Accounting request template

BAS approval signing request template

A BAS approval is a business owner's sign-off confirming they have reviewed their Business Activity Statement and authorise it for lodgement.

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What is a bas approval?

A BAS approval is the confirmation that a business owner or authorised contact has reviewed their Business Activity Statement and agrees it can be lodged. The BAS reports amounts such as GST, PAYG instalments and withholding for a period, so a sign-off step records that the figures were checked and authorised before submission.

For bookkeepers and BAS agents, documented approval is part of a sound lodgement process and helps manage risk. It shows the client reviewed the period's figures and authorised lodgement, rather than relying on assumed consent. A signing tool records that approval, but it does not reconcile the accounts or replace the professional work behind preparing the BAS.

When to use a bas approval

A BAS agent needs owner sign-off before lodging a quarterly BAS
A bookkeeper wants documented approval of GST and PAYG figures
An authorised contact must approve the statement on the business's behalf
You want a record of approval ahead of a BAS lodgement deadline

What to include in a bas approval

Business and period: entity name, ABN and the reporting period the BAS covers
Key BAS figures: GST, PAYG instalment and withholding amounts being reported
Net position: the amount payable or refundable for the period
Authorisation to lodge: clear wording that the owner approves lodgement
Approver details and date: who is signing, their authority, and the approval date

Pros and cons of sending a bas approval as a signing request

Pros

Owner approval of the period's figures is captured with a timestamp
You can see when the client opened and reviewed before approving
Reminders help meet BAS deadlines without manual chasing
A completion receipt evidences approval was given before lodging

Cons and things to watch

Approval relies on the owner actually reviewing the figures shown
Cosign does not reconcile accounts or verify the BAS is correct
Sign-off does not change responsibility for the underlying bookkeeping
An approval record does not extend the ATO lodgement due date

How to send a bas approval with Cosign

Upload the BAS and use preview to confirm the correct period and figures before sending.
Add the business owner or authorised contact as the signer for a private approval link.
Set a 14-day expiry and apply a password to protect the GST and PAYG detail.
Send the request, track the approval, and retain the receipt before lodging the BAS.

BAS approval request details

Email subject

BAS approval request

Default message

Please review and approve this BAS before lodgement.

Signer setup

Business owner or authorised contact

Suggested expiry

14 days

Button label

Approve BAS

Best fit

Accounting teams

BAS approval FAQs

Is electronic approval of a BAS valid in Australia?

Generally, electronic approval is accepted where the approver consented and is reliably identified. This is general information only, so confirm any specific lodgement requirements that apply to BAS in your situation.

Who should approve the BAS before lodgement?

Usually the business owner or a person authorised to act for the entity. Recording their approval supports your lodgement process. This is general guidance, not professional advice on your obligations.

Is the BAS kept private when sent for approval?

Yes. The BAS is sent through a private link to the named approver and is not indexed by search engines. You can add a password so only the intended person can open it.

Can I track whether the client reviewed the BAS before approving?

Yes. Cosign records when the approver opens and previews the document and when they approve, giving you a clear activity trail.

What if the figures need adjusting before approval?

The approver can decline rather than approve. You amend the BAS and send a fresh request so the approved version matches what is lodged.