Over 830,000 sellers are on Fiverr, each needing strong accounting tools for their finances. The right accounting software can change the game for self-employed pros, freelancers, and solopreneurs. It helps with invoicing clients, tracking expenses, and managing taxes, making these tasks easier. This lets you focus more on your main work.
We looked at 20 top accounting software options for self-employed folks. FreshBooks, Wave, Zoho Books, QuickBooks Self-Employed, and others stood out. They offer great features, are affordable, and easy to use.
When looking at accounting software, pay attention to what you need as a self-employed pro. Look for invoicing, expense tracking, mileage logging, and tax management features. These can really help streamline your finances.
Key Takeaways
- The best accounting software for self-employed pros should be affordable, easy to get to, and secure. It should make important financial tasks simpler.
- Top choices like FreshBooks, Wave, Zoho Books, QuickBooks Self-Employed, and Xero have many features and prices for freelancers and solopreneurs.
- Important features to find in accounting software for self-employed include invoicing, expense tracking, mileage logging, and tax management.
- Easy use, smooth integration, and being able to access on mobile are key for self-employed folks always on the move.
- Picking the right accounting software can save time, reduce stress, and help keep your business and personal finances separate.
What to Look for in Accounting Software for Freelancers and the Self-Employed
For freelancers and self-employed folks, the right accounting software is key. You should look for software that’s affordable and has great invoicing features. It should fit the budget of solo entrepreneurs and offer plans that meet their needs. Features like making custom invoices, tracking payments, and automating billing are a must. They help you get paid on time and look professional.
Expense Tracking and Mileage Logging
Good accounting software should help you track expenses and log mileage easily. You can digitize receipts, sort expenses, and make tax reports with it. This saves time and cuts down on paperwork. For those who use their cars for work, automated mileage tracking is a big plus. It makes keeping track of miles for tax deductions easy.
- Look for affordable accounting software with pricing plans tailored to freelancers and solo entrepreneurs.
- Prioritize invoicing features for freelancers, such as customizable invoices and automated billing.
- Ensure the software offers robust expense tracking for self-employed individuals, including the ability to digitize receipts and generate tax-friendly reports.
- Consider mileage logging for freelancers to simplify the process of documenting vehicle usage for tax deductions.
“The right accounting software can be a game-changer for freelancers, streamlining financial management and freeing up time to focus on the work they love.”
Best Accounting Software for Client Management
Managing many clients as a freelancer or self-employed person is easier with the right accounting software. Xero is a top choice for freelancers. It has many features designed just for them.
Xero – Contact Management and Communications
Xero’s contact management tool is a big help for freelancers. It lets them keep track of messages, invoices, and payments with ease. Plus, they can attach documents to client profiles. This is great for teams where many members work together on reports.
Xero also makes talking to clients easy. Freelancers can send invoices and other documents right from the platform. This keeps everything organized and professional. It’s perfect for freelancers with many projects and deadlines.
Xero is easy to use, has great client management tools, and offers flexible pricing. It’s a top pick for client management for freelancers using Xero accounting software.
Best Mobile Accounting App
In today’s fast-paced business world, a reliable mobile accounting app is key for self-employed pros and freelancers. Zoho Books is a top choice with its powerful features.
Zoho Books – Powerful Mobile Features
Zoho Books has a great mobile app with lots of features. It makes accounting easy on the go. You can scan business cards, track miles with GPS, and even use Siri for tasks.
It’s not just about mobile features. Zoho Books also has great accounting tools. It has a top-notch invoicing system, strong inventory management, and workflow automation. This makes it perfect for businesses needing a mobile accounting solution.
Zoho Books works on iOS, Android, and Windows devices. It’s affordable and packed with features for self-employed folks. With its easy integration and wide range of features, Zoho Books is a leading choice in the mobile accounting app market.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qKdYwsunW4
best accounting software for self employed
Looking for the top accounting software for self-employed folks? You’ll want to think about cost, invoicing, tracking expenses, logging miles, and managing client talks and payments. These are key.
Top picks like QuickBooks Solopreneur and Wave offer great features. They have easy-to-use interfaces, strong reporting, and grow with your business. Even though higher plans might be better for businesses with employees, the basic plans are perfect for freelancers and solo entrepreneurs.
| Accounting Software | User Rating | Key Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wave | 4.4/5 |
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| FreshBooks | 5/5 |
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Choosing the best accounting software for self-employed means looking at your business’s needs and growth. Pick a solution that offers the right mix of features, cost, and growth potential. This way, you can manage your finances better and focus on growing your business.
