How to Take the Stress Out of BAS (and Use It to Your Advantage)

For a lot of small business owners, BAS time means stopping everything to chase receipts, scroll through

bank feeds, and hope nothing important got missed.

It’s frustrating. You’re already busy running the business, and now you’re stuck playing catch-up with the

numbers.

But here’s the thing, when your bookkeeping is set up properly, BAS doesn’t have to be a mad rush. It

can actually become a quick check-in that helps you run your business better.

Take one of our local clients, a Sunshine Coast physio. Her clinic was flat-out with clients, but behind

the scenes it was messy. BAS was always rushed, she wasn’t sure what she could claim, and there was a

nagging feeling something was slipping through the cracks.

We cleaned up her Xero, gave her admin team a few simple processes, and set up a monthly review.

Now BAS gets done without the stress. She knows exactly where she stands, and she makes decisions

with confidence.

We see the same pattern with all kinds of businesses - consultants, tradies, creatives, medical practices.

The problem isn’t always the workload; it’s the way the books are set up and managed.

Here’s how to make BAS boring (in the best way possible):

Keep your bookkeeping clean and up to date

Set your accounts up so they match how your business actually runs

Build simple habits so you’re always ready for lodgement

Once you’ve got BAS under control, you can use it as a chance to improve your overall cash flow and

financial health. Here are 8 simple ways to do just that:

1. Automate invoicing & follow-ups – get paid faster without lifting a finger

2. Accept pre-payments and order in advance – help your business stay ahead

3. Cancel unnecessary subscriptions – every dollar counts

4. Claim your GST refunds promptly – don’t leave money on the table

5. Charge upfront or review your payment terms – make sure you’re paid what you’re owed

6. Negotiate payment plans for bulk purchases – manage your cash flow strategically

7. Set recurring expenses to align with receivables – smooth out cash flow peaks and troughs

8. Make decisions based on your cash flow forecast – don’t guess; plan!

BAS doesn’t have to be a stressor. With the right systems and support in place, it can help keep you on

track, take the guesswork out of your numbers, and give you peace of mind.

👉 Book your Business Financial Health Check or chat with the TBA team. We’re local, approachable,

and here to make BAS (and your cash flow) work for you.