Do I Need an Accountant or Can I DIY Taxes?

Tax time in Australia brings up the same question every year: “Should I get an accountant or just do it myself on myGov?” For freelancers, sole traders, or even regular employees with a few deductions, the answer isn’t always clear-cut.

If you're weighing up the cost vs benefit — or just don't want to stuff it up — here's what you need to know about going solo, hiring a tax agent, and how smart AI tools like Ezyiah make the process a whole lot easier.

Who Actually Needs an Accountant?

Let’s be honest — not everyone needs one. The ATO has made self-lodging through myTax fairly straightforward. That said, you might want a qualified tax agent if:

You run a business with employees or contractors
Your tax situation involves investments, crypto, trusts or property
You’ve recently changed structure (e.g. from sole trader to company)
You’ve made large purchases, sales, or international transactions
You just want peace of mind and someone to back you if audited

For everyone else? DIY is definitely an option — especially with help.

Can I Really Do My Tax Return Myself?

Yes — and around 4.5 million Aussies already do, according to the ATO. You can self-lodge for free using myTax (via your myGov account).

You’ll need:

Your Tax File Number (TFN)
Bank and employer income details (or wait for pre-fill)
A list of work-related deductions
Details of any side income (freelance, crypto, rental, etc.)

The trick is knowing what to include — and what not to claim.

Pros and Cons of DIY Tax

Pros:

It’s free
You stay in control
You learn about your own finances
You can lodge earlier (agents get longer extensions, but DIY lets you hit ‘submit’ when you’re ready)

Cons:

You might miss deductions
It can take hours of your time
There’s more room for error (and possible ATO flags)
You don’t get strategic advice like an accountant might give

Pros and Cons of Using a Tax Agent

Pros:

Professional support and legal backing
Can help minimise tax and maximise deductions
Can advise on business structure or future planning
More likely to get it right (and save you time)

Cons:

Costs money ($100–$400 depending on complexity)
Not always necessary for simple tax returns
You still need to gather all your records

What About Ezyiah? A Smart Middle Ground

If you're stuck between wanting help but not wanting to pay hundreds, Ezyiah offers a smart alternative:

Tracks income and deductions throughout the year
Helps you identify what you can claim
Sends reminders about due dates (BAS, super, income tax)
Gives you plain-English answers to tax questions
Exports info to hand straight to an accountant or helps you lodge with confidence yourself

It’s like having a tax-savvy friend who doesn’t ghost you at EOFY.

ATO Rules for Self-Lodging vs Agent-Lodging

Deadline if you lodge yourself:

31 October each year

Deadline if you use a registered tax agent:

Usually May the following year (but you must be on their client list by 31 October)

If you plan to go with a tax agent and haven’t lodged before — get in touch with them early.

Still Not Sure? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions:

Is your tax situation simple (e.g. 1 job, no investments)?
Do you have a good record of income and expenses?
Are you confident using myGov and ATO tools?
Would you rather save time or save money?
Do you have access to a tool like Ezyiah to make it easier?

If you answered “yes” to most — you can probably do it yourself.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to hire an accountant — and plenty of Aussies lodge their returns themselves just fine. But if your situation is more complex, or you want expert guidance, a tax agent is well worth it.

And if you’re somewhere in the middle? Tools like Ezyiah are designed for you — giving you clarity, confidence, and real-time support for whatever route you take.

DIY, agent, or assisted — you don’t have to go it alone.

Ready to feel organised this tax time? Let Ezyiah help you make the smart call.