“The right accounting software can make a world of difference for self-employed professionals, streamlining financial management and freeing up time to focus on growing the business.”
Scalable Accounting Solution
For self-employed pros looking for a strong and growing accounting solution, QuickBooks Online is a top pick. It has lots of features and can grow with your business. This makes it a favorite among freelancers and entrepreneurs.
QuickBooks Online – Industry Leader with Growth Potential
QuickBooks Online is a bit pricier but can grow with your business. It’s used by millions worldwide, making it easy for accountants and self-employed folks to share info.
It has different subscription plans for self-employed people. The Self-Employed plan costs $20 a month. The Self-Employed Tax Bundle is $30 a month, and the Self-Employed Live Tax Bundle is $40 a month. All plans offer a 50% discount for the first three months, helping new businesses save money.
QuickBooks Online is great for self-employed pros who think their business will grow. It has lots of features and is widely used. This makes it a solid choice for freelancers and small business owners.
Free Self-Employed Accounting Software
For freelancers and self-employed folks looking for easy and affordable accounting tools, Wave Accounting is a great pick. It offers a full set of features like invoicing, tracking expenses, and financial reports without any cost.
With Wave Accounting’s free plan, you get lots of useful tools for your finances. You can make as many custom invoices and estimates as you need. You can also track your money coming in and going out, and make detailed reports to understand your business’s finances better. Plus, the mobile app lets you send invoices to clients anywhere, making financial management easy.
Even though Wave Accounting’s main services are free, there are some paid extras. For example, you can use Wave Payments to accept online payments. This service has a small fee but makes paying invoices online easy for your clients.
Wave Accounting is a fantastic choice for self-employed people and freelancers who want a free accounting software with great invoicing tools. It’s easy to use and has lots of features, making it a top pick in free accounting software for self-employed folks.
| Feature | Wave Accounting | Zoho Books | ZipBooks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free for core accounting tools, $16/month for Wave Payments | Free plan, paid plans start at $20/month | Free Starter plan, paid plans start at $15/month |
| Invoicing | Unlimited customizable invoices | Customizable invoices, recurring invoices | Unlimited invoices, recurring invoices |
| Expense Tracking | Included | Included | Included |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Top Overall Freelance Accounting Software
FreshBooks is a top pick for freelancers and self-employed folks. It has over 10 million users in 120 countries. It’s rated “Excellent” by 4,400 GetApp reviews, making it a reliable choice for independent workers.
FreshBooks is easy to use and has clear pricing. Freelancers can try it free for 30 days without needing a credit card. This lets them check out the software fully before deciding. Plus, FreshBooks says it can help freelancers get paid 11 days faster, which is great for managing cash flow.
FreshBooks does more than just send invoices and manage clients. It also has great time tracking and can automate accounting tasks. This saves freelancers time and lets them focus on their work.
The mobile app from FreshBooks is another big plus. Freelancers can manage their finances, talk to clients, and check financial data from anywhere. This is super useful for those who work remotely or travel a lot.
FreshBooks is a top pick for best accounting software for freelancers. It’s easy to use, affordable, and has great invoicing and time-tracking features. Plus, it’s mobile-friendly. For freelancers and small businesses, FreshBooks offers a full accounting solution that makes managing money easier and helps with success.
“Using FreshBooks can save freelancers time by automating tasks and making billing effortless.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWbHLoNvohw
Unlimited Invoicing for Self-Employed
For self-employed pros and freelancers, sending unlimited invoices is a big deal. Brightbook, a free accounting tool, offers this key feature without limits. It’s perfect for small businesses with one to five employees who need an easy invoicing solution.
Brightbook doesn’t limit the number of invoices or charge extra for users. You can send as many invoices as you need and add an unlimited number of team members for free. This makes it a budget-friendly option for those who don’t need complex accounting features.
Even though Brightbook’s design might seem old compared to newer tools, it still has the basics covered. It’s easy to use and navigate, focusing on simplicity over fancy features.
For those looking for a free invoicing solution without limits, Brightbook is a solid choice. Its unlimited invoicing and user addition capabilities are great for small teams and solo entrepreneurs. It helps streamline billing and invoicing without costing a lot.
Brightbook – Simple Free Invoicing Software
Brightbook is a free accounting software for small businesses with one to five employees. Its design might look old, but it offers a simple and affordable solution for self-employed folks and freelancers who need unlimited invoicing.
Unlike other software, Brightbook lets you send as many invoices as you want and add unlimited team members for free. This makes it a great choice for freelancers and small businesses wanting to manage their invoices without extra costs.
