Prepared 26 September 2026 · Affordable Bookkeeper content team
Start with the right period
Confirm the reporting period, tax registrations and due date before gathering documents. Keep ATO correspondence with the records so a change in obligations is not missed. Set an earlier internal deadline for providing information, leaving time to resolve questions and approve the statement.
Collect complete records
Gather bank and card statements, sales records, supplier invoices and payroll reports. Include transactions that sit outside the ordinary bank feed, such as financed equipment or adjustments. A complete statement helps confirm that the opening and closing balances agree.
Reconcile before reviewing GST
Resolve transfers, duplicate entries and unexplained payments. Merchant payouts may be net of fees or refunds, and loan repayments may contain different components. The aim is a consistent accounting record before considering how the amounts flow into the BAS.
Review documents and tax codes
Identify missing tax invoices, private-use portions and unusual transactions. Not every payment contains GST, and not every GST amount is necessarily claimable. Raise a specific question where treatment is unclear rather than using a default code to finish the task.
Approve, lodge and plan payment
Review the prepared statement and ask about unexpected differences. Keep the approval and lodged copy together. Lodgement and payment are separate steps, so make sure the person responsible for payment knows the amount and applicable date.
Make the next period easier
Turn unresolved issues into a short improvement list. You might need a clearer receipt process, better invoice descriptions or a monthly reconciliation routine. Fixing a recurring source of missing information can save more time than rushing the final review.
Related services
Official guidance: ATO: Business activity statements ↗
General information. The appropriate approach depends on your business and current requirements.
