Finding an error on a lodged BAS is stressful, but it is common, and the ATO has a clear process for fixing it. With the September quarter BAS due on 28 October, now is a good time to check your last few statements.
Two ways to correct it
The ATO says many mistakes with GST and fuel tax credits can be corrected in your next BAS, for example at label 1A or 1B for GST. If you cannot correct the mistake that way, you need to lodge a revision of the original statement.
To revise online, go to Tax, then Activity statements, then View or revise activity statements, and open the History tab. If a revision is possible, a Revise button appears next to the statement. Tax agents can lodge revisions through Online services for agents.
Limits to know about
- Four year limit. The ATO will not accept a revision to claim extra GST credits or fuel tax credits once the 4 year time limit for those credits has ended.
- Compliance activity. If the ATO is already reviewing an issue, you generally cannot fix that error on a later BAS.
- Errors versus adjustments. An error was wrong when you lodged. A later change, such as a cancelled sale, is an adjustment and is treated differently.
What to do
- Act when you find it. The ATO says it is in your best interest to voluntarily disclose errors, and that doing so is taken into account when penalties are considered.
- Keep a note. Record the period the error was made, the BAS where you corrected it, and why.
- Check the rest. If one mistake slipped through, look for the same cause in other periods.
- Get help for bigger errors. If PAYG withholding is involved, or the amounts are large, ask your accountant before lodging.
This is general information only, so check how it applies to you.