Brightbook might not have all the features of more advanced software, but it has the basics covered. It’s easy to use and navigate, focusing on simplicity. This makes it accessible for those who value ease over complexity.
For self-employed pros and freelancers looking for a free invoicing solution without limits, Brightbook is a reliable and easy option. Its unlimited invoicing and user addition capabilities are perfect for small teams and solo entrepreneurs. It helps streamline billing and invoicing without breaking the bank.
“Brightbook’s unlimited invoicing capabilities and user-friendly interface make it a great choice for self-employed professionals and freelancers who need a straightforward, cost-effective invoicing solution.”
Sole Proprietorship Accounting
If you run a small business by yourself and haven’t formed an LLC or corporation, managing your finances is straightforward. TrulySmall Accounting is made just for you. It’s perfect for small businesses that won’t do more than 500 transactions a year. This tool is easy to use and doesn’t have the complex features big businesses need.
TrulySmall Accounting focuses on what you really need for your business. It’s simple and easy to use. You can handle your money, send out invoices, track expenses, and more, all without getting overwhelmed.
This software is also very affordable. It knows that small businesses often have tight budgets. So, it offers a great deal that won’t empty your wallet. It’s perfect for freelancers and other small business owners who need a reliable accounting system without the high costs.
To sum up, TrulySmall Accounting is all about making accounting easy and affordable for sole proprietors. It’s designed to meet the unique needs of small businesses. This means you can keep your finances in check and run your business smoothly.
Accounting App for Analytics
FreeAgent is great for self-employed folks who need deep insights into their finances. It offers more than just basic accounting like invoicing and expense tracking. It also has detailed analytics and reporting tools. These help users keep an eye on their finances and make smart business choices.
The app is easy to use and works on mobile devices too. This makes it perfect for self-employed people who need strong analytics tools. With FreeAgent, users can track important metrics, create custom reports, and understand their financial health better. This helps them make choices that move their business forward.
FreeAgent lets self-employed people use analytics to improve their businesses. It offers tools that help freelancers, solopreneurs, and consultants understand their performance better. This positions them for success in the long run.
FAQ
What features should I look for in accounting software for freelancers and the self-employed?
When picking accounting software for self-employed folks, look for affordability and invoicing tools. Also, check for expense tracking, mileage logging, and managing client talks and payments easily.
How important are affordability and invoicing features in accounting software for freelancers?
Affordability and invoicing are key for freelancers and the self-employed. The software should be priced right, with plans for solo entrepreneurs. It should let you create custom invoices, track payments, and automate billing to get paid on time and look professional.
What other features should self-employed professionals look for in their accounting software?
Self-employed folks need software that tracks expenses and logs miles easily. Being able to digitize receipts, categorize expenses, and make tax reports saves time. Automated mileage tracking is great for those who need to log vehicle use for tax deductions.
What are some of the best accounting software options for freelancers and the self-employed in terms of client management?
Xero is a top choice for freelancers with many clients. It has a great contact management tool. This helps you keep up with client talks, track payments, and attach documents to client profiles.
What are some of the top mobile accounting apps for self-employed professionals?
Zoho Books has a mobile app with cool features like scanning business cards, tracking miles with GPS, and using Siri for accounting tasks. It works on iOS, Android, and Windows, making it a great choice for those who need strong mobile tools.
What are the best overall accounting software options for self-employed individuals?
QuickBooks Online is a leader in accounting, offering strong features and scalability for small businesses. FreshBooks is great for freelancers and small businesses focusing on invoicing and mobile use.
Are there any free accounting software options for self-employed professionals?
Wave is a free option for freelancers and self-employed folks looking for simple accounting with strong invoicing. Wave Accounting and Wave Invoicing are free, and you can use Wave’s payment service for a fee per transaction.
What are some of the key features of the best accounting software for freelancers and the self-employed?
The best software should be easy to use, have strong reporting, and grow with your business. While bigger plans might be needed for businesses with employees, the basic plans are usually enough for freelancers.
What accounting software is best suited for sole proprietorships?
TrulySmall Accounting is perfect for sole proprietorships that don’t want to be an LLC or corporation. It’s made for small businesses and solo owners who need a simple, easy-to-use accounting solution.
What accounting software offers the best analytics and reporting capabilities for self-employed professionals?
FreeAgent is great for self-employed folks who want detailed business finance insights. It has all the basic accounting tools plus advanced analytics and reporting. This helps you keep an eye on your finances and make smart business choices.