16 Best Accounting Software For Freelancers Reviewed For 2025
Best Accounting Software For Freelancers Shortlist
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
When you work for multiple clients, juggling taxes, expenses, and invoices without the right accounting software for freelancers can get overwhelming fast. I’ve seen how messy it gets—missed receipts, late invoices, and total tax-time panic.
That’s why I tested and reviewed the best tools out there, using my background in digital software to find the ones that actually make things easier. No fluff—just simple, helpful tools to take the stress off your plate and keep your finances in check.
Let’s dive into the list and find the one that works for you.
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Best Accounting Software For Freelancers Summary
Freelance costs can add up quickly, so you need a solution that’s cheaper than most. Here’s a look at my top picks for accounting software for freelancers and their associated prices and trial information to help you narrow down your options.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for comprehensive financial management | Free trial + free plan available | From $15/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for free accounting and invoicing | 30-day free trial + free plan available | From $14/user/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for all-in-one business management | 7-day free trial | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Best for tax filing and compliance | 30-day free trial | From $13.50/user/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best for automatic mileage tracking | Free demo available | From $10/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for intelligent insights and automation | 30-day free trial + free plan available | From $15/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 7 | Best for AI-powered financial insights | Not available | From $10/user/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for receipt and expense management | Not available | From $7/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for automated income and expense tracking | 14-day free trial | From $20/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for time & task tracking built-in | 15-day free trial + free plan available | From $9.90/user/month | Website |
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LiveFlow
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.9 -
Float Financial
Visit Website -
Vena
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5
Best Accounting Software For Freelancers Reviews
In this section, I’ll walk you through some of the best accounting software made just for freelancers. I’ll break down what each one does well, where it might fall short, and who it’s best for—so you can find the right fit without the guesswork.
Zoho Books is an online accounting software designed for growing businesses. It offers a comprehensive suite of financial management tools.
Why I picked Zoho Books: I chose Zoho Books for its extensive features that cater to comprehensive financial management. Unlike other tools, Zoho Books offers a holistic approach to managing finances, making it ideal for freelancers who need an all-in-one solution. Its integration with other Zoho services further enhances its utility, providing a seamless experience for users.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include invoicing, billing, expense tracking, task automation, multi-currency support, budgeting, and financial reporting.
Integrations include Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects, Zoho Inventory, Zoho Subscriptions, Zoho Expense, PayPal, Stripe, Square, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office 365.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong integration with Zoho services
- Multi-currency support
- Comprehensive financial tools
Cons:
- Limited third-party integrations
- Complex user interface
Wave Accounting is a small business software that provides accounting and financial management tools for freelancers and small businesses.
Why I picked Wave: I chose Wave for this list because it offers a robust set of free accounting features, which is rare among accounting software. This makes it particularly appealing for freelancers who need to manage their finances without incurring additional costs. Wave is best for free accounting and invoicing because it combines essential financial tools with an intuitive interface, making it easy for users to handle their accounting needs without any financial burden.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable invoicing, expense tracking, and payroll management.
Integrations include PayPal, Etsy, Shoeboxed, Zapier, Google Sheets, Slack, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Stripe, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated reminders
- User-friendly interface
- Free accounting tools
Cons:
- No advanced reporting
- Limited customer support
Bonsai is a business management software platform designed for freelancers and small businesses.
Why I picked Bonsai: I chose Bonsai for the list because it offers a comprehensive suite of tools that cater to freelancers' diverse needs. Unlike other software, Bonsai integrates client, project, and financial management into a single platform, making it versatile. Bonsai is best for all-in-one business management due to its extensive range of features that streamline various business operations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include proposals and contracts, time tracking, invoicing and payments, and income tracking.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Calendly, Zapier, Stripe, Google Calendar, Slack, Trello, Asana, Dropbox, and PayPal.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive templates
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive toolset
Cons:
- No advanced inventory management features
- Limited customization options
FreeAgent is an award-winning accounting software designed for freelancers and small businesses. It is best for tax filing and compliance due to its comprehensive features for managing VAT, Self-Assessment, and end-of-year filing directly to HMRC.
Why I picked FreeAgent: I chose FreeAgent for its robust tax management capabilities, which are crucial for freelancers who need to stay compliant with tax regulations. Its ability to handle VAT, Self-assessment, and end-of-year filing makes it stand out from other accounting software.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include invoicing, expense management, cash flow monitoring, tax forecasting, and integration with Amazon for online sellers.
Integrations include Amazon, PayPal, Stripe, GoCardless, Zapier, Google Workspace, Slack, Mailchimp, Dropbox, and Shopify.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 30-day free trial
- UK-based support team
- Comprehensive tax management
Cons:
- No built-in inventory management
- Limited to UK tax regulations
QuickBooks Self-Employed is specialized accounting software designed for solopreneurs and freelancers.
