Preparing Your BAS for the July – September Quarter:
A Step-by-Step Guide
The latest BAS enhancements make the entire process smoother and more efficient. You’ll find it easier to review, make any necessary adjustments, and finalise once lodgement is complete and amounts are confirmed. These updates are designed to save you time and ensure accuracy every step of the way.
In October (or later), simply open the BAS and select Prepare to begin the process for the July–September quarter. Follow these steps for a smooth and accurate submission:
- Check the 'Status' column for any highlighted issues and update as required.
- Click the Tax Setup cog wheel to ensure your Building Information is up to date or use the Account Group Setup screen if applicable.
- In Creditor Maintenance, add any necessary BPay CRN or EFT Reference details.
Once all BAS entries are prepared without issues, use the Search BAS screen to easily highlight any variances that need resolution (see example Search below). Be sure to:
- Check and resolve GST Variances by using Journal Preparation and ensuring the date is within the reporting period (e.g. 30.09.24). You can set the 'BAS Variance Tolerance' in the Configuration menu, in the BAS screen.
Provide all relevant reports to your BAS Agent or Accountant for final lodgement using either the Search BAS or BAS Reconciliation Report screens.
After lodgement:
- Review for any adjustments, such as PAYG Instalment changes.
- Confirm the BAS matches exactly as lodged.
- Finally, select Finalise to create the Creditor Invoices for payment and Credit Notes for refunds to be received.
What is a GST Variance?
A GST Variance occurs when the current GST for the period doesn’t match the total for the GST Clearing Account on the balance sheet for the same time. A small variance (usually around $5.00 for rounding) is acceptable and can be configured in the Configuration menu, in the BAS screen.
However, if manual entries or adjustments have been incorrectly applied, a larger variance may occur, which will require investigation and resolution. The BAS cannot be finalised if the variance exceeds the configured limit.
The new BAS system includes enhanced tools to help minimise GST variances and simplify the process of updating transactions, both for the current period (BAS) and for prior periods or old-year adjustments with the Edit Tax Code function in the Local Transactions screen.
Search BAS | Checking the Variance
The Search BAS screen should be used to check this variance.
We recommend displaying the following columns:

And use the following Filter with your required GST Variance amount:

Then once the period is prepared, the variance can be checked in the BAS screen.

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