Understanding GST and BAS for Perth Businesses: What You Need to Know | |
For many small business owners in Perth, tax compliance can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to navigating the intricacies of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Business Activity Statements (BAS). Understanding how GST works and staying on top of BAS lodgements is critical not only for compliance but also for maintaining healthy cash flow. With the guidance of experienced Perth Accountants, businesses can simplify this process and avoid common pitfalls. What Is GST? Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a 10% tax applied to most goods and services sold or consumed in Australia. If your business earns $75,000 or more in annual turnover ($150,000 for non-profits), you're legally required to register for GST with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Once registered, you must charge GST on your taxable sales and remit the collected tax to the ATO, usually on a monthly or quarterly basis through your BAS. What Is a BAS? A Business Activity Statement (BAS) is a form submitted to the ATO that summarises your business’s tax obligations, including: GST collected and paid Pay As You Go (PAYG) instalments PAYG withholding (if you have employees) Other taxes such as fringe benefits tax (FBT) BAS reporting periods are typically quarterly, but some businesses may need to report monthly depending on their turnover. Timely and accurate BAS lodgement is essential for avoiding penalties and maintaining good standing with the ATO. Common GST & BAS Mistakes Despite the best of intentions, many Perth businesses make costly errors when managing GST and BAS. Some of the most frequent mistakes include: Incorrect GST coding: Misclassifying transactions can lead to underpayment or overpayment. Failing to track GST on imported goods: Businesses often forget to account for GST on international purchases. Missing deadlines: Late BAS lodgements can result in penalties and interest charges. Overclaiming GST credits: Claiming credits on items that aren’t GST-deductible, like entertainment expenses, can trigger audits. Working with knowledgeable Perth Accountants helps you avoid these pitfalls. They can review your GST coding, verify your BAS reports, and ensure every entry complies with ATO standards. How an Accountant Helps with BAS Preparation While many accounting platforms offer BAS reporting features, the support of a professional accountant ensures accuracy and peace of mind. At Stewart Private Accounting, we assist Perth businesses with: Reviewing GST obligations for different products or services Reconciling your accounts to ensure your BAS matches your financial records Filing your BAS electronically to ensure it’s lodged on time Advising on payment plans if you’re struggling to meet ATO obligations By outsourcing BAS preparation to a local expert, you save time, reduce stress, and avoid potential compliance issues. GST and BAS for Startups and New Businesses New businesses often underestimate how complex GST and BAS can be. You need to ensure you’re: Registering for GST at the right time Issuing compliant tax invoices Charging GST on the right products and services Claiming only legitimate input tax credits For startups, getting it wrong early on can have long-term consequences. That’s why consulting with an accountant as early as possible is highly recommended. At Stewart Private, we help new Perth businesses set up clean systems from day one so their compliance is bulletproof. Cloud Software Makes Compliance Easier Platforms like Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks offer automated GST tracking and simplified BAS reporting. However, these tools require proper setup to ensure the reports generated are accurate. Partnering with an accountant means you’ll get the right configurations from the beginning, and regular check-ins will ensure your data stays clean and your submissions accurate. Staying Ahead of Lodgement Deadlines Missing a BAS deadline can not only result in fines but also affect your business’s reputation with the ATO. A reliable accountant keeps you on track with all due dates, helps plan for your upcoming obligations, and ensures your payments are lodged correctly. If cash flow is tight, they can help negotiate a payment plan or provide advice to restructure your finances. Final Thoughts GST and BAS are essential elements of business compliance in Australia, but they don’t have to be a burden. With the right systems and the support of trusted Perth Accountants, your business can stay compliant, avoid penalties, and focus on growth. At Stewart Private Accounting, we’re here to guide Perth businesses through every step of the tax process—ensuring clarity, accuracy, and confidence when it comes to GST and BAS. ![]() | |
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