Quick answer: The quarterly BAS for July to September 2026 is due on Wednesday 28 October 2026. If your books aren't ready, don't ignore it. Lodging through a registered BAS agent may give you until 25 November 2026 under the ATO's BAS agent lodgment program, as long as the statement is lodged electronically. The safest move is to get help set up before the 28th. Book a free review with Debbie today and we'll tell you exactly where you stand.

When is the BAS due in October 2026?

If you lodge your own BAS quarterly, your July to September 2026 activity statement (quarter 1 of the 2026-27 financial year) is due on 28 October 2026. Any GST, PAYG withholding or PAYG instalments shown on that BAS are due for payment on the same day.

That date lands right in the middle of a busy month for most Moreton Bay businesses, which is why so many owners find themselves at the kitchen table the night before, trying to make sense of a quarter's worth of receipts.

What happens if I miss the BAS deadline?

Missing the deadline doesn't mean the sky falls in, but it does cost you. The ATO can apply a failure to lodge penalty for statements lodged late, and general interest charge can be added to any amount you pay late. Late lodgment can also make it harder to get leniency down the track if you need a payment plan.

The most important thing to know: lodging late is far better than not lodging at all. Even if you can't pay the full amount, lodge on time (or as close to on time as you can) and talk to the ATO about a payment arrangement.

Can a BAS agent give me more time?

Yes, often. Registered BAS agents and tax agents lodge under the ATO's BAS agent lodgment program, which sets later due dates for their clients. For quarter 1 of 2026-27, the BAS agent date is 25 November 2026 instead of 28 October.

A few conditions apply. The statement has to be lodged electronically by the agent, and an earlier due date can apply if it's your first activity statement or your last one was lodged on paper. You can read the details on the ATO's BAS agent lodgment program page.

At Enable Bookkeeping, Debbie prepares your BAS and our registered BAS agent partner, BAS Advisory Group, reviews and lodges it. That means two professionals look at your numbers before anything goes to the ATO.

What to do today if your BAS isn't ready

1. Reconcile your bank accounts. In Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks, match every transaction from 1 July to 30 September. Unreconciled items are the number one reason BAS figures come out wrong.

2. Check your GST coding. Look for sales and purchases coded with the wrong tax rate, especially bank fees, insurance, overseas subscriptions and anything paid in cash.

3. Confirm your payroll figures. If you have staff, make sure your Single Touch Payroll (STP) totals for wages and PAYG withholding match what's going on the BAS.

4. Find the missing receipts. You need a valid tax invoice to claim GST credits on purchases over $82.50 (GST inclusive).

5. Get help before the 28th. If you're stuck on any of the above, book a free review. If you just want to see how far along you are, try our free 5 minute BAS Prep Checklist.

Behind by more than one quarter?

You're not the only one. Plenty of good businesses fall behind when they get busy, hire their first staff or lose their old bookkeeper. Our "BAS. Sorted." catch-up service starts from a flat fee of $499, quoted upfront after a free review, with a 24 hour callback guarantee and no lock-in contract. We work with businesses in all industries across Bribie Island and Moreton Bay, from Banksia Beach to Caboolture, Morayfield, North Lakes and Redcliffe. See all the areas we service.

Frequently asked questions

When is the July to September 2026 BAS due?

For businesses that lodge their own quarterly BAS, it's due on 28 October 2026. Payment is due on the same date.

Is the BAS due date later if I use a BAS agent?

Usually, yes. Under the ATO's BAS agent lodgment program, the quarter 1 2026-27 date is 25 November 2026 for statements lodged electronically by a registered agent. Some conditions apply, so it's best to get set up before the original due date.

What if I can't pay my BAS on time?

Lodge anyway. Then contact the ATO to arrange a payment plan. Lodging on time while you sort out payment keeps penalties down and keeps your options open.

Can a bookkeeper help with BAS in Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks?

Yes. Debbie works in Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks every day, prepares your BAS, and our registered BAS agent partner reviews and lodges it for you.

Get your BAS sorted this week

Whether you need one quarter tidied up or a full catch-up, Debbie can take it off your plate. Book your free review here, or learn more about our BAS and GST bookkeeping service and meet Debbie.

Debbie Parker provides bookkeeping services under a supervision arrangement. All BAS services and supervision are provided by BAS Advisory Group Pty Ltd (registered BAS agent no. 26328712). This article is general information only and is not tax advice. Due dates and conditions are set by the ATO and can change, so always check your own situation.