Whether lodging electronically, on paper, or via a tax professional, businesses who lodge quarterly are required to do so by 28 February 2014 for the October-December 2013 period. Figures for the 2012-13 financial year show that 2.5 million businesses lodged a quarterly BAS, with increasing numbers of Australian businesses (58 per cent) using the ATO's online Business Portal as a simple and effective way to lodge on time.
"We know that every business is faced with a unique set of circumstances which is why we tailor our approach and the support we provide," Vesperman said.
"We want businesses doing the right thing to have every chance to succeed and we offer access to information at any time of day, individual conversations with ATO representatives and flexible payment arrangements for viable businesses. If you know you're going to have difficulty lodging and paying your quarterly BAS by 28 February, let us know as soon as possible and we can work out a solution together."
If you think you might have difficulty lodging your BAS this February, contact the ATO as early as possible. There's a range of options which can be tailored to suit individual circumstances. For example, if you have a viable business and have fallen behind with your GST payments, the ATO may be able to help you get back on track with an individually tailored payment arrangement.
The Small Business Assist tool also provides quick answers to business tax questions at any time of day, or you can make a booking with an ATO representative to call you back at a time that's convenient for you. If you're on the run, the ATO app can be accessed from your smartphone.
Lodging your BAS on time and paying in full by the due date simplifies your business operations and avoids unnecessary interest charges and penalties such as the failure to lodge on time (FTL) penalty.
"Experience shows the problem gets bigger and harder to resolve if businesses avoid making early contact with the ATO. We urge all businesses to take action now, make the BAS deadline a priority and contact the ATO early if you cannot pay on time to help minimise interest charges," Vesperman said.
For information on how the ATO is working for Australian businesses, visit the ATO website.
