A novated lease is one of the most tax-effective ways to finance a car in Australia -but not all novated leases are created equal. If you're someone who likes to be in control of your finances and decisions, you may have come across the term self-managed lease or self-managed novated lease.
So, what does it actually mean? Is it better than a traditional, fully managed lease? And most importantly - is it worth it?
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how a novated lease self-managed works, the pros and cons, and how it compares to going with a leasing provider like Easi.
What Is a Self-Managed Novated Lease?
A self-managed novated lease is still a three-way agreement between you, your employer, and a finance provider - but instead of having a leasing company manage the ongoing costs and administration, you take that on yourself.
You’re responsible for:
Sourcing and purchasing your car
Organising finance
Paying for and tracking all your running costs (fuel, rego, servicing, insurance)
Submitting expenses for reimbursement
Staying compliant with salary packaging and tax rules
In contrast, a fully managed novated lease with a provider like Easi bundles everything -from finance to fuel - into one payment, with ongoing support, compliance, and reporting taken care of.
Why Would You Self-Manage?
There are a few reasons some people consider managing their own lease:
1. Control
You get to choose your own insurer, mechanic, and fuel provider - rather than using a bundled option.
2. Transparency
You see every invoice, every payment, every detail. For some, this level of visibility feels more secure.
3. Potential to Reduce Fees
Some believe self-management means saving on management or admin fees charged by lease providers - though this is often outweighed by other hidden costs (more on that soon).
So What’s the Catch?
While the idea of full control may sound appealing, a self-managed lease comes with significant responsibility. And - unless you’re on top of tax compliance, record-keeping, and reimbursement claims - things can go south quickly.
Here’s what to watch out for:
More Work for You
You’ll need to track and store receipts, manage budgets, and make sure you submit the right documents on time. Every. Single. Time.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
You pay for everything up front - then claim it back. That means if you get a surprise $1,200 service bill, it’s coming out of your own pocket before you’re reimbursed (and you’ll only see the benefit in your pay down the line).
Risk of Non-Compliance
Get your FBT reporting wrong or submit ineligible claims, and you could end up paying more tax - or having your benefits reduced.
No Fleet Discounts
Providers like Easi buy at scale, giving you access to fleet pricing and GST-free vehicle purchases. As a self-manager, you’ll miss those savings.
Self Managed vs Fully Managed: Quick Comparison
Feature | Self Managed Lease | Fully Managed Lease (Easi) |
Admin & Reporting | You handle it all | We handle everything |
Running Costs | Paid out-of-pocket and reimbursed later | Covered up front through one regular pre-tax payment |
GST Savings | Limited access | GST savings on car and running costs |
Fleet Pricing | Not available | Yes - often thousands in savings |
Risk | High - you manage compliance | Low - we handle FBT and salary packaging compliance |
Support | None | 24/7 Australian-based support |
Who Is a Self-Managed Lease Right For?
A self-managed novated lease could be right for you if:
You’re financially savvy and confident with spreadsheets and tax rules
You want complete control over every supplier, invoice, and decision
You have the time and patience to deal with the paperwork
It’s not for everyone - and most people find that the effort doesn’t stack up against the benefits of a fully managed lease.
Why Most People Choose a Fully Managed Lease
For the vast majority of Australian employees, a fully managed novated lease delivers better value, better savings, and a better experience.
With Easi, you get:
One predictable payment that covers all your vehicle expenses
Tax savings on both the lease and the running costs
Fleet pricing that you simply can’t access on your own
No bill shock - we handle the budgeting for you
Dedicated support every step of the way
Whether you’re leasing your first car or upgrading to an EV, a managed lease saves you the admin stress while still unlocking the full benefits of salary packaging.
Is a Self-Managed Novated Lease Worth It?
If you’re highly organised, confident in managing FBT rules, and prefer to take full control of your finances, a self-managed lease might be appealing. But keep in mind:
You’ll need to pay out-of-pocket and wait to be reimbursed
You’ll spend more time on paperwork and record-keeping
You may miss out on key tax savings and fleet discounts
You’re responsible for keeping everything compliant with ATO rules
For most people, that’s not worth the trade-off.
Want to See the Difference in Real Dollars?
Use our novated lease calculator to see how much you could save with a fully managed lease - or request a free, no-obligation quote today.
Whether you’re looking at a Tesla Model Y, a Ford Ranger, or something in between, we’ll show you exactly how a novated lease could work for you - minus the admin.
