Kontuly FAQ: desktop accounting software questions answered
Questions, answered straight
Short, direct answers about Kontuly. Can't find yours? Email [email protected].
About Kontuly desktop accounting
What is Kontuly?
Kontuly is desktop accounting software for Australian small businesses, sole traders and bookkeepers. It runs on Mac, Windows and Linux, keeps each business in a file on your own computer, and is bought once instead of paid for monthly. It's made by Phenom Central in Southport, Queensland.
Who is Kontuly for?
Australian sole traders, small businesses and the bookkeepers who look after them, who do the books on one computer. It suits people leaving a package that has gone online-only or up in price, and anyone who wants their data on their own computer. See if it's right for you.
Which computers does Kontuly run on?
macOS on Apple silicon and Intel, Windows (64-bit), and Linux as an AppImage. There's no mobile app or web version.
Is Kontuly released yet?
Kontuly is in beta. The closed beta starts on 16 November 2026, the open beta on 25 January 2027, and version 1.0 is planned for April 2027. Join the beta and we'll email you the download link.
Your data, backups and security
Is my data stored in the cloud?
No. Each business is a file on your computer. Receipts are read on your computer too.
What goes online?
Only email you ask it to send; checking for and downloading updates; the licence (starting the trial, and checking in at least every 60 days); and, if you use foreign currencies, daily exchange rates from the RBA or the Frankfurter service, where just currency codes and dates are sent.
Does Kontuly work offline?
Yes. Everything works offline except sending email, checking for updates, the licence check-in at least every 60 days, and exchange rates if you use other currencies.
How are backups handled?
Automatic daily backups with the last 14 kept, one before each update changes your data, one before deleting a business, plus manual backups, exports and daily off-site copies to a folder you choose. Restoring creates a new business and never overwrites your current one.
Is it secure?
Your data stays on your computer. There's an optional app password and a backup password that encrypts exports and off-site copies. The live books file isn't encrypted by Kontuly, so use a login password and disk encryption such as FileVault or BitLocker. More about your data.
BAS, GST and tax
Does Kontuly lodge my BAS or TPAR?
No. It prepares the figures. Lodge through the ATO's channels or your registered agent.
Which BAS labels does it prepare?
G1, 1A, 1B, PAYG withholding W1 and W2, PAYG instalments (T7, or T1 and T2), 5A, 8A, 8B and 9, on a cash or accruals basis. Not G2, G3, G10, G11, fuel tax credits or FBT instalments. BAS and tax in detail.
Does it do payroll?
No. Record the totals from your payroll service; the PAYG labels on your BAS come from them.
Is Kontuly ATO-approved?
No. Kontuly isn't registered with, listed by or certified by the ATO. It prepares figures for you or your agent to check and lodge.
Everyday bookkeeping
Does it connect to my bank?
No live feeds. Import CSV or PDF statements; duplicates are skipped automatically. Supplier payments can be exported as an ABA file for internet banking.
Can my bookkeeper and I both use it?
One person at a time, on one computer. Share by sending a backup file or an export.
Can I run more than one business?
Yes, each with its own books, settings and backups: 2 on Solo, 5 on Business, unlimited on Practice.
Can I switch from Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, Reckon or Sage?
Yes. Conversion brings your chart of accounts, contacts, opening balances and unpaid invoices and bills, including unapplied credits. It doesn't bring your full transaction history. How switching works.
Does my accountant need Kontuly?
No. You export in their package's import format, or send them reports or the audit log as CSV. For accountants.
Does it do stock, multi-currency, quotes and time tracking?
Yes: tracked stock at average or FIFO cost in one location; invoices, bills and bank accounts in other currencies; quotes and contracts; and time tracking.
Does it send reminders when it's closed?
With "Running in the background" on, it starts at login and runs in the menu bar or notification area, so reminders and recurring invoices go out with the window closed. Not while the computer is off.
Can I change a transaction after posting it?
Posted entries are corrected with reversing entries, so the audit trail is complete. A lock date protects finished periods.
Licences and pricing
How much does Kontuly cost?
Prices will be announced at the 1.0 launch. Kontuly is bought once: a licence includes 12 months of updates and keeps working after that. How licensing works.
Do I have to pay every year?
No. Renewing is optional and adds another 12 months of new versions.
What happens when the trial ends?
The books become read-only: everything opens, reports and exports work, and nothing is lost. A licence makes them editable again.
Is the beta free?
Yes. Testers who run their real books in Kontuly for four weeks earn a free licence for life.
Kontuly outside Australia
Is Kontuly available outside Australia?
Not yet. This release is for Australian businesses, in English. New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States and French are planned, with no dates yet. Join the beta list and choose your country, and we'll tell you when Kontuly is ready for you.
Test it with real books. Keep it for life.
Join the beta and we'll email your download link for Mac, Windows or Linux.