ATO lodgement dates: BAS, IAS, and super deadlines (early 2026)
Your first meeting with a bookkeeper can feel a bit like going to the dentist. You know it is important, but you are worried you will be judged for the mess.
Good news. A good bookkeeper is not there to shame you. They are there to help you get organised, stay compliant, and make smarter decisions with your money.
If you are booking bookkeeping services in Hervey Bay, Maryborough or across the Fraser Coast, here is what to bring to your first meeting so you get the most value straight away.
1. Your business details and structure
Bring the basics:
- ABN
- business name and trading name
- company or sole trader details
- GST registration status
- Proof of Identity
If you are not sure about your structure, that is fine. Just bring what you have.
2. Access to your bookkeeping system (or what you are using now)
If you already use software like Xero or MYOB, bring:
- login access or invite access details
- a list of connected bank accounts
- any add ons you use
If you are not using software yet, bring a quick summary of how you track income and expenses now.
3. Bank account and loan details
Your bookkeeper will want to understand where money is moving.
Bring:
- business bank account details
- loan accounts
- credit cards used for business
- any personal accounts used for business spending
Mixing personal and business spending is common, especially early on. The goal is to make it cleaner over time.
4. Your invoicing process
Bring examples or explain:
- how you invoice
- how you get paid
- whether you take deposits
- whether you have overdue invoices
If cash flow is tight, this is one of the first areas to improve.
5. Payroll and super details (if you have staff)
If you have employees or contractors, bring:
- payroll platform details
- pay rates and schedules
- super fund details
- any outstanding payroll tasks
Even if you only have one casual staff member, payroll needs to be set up correctly.
6. BAS and ATO information
If you are registered for GST, bring:
- your BAS lodgement frequency
- any letters from the ATO
- your last lodged BAS if you have it
If you are behind, do not hide it. It is better to be upfront so your bookkeeper can prioritise.
7. Your goals and pain points
This is the part most people skip.
Before your meeting, write down:
- what is stressing you out
- what you want to improve
- what you want to understand better
Examples:
- I want to know if I am actually making profit
- I want to stop getting surprised at BAS time
- I want to pay myself consistently
This helps your bookkeeper tailor the support.
8. A list of questions you want answered
A few good starter questions:
- What should I be doing weekly or monthly?
- What reports should I look at?
- What do you need from me to keep things running smoothly?
- What will you handle and what will I handle?
Book a free 10 minute fit check
If you are booking your first chat with a bookkeeper in Hervey Bay, or you are looking for bookkeeping services in Maryborough or across the Fraser Coast, we can help you feel clear and confident before you commit.
Book a free 10 minute fit check and we will:
- confirm what to bring and what to ignore
- talk through your current setup
- outline the simplest next steps
Reach out today for an obligation free discussion on how we can help your business
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