  • If you think you might not be able to lodge and pay by the due date, contact us as soon as possible.

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Refunds

To avoid refund delays:

  • ensure your lodgments are up to date – we can’t process refunds until all outstanding BAS are lodged
  • check your financial institution details are correct.

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Made a mistake

If you made a mistake on your activity statement, don't worry – mistakes can be fixed.

Most mistakes can be corrected on your next activity statement.

If an adjustment event occurs, make an adjustment on your activity statement. Examples of adjustment events include:

  • if the price of a sale or purchase changes
  • if goods are returned and the sale is cancelled.

If you use the accounts method, you report these amounts on your activity statement for:

  • an increasing adjustment at Label 1A GST on sales
  • decreasing amounts at Label 1B GST on purchases.

A four-year time limit applies to claiming credits and refunds.

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Can't find my BAS

Online activity statements are generally available one week after the generation date. It may take up to three weeks to receive your activity statements if sent by post.

If you lodge:

  • online – you can find your BAS under 'Not lodged' or 'History'
  • by paper – you don't get the benefit of an extra two weeks to lodge your BAS and pay your GST. If you need a new form, you need to Contact us.

You can't use a sample activity statement to lodge as it isn't unique to you.

Other GST topics

See also  

QC33690