We recently had a big client win that we’re incredibly proud of – not just because of the work involved, but because of the transformation we helped bring about.
Back in December, we took on a new client who was in a tough spot. His BAS lodgements were more than 18 months overdue, superannuation contributions hadn’t been approved, and he was feeling the full weight of that stress. Like many business owners who fall behind, he’d reached a point where it felt easier to ignore it than face it, but the longer it went on, the more it snowballed.
Getting behind with your ATO compliance is more common than you might think.
Running a business isn’t easy. When you’re juggling sales, staff, customers, and day-to-day operations, ATO compliance tasks like BAS and super can sometimes fall to the bottom of the list – especially when you’re already behind. It’s uncomfortable, overwhelming, and often embarrassing. So the paperwork stays unprocessed, the ATO emails go unread, and the anxiety grows.
That’s exactly where this client was when we stepped in.
Phase 1: Clean Up & Catch Up
We rolled up our sleeves and got to work. We brought the accounts up to date, correcting errors, reconciling transactions, and preparing all outstanding BAS lodgements. We also implemented a day-to-day bookkeeping system to keep everything clean and accurate moving forward, and easy for the client to remain in control without having to do the work.
Everything was ready to go – but still, nothing was being lodged.
Why? Because emotionally, he wasn’t ready. The fear, the shame, the unknown – they’re all real barriers that can stop business owners from taking that final step, even when all the heavy lifting is done.
Phase 2: Breakthrough & Lodgement
We kept showing up. Checking in. Offering reassurance without pressure. And finally, we had a breakthrough – a really honest phone call that shifted everything.
In that call, we talked through what was holding him back, walked through the process again, and created a realistic lodgement plan. He could see the finish line – and within two hours of that call, every single BAS was signed off and ready to lodge.
We didn’t stop there. We immediately helped him set up an ATO payment plan. In one afternoon, he went from more than a year behind to fully up to date and compliant with both his lodgement and payment obligations.
The client had regained control, and the relief was immediate and visible.
Phase 3: Looking Ahead with Confidence
Now, his ATO compliance is under control and he’s off their radar. His super has been submitted, his BAS lodgements and payment obligations are on track, and his business can finally move forward without the weight of compliance stress hanging over his head.
It’s a perfect example of how the right support – both practical and emotional – can completely change the trajectory of a business.
What To Do If You’re in the Same Boat
If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. And more importantly, it’s not too late to get back on track. Here are some practical steps you can take to get your ATO compliance back on track:
1. Acknowledge the Situation
Avoiding the issue doesn’t make it go away. In fact, it only makes things harder. Take a deep breath, open the emails, log into the ATO portal, and get a sense of what’s outstanding. Awareness is the first step to action.
2. Don’t DIY a Crisis
It can be tempting to try and fix it all yourself, but when you’re behind, it’s easy to make things worse. Engage a BAS agent who can help assess where you’re at, clean things up properly, and speak to the ATO on your behalf if needed.
3. Get the Books in Order
Before anything can be lodged, your accounts need to be up to date and accurate. That means reconciled transactions, correct GST coding, and current payroll and super records. A good BAS Agent will prioritise this step to give you a clean foundation.
4. Create a Lodgement Plan
Don’t try to do everything at once. Work with your advisor to prepare a phased lodgement plan. This might mean prioritising the most recent BAS, or the oldest ones first, depending on your situation. Breaking it down makes it feel more achievable.
5. Talk to the ATO
The ATO is far more understanding when you’re proactive. Once lodgements are ready, a BAS Agent can often help you negotiate a payment plan that fits your cash flow and keeps penalties to a minimum.
6. Set Up Strong Systems Moving Forward
The real win isn’t just catching up – it’s staying on track. Whether that’s weekly bookkeeping, payroll processing, or help with cash flow forecasting, putting consistent systems in place makes future compliance a breeze.
You’re Not Alone – And You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck
We understand that falling behind with your ATO compliance can feel paralysing. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. With the right team, the right systems, and a little support, you can turn things around – just like this client did.
If you’re ready to take the first step, we’re here when you need us.
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