Quick Answer: When Is GST Paid?
In Australia, GST is generally paid monthly or quarterly, depending on your business's GST reporting cycle. Most small businesses report and pay GST quarterly through a Business Activity Statement (BAS), while larger businesses generally report monthly.
For quarterly BAS lodgements, the standard GST payment deadlines are 28 October, 28 February, 28 April and 28 July. Monthly BAS payments are generally due on the 21st of the following month.
Understanding when GST is paid helps Australian businesses avoid overdue payments, manage cash flow and meet their Australian Taxation Office (ATO) obligations.
What Are the Quarterly GST Payment Due Dates?
Most GST-registered small businesses with annual GST turnover below $20 million can report quarterly.
The standard quarterly BAS deadlines are:
BAS QuarterGST Payment Due DateJuly to September28 OctoberOctober to December28 FebruaryJanuary to March28 AprilApril to June28 July
Some businesses receive additional time when lodging through a registered BAS or tax agent. Public holidays and weekends can also affect deadlines.
Working with Blue Duck Bookkeeping's BAS services helps businesses stay organised and prepare for upcoming reporting obligations.
When Is GST Paid for Monthly BAS Lodgements?
Businesses with annual GST turnover of $20 million or more generally report GST monthly, although smaller businesses may also choose monthly reporting.
Monthly BAS lodgements and GST payments are generally due by the 21st of the following month, subject to applicable exceptions or extensions.
For example, GST reported for August would ordinarily be due by 21 September.
How Much GST Does a Business Need to Pay?
Australian GST is generally 10% on taxable sales.
However, the amount your business pays to the ATO is not necessarily the total GST collected from customers.
Your GST liability is generally calculated as:
GST collected on taxable sales − eligible GST credits on business purchases = Net GST payable
For example, if your business collects $5,000 in GST and has $2,000 in eligible GST credits, your net GST payable would be $3,000.
Accurate GST bookkeeping and reconciliation helps ensure these figures are calculated correctly.
What Happens If You Pay GST Late?
Missing a GST payment deadline can result in interest charges and potential ATO collection activity. Late BAS lodgements may also attract penalties.
If you're unable to pay your GST liability, it's important to lodge your BAS on time and contact the ATO about available payment arrangements.
How Can Small Businesses Prepare for GST Payments?
The easiest way to avoid unexpected GST bills is to plan throughout the reporting period.
Practical strategies include:
Setting aside GST collected from customers
Reconciling transactions regularly
Reviewing GST liabilities before BAS deadlines
Maintaining accurate invoices and expense records
Using Xero bookkeeping services to monitor GST reporting
At Blue Duck Bookkeeping, we help Australian businesses maintain accurate records, prepare BAS information and stay ahead of GST obligations.
Get Your GST and BAS Under Control
Knowing when GST is paid is only one part of managing your business finances. Understanding how much you'll owe and preparing for payment is equally important.
With Blue Duck Bookkeeping's BAS and bookkeeping services, you can simplify GST reporting, improve cash flow planning and spend less time worrying about deadlines.
Contact Blue Duck Bookkeeping to find out how we can help manage your GST and BAS obligations.