If the ATO has told you that your business now has to report GST every month, this is something to take seriously but it’s also something you can get help with.
This change started in April 2025 and affects around 3,500 small businesses that have had ongoing problems with GST — things like late BAS lodgements, unpaid GST, or mistakes in reporting. If your business is one of them, the ATO is sending a clear message: they’re watching more closely now.
But this isn’t just about paperwork. Monthly GST reporting can put pressure on your cash flow and your systems — especially if your business is already doing it tough.
What’s the big deal about monthly GST?
Moving from quarterly to monthly GST might sound like just an admin change. But it can create real pressure. Here’s why:
- You have to find the money to pay GST every month, not every three months.
- The ATO expects your reporting to be spot-on every time, mistakes are noticed faster.
- It adds to your bookkeeping workload and may cost more to manage.
- You’re locked into this monthly system for at least 12 months, even if things improve.
If you’re already tight on time, money, or resources, this can make things harder fast.
Why you were selected — and what it really means
This isn’t random. The ATO is focusing on businesses that haven’t kept up with their tax obligations. If you’ve been picked, it means your business has shown signs of falling behind — and the ATO wants you to get back on track.
We see this as a warning light. It means it’s time to look more closely at your finances and make some changes before things get worse.
What to do next
If your business has been moved to monthly GST reporting (or you think it might be soon), here’s what you can do right now:
- Check your systems
Do your books get updated regularly? Are you using accounting software? Make sure your system can handle monthly reporting with accurate figures. - Watch your cash flow
GST can creep up on you. Create a monthly cash flow plan so you know what’s coming and can set money aside in advance. - Get expert help early
If this feels overwhelming, don’t wait until the pressure gets too much. We can help. At de Jonge Read, we work with business owners to fix cash flow problems, deal with the ATO, and find the best way forward.
You’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out on your own
This move by the ATO is serious, but it can also be a chance to turn things around.
With the right help, you can get control of your finances, stop things from getting worse, and even work towards returning to quarterly GST reporting down the track.
If you’ve been put on monthly GST reporting, talk to us. We’ll help you understand what it means for your business, make a plan, and take action before problems grow.
Did you know?
Phoenixing is another name of business restructure. Read more about business restructures and when this can be an option for you.
