Businesses and advisers preparing for upcoming Business activity statement (BAS) lodgments should review their records and ensure all relevant entities are up to date. The guidance was published on 2 October 2026 and focuses on clients with multiple entities, including entities that may currently have no business activity.

A BAS obligation can remain in place even when an entity has not traded during the relevant month or quarter. If a BAS has been issued, the lodgment requirement still applies unless the entity is otherwise dealt with through the appropriate process.

Review All Entities in a Client Group

Large client groups can include active and inactive entities, making it easier for some BAS obligations to be missed.

Advisers are encouraged to review each entity within a client group rather than focusing only on those with current business activity. This can help identify entities that have an outstanding BAS requirement.

Inactive entities should also be checked because a lack of business activity does not automatically remove a BAS lodgment obligation.

Nil BAS Can Be Lodged Early

Where an entity has no business activity for the relevant period, a nil BAS may be appropriate.

Identifying these entities early can reduce the amount of work required closer to the lodgment deadline. Lodging a nil BAS early can also help keep reporting obligations up to date where no amounts need to be reported.

This approach can be particularly useful when managing several entities across one client group.

Keep Records Up to Date

The guidance also emphasises the importance of ensuring records are current before BAS preparation begins.

Up-to-date records can make it easier to determine which entities have active reporting requirements and which may need a nil BAS.

Reviewing entity status and BAS obligations before the due date can also reduce the chance of missed lodgments.

Missed Lodgments Can Lead to Penalties

If a BAS has been issued, failing to lodge it can result in compliance issues, even where no business activity occurred during the reporting period.

For that reason, checking inactive entities should form part of the BAS review process for clients with multiple entities.

Key Takeaway

Ahead of upcoming BAS lodgments, businesses and advisers should review every entity within a client group, including inactive entities.

Where a BAS has been issued, the lodgment obligation remains unless appropriately addressed. Entities with no business activity may be able to lodge a nil BAS early, helping simplify the overall lodgment process.