Why I picked QuickBooks Self-Employed: I chose QuickBooks Self-Employed for its robust automatic mileage tracking feature, which stands out from other accounting software. This tool is particularly beneficial for freelancers who frequently travel for work, as it uses the phone’s GPS to track miles automatically, making it easy to categorize trips and maximize tax deductions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include income and expense tracking, quarterly tax estimations, and mobile app access.
Integrations include PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, TurboTax, QuickBooks Payments, QuickBooks Time, QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Mailchimp, and various bank accounts.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile app access
- Easy tax organization
- Automatic mileage tracking
Cons:
- Basic reporting features
- Limited to solopreneurs
ZipBooks is free accounting software and an online invoicing platform offering accounting, billing, expense management, and intelligence features.
Why I picked ZipBooks: I chose ZipBooks for its unique ability to provide intelligent insights and automation, which sets it apart from other freelancer accounting software. The software's data-driven intelligence allows users to make impactful decisions with ease. ZipBooks is best for freelancers needing actionable insights and automated processes to streamline their financial management.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a full suite of reports and insights, automated expense tracking, and seamless invoicing and billing. ZipBooks also offers smart tagging, time tracking, and mobile accounting to manage finances.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Square, Gusto, Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Trello, Asana, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Automated processes
- Intelligent insights
Cons:
- No phone support
- Limited advanced features
Sage is a comprehensive accounting software solution designed to help businesses of all sizes manage their finances efficiently.
Why I picked Sage: I chose Sage for this list because of its unique AI-powered financial insights, which set it apart from other accounting software. This feature provides freelancers with real-time, actionable data, helping them make smarter financial decisions. Sage's AI capabilities make it the best choice for freelancers who need detailed financial analysis and forecasting.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated bank reconciliation, expense tracking, detailed reports and dashboards, mobile app access, and collaboration tools.
Integrations include Microsoft 365, Stripe, PayPal, AutoEntry, OneDrive, Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated bank reconciliation
- Comprehensive reporting
- AI-powered insights
Cons:
- Limited mobile app functionality
- The steeper learning curve for beginners
1tap Receipt is a tool that simplifies receipt and expense management for freelancers and self-employed individuals.
Why I picked 1tap Receipts: I chose 1tap Receipts for its specialized focus on receipt and expense management, which is crucial for freelancers who need accurate financial records. The tool stands out for its automatic data extraction, making it easier to manage receipts and expenses without manual entry. This feature mainly benefits freelancers who often deal with numerous small transactions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include cloud storage, real-time sharing with accountants, and automatic currency conversion.
Integrations include Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Evernote, Expensify, and Receipt Bank.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time sharing
- Cloud storage
- Automatic data extraction
Cons:
- Basic reporting options available
- No built-in invoicing capabilities
Kashoo is an online accounting software designed for small business owners and freelancers.
Why I picked Kashoo: Kashoo stands out on this list because it focuses on automation and simplicity. This makes it ideal for freelancers who need to manage their finances efficiently. Kashoo's automated income and expense tracking feature eliminates redundant tasks, allowing users to focus on their core business activities.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated bookkeeping, multi-currency support, and a customizable chart of accounts.
Integrations include Stripe, PayPal, Square, FreshBooks, QuickBooks, Xero, Zoho Books, Wave, Sage, and FreeAgent.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable accounts
- Easy expense tracking
- Automated bookkeeping
Cons:
- Few third-party integrations
- Limited advanced features
Paymo is project management and time-tracking software for small businesses and freelancers.
Why I picked Paymo: I chose Paymo for its strong task management and time-tracking capabilities, which stand out from other accounting software. Its ability to integrate time tracking with project management makes it ideal for freelancers who need to manage multiple projects (and bill for them) efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include task management with Kanban boards, team collaboration tools, invoicing, and estimates.
Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, QuickBooks, Xero, Zapier, HubSpot, JotForm, Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Calendar, and Microsoft Outlook.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Invoicing and estimates
- Comprehensive task management
- Automatic time tracking
Cons:
- The learning curve for new users
- Limited accounting features
Other Accounting Software For Freelancers
Below is a list of additional accounting software for freelancers I shortlisted but still need to reach the top list. It is worth checking them out.
- Xero
For app integrations
- Bench
Good for bookkeeping with a personal touch
- Hurdlr
Good for real-time expense tracking
- Pandle
Good for easy bookkeeping with automation
- Brightbook
Good for simple, free accounting
- LessAccounting
Good for minimalistic accounting needs
Accounting Software For Freelancers Selection Criteria
Picking the right accounting software for freelancers means finding something that actually fits the way you work. I’ve personally tested and looked into these tools, focusing on what really matters—stuff like tracking income, managing expenses, and making tax time way less stressful.
