BAS is creeping up again — and if you’re like most bookkeepers, you’re already juggling late paperwork, vague email replies, and that one client who insists their shoebox full of receipts is “basically digital.”
And while a pre-BAS newsletter should help streamline all this, writing one often ends up at the bottom of your to-do list. Why?
Because you’re a bookkeeper — not a copywriter. And during BAS season, time is money (and stress, and follow-up emails).
That’s where I come in as your copywriter. I’ll do the words for you
But if you’re still in DIY mode, here are five BAS newsletter tips that can make your life easier — by helping your clients get their act together. Just use these in your newsletter for your clients:
- We need all business bank statements (up to March 31)
Even if you use bank feeds, some statements (especially for loans or credit cards) don’t sync properly. Make sure you have all the bank statements covering the required period, including credit cards statements if applicable. . Include credit card statements for the full BAS period or credit card transaction lists. Also include payment details (method, date, amount) noted on the invoice or the internet banking receipt attached. Provide details (method, date, amount) of any business-related expenses paid by cash or from other accounts not linked to Xero or MYOB, and details of any business-related income received in cash or into other bank accounts not linked to Xero or MYOB. Please use PDFs just in case.
- Chase up receipts for large or unusual expenses
If you bought equipment, software, or anything over a certain threshold, you’ll likely need the invoices — especially for asset depreciation or GST claims. You might have bought equipment like laptops, tools, or there might have been major vehicle repairs. Don’t forget these. Expenses count! It is crucial to fill the information, moreover the right information of your client and their billing address. Include all the relevant information including mail id, physical address and contact details. And make sure each invoice that you’re creating has a unique number associated to it. It will be easy for you to recognize it and payments related to it.
- Request payroll reports for the quarter (if applicable)
As you have employees, you’ll need payroll summaries or reports from your software. And if you’ve paid contractors, that might need reporting too. It’s important you approve hours or timesheets before the BAS deadline. Having a proper payroll approval process helps ensure payroll accuracy, monitors labour costs, and offers peace of mind when doing payroll. An important step in a payroll process is approving employees’ timesheets. A good approval process will eliminate mistakes when conducting payroll and ensure that you accurately pay your employees for their hours worked.
- Clarify any new income streams or one-off payments
Did you receive government grants? Sell a major asset? Start side hustling? Anything outside your “normal” income should be flagged before lodgement. Having a side hustle while running a business is totally fine! You’ll just have to remember a couple of things: We work out your assessable income using all income you earn. This includes both your job and side hustle, and any other income you may earn.
- Remind them of the due date (and your internal deadline)
You don’t live in the ATO calendar like we do. Having a hard time remembering when stuff is due? You’ve got a lot to do in business and if your accountant isn’t reminding you, it’s easy to forget the heap of things you’ve got to submit to us as the tax office middle man. But late lodgement is one of the 4 common mistakes small business makes with the ATO, So remember:
Bookkeepers, let’s make BAS-time emails effortless. If crafting these newsletters makes your head spin—relax. That’s my specialty.
I help bookkeepers like you create clear, effective emails that: ✔ Get opened ✔ Cut through client confusion ✔ Minimize those dreaded “What do you need again?” emails
Let’s lighten your load next quarter. You focus on the numbers—I’ll handle the words.
Reply to leon@leongettler.com or call 0411 745 193 for a smoother BAS season ahead.
☁️ Leon Gettler | GettlerInk
