For South Australian business owners, September is a good time to reset, review and get organised before the next BAS period and busy quarter ahead. Strong BAS preparation in South Australia can help reduce pressure before October and give business owners a clearer view of where things stand.
For many business owners, the end of September also means the July to September quarter is coming to a close. That makes now the right time to check your bookkeeping, payroll records, receipts, invoices and cash flow before the October BAS period arrives.
A little preparation now can help reduce last-minute pressure, support better business decisions and give you a clearer view of where your business stands.
Why September Is a Good Time to Review Your Business Finances
The start of spring often brings a shift in pace. In South Australia, September also leads into school holidays and the final quarter of the calendar year, when many businesses start preparing for a busier period.
For quarterly BAS lodgers, the July to September BAS is generally due in late October. However, due dates can vary depending on how you lodge, your business obligations and whether you lodge through a registered tax or BAS agent. For general timing, refer to the ATO guidance on BAS due dates.
That is why September is a helpful time to get ahead. Rather than waiting until the due date is close, business owners can use this month to review their records and identify anything that needs attention.
1. Review Your Bookkeeping
Your bookkeeping is the foundation of your BAS preparation.
Before the quarter ends, check that your income and expenses have been recorded correctly. This includes reviewing bank reconciliations, supplier payments, receipts, invoices and any transactions that still need to be coded.
Being behind in bookkeeping can delay tax returns and critical government deadlines. Pisani Group’s team can help businesses stay on top of their records, payroll, expenses and cash flow monitoring.
2. Check Outstanding Invoices and Cash Flow
September is also a good time to review what money is coming in and what still needs to be followed up.
Look at your outstanding invoices, upcoming bills, regular expenses and expected cash flow for October. This can help you plan ahead and avoid being caught off guard by business costs, BAS obligations or quieter trading periods.
Good cash flow visibility also helps you make better decisions around staffing, stock, spending and planning for the months ahead.
3. Make Sure Payroll Records Are Up to Date
If you employ staff, take time to check your payroll records before the quarter ends.
This may include reviewing wages, PAYG withholding, employee details and payroll reporting. Accurate payroll records can make BAS preparation smoother and help reduce errors.
Pisani Group offers Xero bookkeeping and accounting support for businesses that want clearer systems and better visibility across their accounts.
4. Review PAYG Instalments
PAYG instalments help businesses and individuals prepay expected tax on business and investment income throughout the year.
If your income, expenses or business activity have changed, it may be worth reviewing whether your PAYG instalments still reflect your current position.
Before making any changes, it is important to seek advice. Pisani Group can help you understand your obligations and make informed decisions through proactive business tax and consulting support.
5. Prepare Before South Australian School Holidays
In 2026, South Australian spring school holidays run from Saturday 26 September to Sunday 11 October, which can affect business operations, staff availability and response times. For official dates, refer to the South Australian Department for Education school term dates.
Planning ahead can make a big difference. Before the holidays begin, consider reviewing:
- invoices that need to be followed up
- payroll timing
- bookkeeping tasks
- upcoming lodgement work
- key business expenses
- cash flow for October
This is especially useful for small businesses that may have reduced staff availability or a busy spring trading period.
How Pisani Group Can Help
Pisani Group supports businesses across Adelaide, Glenelg East, Kent Town, Port Pirie and wider South Australia with bookkeeping, BAS preparation, payroll support, tax planning and business advisory services.
The team takes the time to understand your business, your goals and the systems you use, so you can stay organised and make more confident financial decisions.
Whether you need help catching up on bookkeeping, preparing for BAS, reviewing PAYG instalments or planning ahead for the next quarter, Pisani Group can help you stay on track.
Need Support Before the October BAS Period?
Getting organised early can help reduce stress and give you more clarity around your business finances.
If you would like support with BAS, bookkeeping, payroll or business tax planning, the Pisani Group team is here to help.
Talk to us about business support
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the July to September BAS generally due?
For many quarterly BAS lodgers, the July to September BAS is generally due in late October. However, due dates can vary depending on how you lodge and your business circumstances, so it is important to check your BAS or speak with your registered tax or BAS agent.
What should I review before lodging my BAS?
Before lodging your BAS, review your income, expenses, receipts, outstanding invoices, payroll records, PAYG withholding and cash flow. It is also important to make sure your bookkeeping is up to date.
Can Pisani Group help with BAS preparation in South Australia?
Yes. Pisani Group supports businesses across South Australia, including Adelaide, Glenelg East, Kent Town and Port Pirie, with BAS preparation, bookkeeping, payroll support and business tax advice.
Why is bookkeeping important before BAS?
Accurate bookkeeping helps ensure your business records are complete and up to date before your BAS is prepared. It can also help you understand cash flow, business expenses and upcoming obligations.
