Understanding your ATO lodgement & payment requirements (plus key dates!)

As a business owner, understanding and staying on top of your ATO requirements is crucial. This involves lodging forms, reporting to the ATO, and making ATO payments — but it doesn't have to be a daunting task. At Ascent Accountants, we're here to make navigating the tax landscape as seamless as possible. Plus, the Tax Office sends notifications when forms or correspondence are added to your myGov account. 

Gone are the days of drowning in paper forms and reminders cluttering your mailbox. The Tax Office has embraced the digital age, and now, all correspondence, forms, and reminders are sent straight to your myGov account. It's recommended that you setup your myGov account for your business to access these records. However, you should now your key lodgement and payment dates so you don’t miss anything. 

Key dates to remember (or better yet, write down). 

1. Tax Returns (for the year ending 30th June) 

• With Ascent Accountants by your side, you have until May 15th to lodge and pay your taxes stress-free. 
• If you prefer the DIY approach, you've got until October 31st to get it done. 
• If you have outstanding tax returns from previous years, October 31st is your deadline. 
• Started a new entity in the previous 12 months? You've got until February 28th to get that entity lodged. 
• For those high earners out there, give yourself until April 1st to lodge and pay the 30th June tax return. 

2. BAS lodgements & payments 

It may help to think of your Business Activity Statements, in terms of seasonal deadlines: 

• September quarter: due by November 25th. 
• December quarter: due by February 28th. 
• March quarter: due by May 25th. 
• June quarter: due by August 25th. 

3. Monthly Instalment Activity Statements or Monthly Business Activity Statements lodgements & payments 

Remember to lodge and pay by the 21st of the following month. 

• July: must be lodged and paid by 21/8. 
• August: must be lodged and paid by 21/9. 
• October: must be lodged and paid by 21/11. 
• November: must be lodged and paid by 21/12. 
• January: must be lodged and paid by 21/2. 
• February: must be lodged and paid by 21/3. 
• April: must be lodged and paid by 21/5. 
• May: must be lodged and paid by 21/6. 

4. Superannuation payments to employees on their wages 

Make sure your employees' super is squared away: 

• September quarter: paid and received by October 28th. 
• December quarter: paid and received by January 28th. 
• March quarter: paid and received by April 28th. 
• June quarter: paid and received by July 28th. 

Feeling overwhelmed? 

Ascent Accountants is here to lend a helping hand. Whether you need clarification on key dates, assistance with obtaining forms, or expert advice on your entity's obligations, we've got you covered. Even though we don't receive your forms automatically, we can log onto your Tax Office account and lodge on your behalf, thanks to our Tax Agent portal. 



Your peace of mind is our top priority. To talk about this and more, contact us today.