Holiday cash flow and BAS planning for the festive season

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6 days ago
5 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

BAS is front of mind as the festive season ramps up. November brings activity statements and payroll commitments at the same time you are funding extra stock, extended trading hours and staff leave. This guide covers the November BAS and payroll due dates, how to forecast seasonal revenue and expenses, and practical steps to manage leave and bonuses while keeping cash flow statements positive. For hands-on support, explore Sageon’s services for small and medium businesses.

Know your November BAS and payroll due dates

If you report monthly, your October activity statement is due on 21 November. Always check the due date shown on your BAS or in Online services, as concessions can apply for agents or specific circumstances.

Monthly PAYG withholding is also generally due on the 21st of the following month. Your withholder status determines whether you report monthly, quarterly or more frequently, so confirm your cycle in the ATO guidance on paying and reporting withheld amounts.

Tip: Lock these dates into your calendar now and set reminders one week and three days out. If cash is tight, contact us early about your options.

Why meeting deadlines matters

There are two main ways to work out what you pay each period.

Avoid penalties and maintain tax deductions. Late BAS or super payments attract general interest charges and may become non‑deductible

Better cash‑flow planning. Knowing your obligations helps you set aside tax funds throughout the quarter rather than scrambling at the last minute. Sageon’s accountants recommend monthly reconciliations to smooth out obligations and avoid surprises.
Enhance financial credibility. A solid compliance record makes it easier to secure finance or attract investors, both of which are common goals for growing SMEs.

Holiday cash flow and November BAS deadlines

Forecast seasonal revenue and expenses

The holiday period can distort normal sales patterns, so forecasting is essential. Begin by reviewing last year’s December and January figures to understand peaks and troughs. Then factor in:

Sales trends and consumer sentiment. Are you expecting a surge because of promotions, or has economic uncertainty dampened demand? Factor in shifts in online versus in‑store sales.

Supply chain lead times. Holiday shipping delays can slow inventory turnover. Build in extra time to receive goods and pay suppliers.

Marketing spend. Social media advertising and promotional campaigns often ramp up in December. Budget for these costs early and measure return on investment to avoid overspending.

A rolling cash‑flow forecast, updated weekly, helps you predict when cash will be tight. Cloud‑based accounting software such as Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks can import bank feeds automatically and give you real‑time insights. These tools pair nicely with Sageon’s cash‑flow management services, which provide detailed forecasts and help determine when cash is most readily available.

Manage employee leave and bonuses

Holiday rosters and bonuses are great for team engagement but they do affect payroll, super and cash flow.

Bonuses and super

Most bonuses form part of ordinary time earnings, so super is usually payable at the current Super Guarantee rate on those amounts. Check the ATO list for payments that count as OTE and the ruling on ordinary time earnings if your bonus is unusual or linked to overtime.

Leave and leave loading

Paid annual leave is OTE. Leave loading may be OTE unless it is demonstrably linked to overtime. Review your award or enterprise agreement and apply the ATO’s OTE guidance before finalising payroll settings.

Single Touch Payroll

Process bonuses and leave in your payroll system so they flow through STP correctly and your BAS figures match. Reconcile payroll accounts before you lodge.

Practical tips to manage cash flow

Reconcile monthly

Clean books mean reliable instalment income and smoother BAS preparation. That also helps if you choose the rate method.

Automate reminders

Our SMB’s services and ATO Online can help remind you to pay early enough for funds to clear before the due date.

Match method to your business

Seasonal or growth companies often prefer the rate method so instalments move with revenue. Stable businesses may prefer the ATO amount for simplicity.

Use tax planning to avoid shocks

Small changes in margins or structure can affect your instalment profile. If you are planning asset purchases, pricing changes or a restructure, build PAYG assumptions into your forecasts. See how we approach this on our SMB’s page. Contact us to align your PAYG strategy with cash flow and year end outcomes.

Cash‑flow strategies for the festive season

Bring cash in faster

Offer instant pay or pre order discounts for November
Shorten payment terms on December invoices and follow up within 48 hours
Take deposits on large orders and special items

Hold less, sell more

Use last year’s sell through to fine tune purchase orders
Push slow moving stock with bundles and gift offers rather than deep discounts

Stage big outflows

Split large supplier payments where possible
Delay non essential capex until February

Ring fence your tax money

Move GST and PAYG withheld to a separate account each week so the BAS in November does not drain trading cash.

If cash gets tight

ATO payment plans may be available for activity statement amounts. Interest free options can apply for eligible small businesses with overdue activity statement debts. Seek advice first to make sure a plan fits your forecast and does not create a larger hole in January.

Four-week holiday cash-flow checklist

Confirm BAS and PAYG due dates and set reminders for one week and three days out.

Reconcile October, run a draft BAS to preview the payment and smooth cash needs.
Update the 13-week forecast; stress-test with 10 percent lower sales and 10 percent higher costs.
Finalise rosters and bonus rules; apply the ATO OTE guidance before the pay run.
Stage supplier payments and keep GST and PAYG in a separate account weekly.
If needed, discuss ATO payment plan options with our team before the due date.

Automate reminders

Our SMB’s services and ATO Online can help remind you to pay early enough for funds to clear before the due date.

Match method to your business

Seasonal or growth companies often prefer the rate method so instalments move with revenue. Stable businesses may prefer the ATO amount for simplicity.

Use tax planning to avoid shocks

Get set for a stronger summer with Sageon

If you want November BAS and payroll to run smoothly while you focus on sales and service, we can help. Sageon sets up practical systems for forecasting, payroll and BAS so you stay compliant and keep cash moving. Get started with Sageon SMB Services today.