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New Business BAS Setup

New Business BAS Set Up

Set up BAS for a new business the right way: register for GST and PAYG when required, configure software and tax codes correctly, and create an on-time lodgement routine that avoids penalties.

This guide explains new business BAS setup in Australia in plain language—what it includes, how long it takes, costs to compare, and when to get help from a registered BAS or tax agent. It links to the most relevant new business pages so you can decide quickly and act confidently.

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How this usually works

A practical new business BAS setup starts with a short discovery call and a quick review of your position—structure, registrations, software, sales channels, payroll status and any ATO deadlines. From there, the work typically follows three phases.

  • Immediate triage: fix urgent items (overdue BAS, missing GST settings, bank feed gaps, payroll/STP issues).
  • Setup and process design: confirm GST/PAYG registrations, choose cash vs accrual, set the BAS cycle, configure tax codes and reports in Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks, and map how data flows from POS/eCommerce to the ledger.
  • Review and lodgement: reconcile, review GST and PAYG, prepare BAS, answer queries, and lodge on time.

Typical timeframe: 2–10 business days for a clean setup; faster with complete documents. Urgent same-week triage is often available.

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Australian context to keep in view

  • ABN: required to operate and to register for GST. If you don’t quote an ABN when required, payers may withhold 47% from payments.
  • GST registration: required at $75,000 GST turnover ($150,000 for non‑profits) or immediately for taxi/ride‑sourcing.
  • Reporting cycle: most new businesses lodge BAS quarterly. Agent-lodged BAS may receive extensions.
  • GST method: cash is simpler for tight cash flow; accrual suits invoice‑based operations. Pick once and stay consistent.
  • Payroll: STP Phase 2 is mandatory; super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2025; register PAYG withholding if you pay staff.
  • Record keeping: keep tax invoices, bank statements, payroll records and logbooks for at least five years.
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What to compare before you commit

Scope

Confirm the proposal covers registrations (GST, PAYG), software setup (tax codes, BAS reports), integrations (POS, eCommerce), reconciliations, review and lodgement—not just one piece.

Software fit

Ask how Xero/MYOB/QB tax codes will be configured, how bank rules will work, and how each sales channel will map to the GST you must report.

Turnaround and communication

Check onboarding speed, who answers questions, how queries are tracked near due dates, and what happens if something urgent appears.

Qualifications and cost

Use registered BAS/tax agents for compliance. Compare fixed vs hourly pricing and what’s included per BAS (reconciliations, review notes, ATO correspondence).

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What’s included in a strong BAS setup

  • Registrations checked: ABN, GST, PAYG withholding (and PAYG instalments if relevant).
  • Method and cycle selected: cash vs accrual; monthly or quarterly BAS.
  • Software configured: chart of accounts, GST tax codes, BAS report mapping, bank feeds and bank rules.
  • Sales and purchasing mapped: POS/eCommerce gateways, online marketplaces, imports, reverse-charge, GST‑free and input‑taxed categories.
  • Payroll aligned: STP Phase 2, current super rate, PAYG withholding and pay item mapping to ATO categories.
  • Lodgement workflow: checklist, cut‑off dates, evidence storage and sign‑off responsibilities.
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Best next steps

Write down the primary outcome you want—clean GST coding, first BAS lodged, payroll aligned to STP, or full bookkeeping plus BAS. Shortlist providers against that outcome and the dates you must meet.

If you need a broader view, start with the New Business Accountant hub. If you’re ready for help now, go straight to BAS Agent Services or use the form below for a call-back.

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Frequently asked questions

What does new business bas setup usually involve?

A complete setup covers GST/PAYG registrations, choosing cash or accrual GST, configuring software tax codes and BAS reports, mapping sales channels, enabling STP for payroll and preparing a reliable review and lodgement workflow.

How do I know if this service suits my business?

It is a fit when you need clean GST coding, on-time BAS, and confidence your software, payroll and evidence align to ATO rules. If you have overdue BAS or fast growth, prioritise triage and a stable process.

What should I compare before choosing a provider?

Compare scope, software depth, turnaround, registered agent status, review steps before lodgement, and pricing (what’s included per BAS).

What should I read next?

Explore the New Business Accountant hub, ABN Registration Help, and BAS Agent Services. Use the form below if you want a tailored BAS setup plan.

Ask a BAS question

Get accounting help for your BAS setup

Tell us about your new business and what you need—GST registration, software configuration, first BAS lodgement, payroll alignment or full bookkeeping plus BAS. We’ll connect you with the right support.

  • State if you need GST and BAS setup, PAYG withholding, payroll/STP, software help or a one‑off BAS review.
  • Share your structure (sole trader, company, partnership or trust) and any ATO deadlines or overdue BAS.
  • Mention your software (Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks) and sales channels (POS, eCommerce, marketplaces).
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