It's a fair question, and the honest answer isn't "always" or "never" — it's "it depends on how complex your business is and how disciplined you are." Here's a straight assessment to help you decide.
The real question: how complex is your business?
Bookkeeping for a single sole trader with one bank account, a card, and a few dozen transactions a month is genuinely simple. Bookkeeping for a business with employees, multiple entities, inventory, and complex GST is not. The decision is mostly about which end of that spectrum you're on.
When you can confidently do it yourself
You're a good candidate for DIY if most of these are true:
- You operate as a sole trader (or a simple company) with one or two accounts
- You have no employees, or a very small, simple payroll
- Your sales are straightforward (mostly taxable or clearly GST-free)
- You're willing to spend an hour or two a month keeping it current
- You're comfortable following a checklist and using software
If that's you, the main thing standing between you and doing your own books is good software — not professional training.
When to bring in a bookkeeper or BAS agent
Consider engaging a registered BAS or tax agent when:
- You have employees and need payroll, super and STP done correctly
- You run multiple entities or a trust structure
- Your GST is genuinely complex (mixed supplies, imports, margin scheme)
- You've fallen badly behind and need a clean-up
- You simply value the time back more than the fee
A note on rules: you can always do the books and BAS for your own business. You only need a registered BAS or tax agent if you're paying someone else to prepare or lodge for you.
What it actually costs
| Option | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| DIY with software | Low monthly subscription | Simple sole traders, disciplined owners |
| Bookkeeper (ongoing) | Hundreds per month | Businesses with payroll or volume |
| Accountant (annual) | Annual fee at tax time | Tax return, advice, structure |
| DIY + annual review | Subscription + one-off fee | Owners who want control and a safety net |
For many sole traders, DIY software plus an annual review by a registered agent is the sweet spot: low ongoing cost, full visibility of your numbers, and a professional check before anything is lodged.
The middle path: DIY now, review later
You don't have to choose forever. A practical approach is to keep your books yourself month to month, then have a registered agent review your figures before your BAS or return is lodged. You get the cost saving and the control of DIY, with a professional backstop on the parts that matter.
Software that makes DIY realistic
The reason DIY used to be painful was manual data entry and a blank chart of accounts. ReconLink removes both: it imports your statements and ships with a 139-vendor default coding pack, so common Australian transactions categorise themselves from day one. Layered automation — rules, a learning model, then AI — codes the majority of transactions, and a BAS worksheet comes out the other side. The Solo plan is built for exactly one self-filing business, with a free 30-day trial and no card; see pricing or the current EOFY offer.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to do my own BAS without a BAS agent?
Yes. You can always prepare and lodge BAS and tax returns for your own business. The registration rules apply to people who do it for others for a fee.
Will I save money doing my own bookkeeping?
Usually yes — you replace ongoing bookkeeper fees with a low software subscription. The saving only holds if you keep your books current; a year-end clean-up can cost more than staying on top of it would have.
What if I start DIY and it gets too complex?
That's common and fine. Many owners begin DIY and bring in a bookkeeper once they hire staff or grow. Because your records are already in software, handing over is straightforward.
This article is general information for Australian small business owners, not tax advice. Confirm your obligations with the ATO or a registered tax or BAS agent for your situation.