Quick answer
Some do. Lodged BAS show a lender your GST-reported turnover over recent quarters, which is useful for larger unsecured amounts or when tax returns aren't lodged yet. Smaller loans are often assessed on bank statements instead. Lodged activity statements can be viewed and printed through ATO online services. If any BAS are overdue, lodging them before you apply usually helps.
Key points
- BAS confirm turnover across recent quarters in an official, lodged form.
- Most useful when tax returns are old or not yet lodged.
- Download lodged BAS from ATO online services or ask your BAS agent.
- Overdue BAS are worth lodging before you apply.
- Quarterly BAS due
- 28 Oct, 28 Feb, 28 Apr, 28 Jul
- Monthly BAS due
- 21st of next month
Your business activity statement is something you already produce every quarter or month. The question is whether a lender needs to see it. Sometimes yes, sometimes no, and knowing which saves you chasing paperwork that won’t be read.
When do lenders ask for BAS?
BAS are most useful to a lender when they fill a gap:
- Tax returns are out of date. Recent BAS show turnover for quarters that no return covers yet.
- The amount is larger. A bigger unsecured amount often needs more than a few months of bank statements to support it.
- Turnover is seasonal. Four quarters of BAS show the full cycle at a glance.
- Checking tax compliance. Lodged BAS, alongside your ATO statement of account, show whether GST and PAYG obligations are being met.
For smaller unsecured options, bank statements often do the job on their own, and BAS may not be requested. Property-secured options vary.
Which BAS will I need, and how far back?
The usual request is the last four quarters (or twelve months for monthly lodgers), but it depends on the option. We’ll confirm exactly which periods apply once you’ve chosen one.
For context, the ATO’s current due dates for quarterly BAS are:
| Quarter | Due date |
|---|---|
| July – September | 28 October |
| October – December | 28 February |
| January – March | 28 April |
| April – June | 28 July |
Monthly BAS are due on the 21st of the following month. The ATO also notes that lodging online or through a registered agent can give extra time for some quarters.
So if you’re applying in mid-November, a lender may expect your July–September quarter to be lodged already.
Where do I find BAS I’ve already lodged?
According to the ATO:
- Companies, trusts and partnerships can view and print lodged activity statements through Online services for business, going back to July 2000.
- Sole traders can view lodged activity statements through ATO online services in myGov.
- Registered BAS and tax agents can access them through their own online services.
If you haven’t set up access for your business yet, see our guide to myID and RAM. For older or harder-to-find documents, our guide to getting copies of tax documents covers every option.
What if some BAS are overdue?
It’s more common than people admit, and it’s fixable. Before applying:
- Lodge what’s outstanding, even if you can’t pay it all yet. Lodging shows the real figure rather than an estimate.
- Set up a payment plan for any resulting debt if needed. The ATO allows payment plans online for business debts under $200,000.
- Tell the lender where things stand.
Overdue lodgements and tax debt are considered case by case. What makes them manageable is honesty and a plan. Mention them in your enquiry and we’ll factor them in from the first conversation.
Why don’t my BAS and bank statements match exactly?
They’re measuring different things, so small differences are normal:
- BAS may be prepared on an accruals basis (sales when invoiced) while bank statements show cash received.
- GST-free sales, capital purchases and non-trading deposits (like a loan or owner contribution) treat differently.
- Card and payment platform settlements may land in a different account.
If there’s a big difference, a line from your accountant explaining it prevents a question later. Our accountant’s letter page explains how that can work.
Do BAS matter for property-secured loans?
Less than for unsecured options, but they can still play a part. When a loan is secured by property, the lender relies mainly on the property’s value and a clear repayment plan. Recent BAS can support that plan by showing the business is trading steadily, and lodged BAS show that your tax obligations are under control. If you’re considering using property, our page on property-secured loan documents sets out the full list, and you can compare it with the unsecured list in what paperwork you really need.
Is it worth tidying up BAS before applying?
If there’s time, yes. Reconciling your bookkeeping so that your BAS, your software and your bank all tell the same story makes every document stronger. It also reduces the chance of an amended BAS appearing halfway through an application. Our weekend plan for tidying your books before borrowing is a good place to start.
Illustrative example: the seasonal nursery
Illustrative only.
A plant nursery earns most of its income in spring. The owner applies in winter, when the last three months of bank statements look quiet. Four quarters of lodged BAS show the full-year picture, including the busy spring quarter, and put the quiet months in context. Without the BAS, the lender would have seen only the slow season.
One quick form, then the right list
You don’t need to download a single BAS to ask what’s possible. Our enquiry takes about 60 seconds, has no credit check when you first enquire, and your details stay with our own lending team rather than being passed to a crowd of lenders. A real person calls, explains your options in plain English, and tells you whether BAS are needed for your situation.
On the form, give accurate turnover figures and let us know if any lodgements are behind. It’s what lets us line up the right option first time.
Frequently asked questions
How many BAS will a lender want?
Commonly the last four quarters, but it depends on the option and amount. We'll confirm exactly which ones once you've chosen an option.
I'm not registered for GST. Is that a problem?
Not in itself. Businesses under the GST registration threshold may not lodge BAS for GST. Bank statements and tax returns do the job instead.
My BAS figures don't match my bank statements. Should I worry?
Not necessarily. BAS may be prepared on a cash or accruals basis and include items that don't appear as deposits. If there's a big gap, ask your accountant for a one-line explanation to include.
Can I get a loan if I'm behind on BAS?
It's possible, but lodging overdue BAS first usually strengthens your position, because it clarifies the true tax position. ATO debt is considered case by case.
Where do I find BAS I've already lodged?
The ATO says businesses can view lodged activity statements in Online services for business, and sole traders through ATO online services in myGov. Your BAS agent can also download them.