Core Accounting Software for Freelancers Functionality - 25% of Total Weighting Score
- Ability to create, send, and track invoices
- Tools to record and categorize expenses
- Generation of profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and other financial reports
- Features to help with tax calculations and filings
- Integration or built-in tools to track billable hours
Additional Standout Features - 25% of Total Weighting Score
- Tools that automate repetitive tasks like invoicing and expense categorization
- Availability of mobile apps for on-the-go accounting
- Compatibility with other tools like payment processors and project management software
- Personalized views for tracking critical financial metrics
- Features that provide predictive insights and anomaly detection
Usability - 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Clean, user-friendly design that simplifies navigation
- Ability to tailor the interface to individual needs
- Fast loading times and minimal downtime for ease of use
- Features that ensure the software is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities
Onboarding - 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Availability of comprehensive video tutorials
- Pre-built templates for invoices, reports, and other documents
- Guided tours that help new users get started quickly
- Access to real-time support and educational webinars
Customer Support - 10% of Total Weighting Score
- 24/7 support through various chat, email, and phone channels
- Quick response times and compelling issue resolution
- Extensive library of articles and FAQs
- Active user communities for peer support
Value For Money - 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Competitive pricing with flexible plans
- Availability of free trials to test the software before committing
- The balance between the number of features and the cost
- Discounts are available for long-term commitments or referrals
Customer Reviews - 10% of Total Weighting Score
- High overall satisfaction ratings
- Positive feedback on critical features
- Positive reviews on customer support experiences
- High ratings for usability and interface design
How To Choose Accounting Software For Freelancers
It’s easy to get lost in all the features and confusing pricing out there. To help you stay focused and find what really matters for you, here’s a simple checklist to keep in mind as you pick your software:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Ensure the software grows with your business. Look for options that support increasing clients and transactions without a hitch. |
| Integrations | Check if it connects with tools you already use, like payment gateways or CRM systems, to streamline your workflow. |
| Customizability | Choose software that lets you tailor invoices, reports, and dashboards to suit your specific business needs. |
| Ease of Use | Opt for user-friendly interfaces with intuitive navigation, minimizing the learning curve for you and your team. |
| Budget | Consider both upfront and ongoing costs. Ensure the software fits your budget without hidden fees that could surprise you later. |
| Security Safeguards | Prioritize robust security features, including data encryption and regular backups, to protect your sensitive financial information. |
| Support | Look for responsive customer support options, like live chat or phone support, to assist you when issues arise. |
| Reporting Features | Evaluate the depth of reporting capabilities, ensuring you can generate insightful financial reports to track your business performance effectively. |
Trends For Accounting Software For Freelancers
While digging around, I went through tons of product updates, press releases, and release notes from different accounting software for freelancers. A few interesting trends kept popping up—here’s what I’m keeping an eye on:
- User Experience (UX) Focus: Accounting software for freelancers is becoming more user-friendly, emphasizing intuitive interfaces that make it easier for freelancers to manage their finances. This focus helps users integrate software quickly into their workflows without needing extensive training.
- Advanced Business Analytics: These tools are being integrated to provide freelancers with actionable insights from their financial data. This trend allows users to make informed decisions faster, identifying trends and forecasting market changes effectively.
- Real-Time Reporting: Demand for real-time reporting tools is growing, enabling freelancers to access up-to-date tax information and comply with global taxation laws. This feature is vital for those who need immediate insights into their financial status.
- AI-Powered Solutions: AI and machine learning are being used to automate repetitive tasks, reducing errors and saving time. While still gaining trust, these technologies are gradually becoming a fundamental part of accounting solutions.
- Blockchain Technology: This is being utilized for secure and transparent transaction storage, which is particularly appealing for freelancers who need reliable bookkeeping. Blockchain's potential to enhance data integrity is a significant draw.
What Is Accounting Software For Freelancers?
Accounting software for freelancers is designed to help self-employed individuals manage their financial transactions, invoicing, and tax obligations. Freelancers use this software to track income and expenses, generate invoices, and prepare for tax season, ensuring accurate financial records and compliance with tax regulations.
Its primary components include expense tracking, invoicing, and tax preparation features. These tools allow users to categorize expenses, create and send invoices, and generate financial reports, providing a comprehensive solution for managing freelance finances.
Features Of Accounting Software For Freelancers
When you’re freelancing, keeping your finances in order is a big part of staying on track. The right accounting software for freelancers can make life so much easier—less time on spreadsheets, more time doing what you love. Before you pick a tool, here are a few must-have features to look out for:
- Payment Processing: Ability to accept a variety of in-person or online payment methods, including credit card or Android iOS apps like Square. This ensures your clients can pay what they owe by whatever method they choose, decreasingly the likelihood of missed or delayed payment.
- Expense Tracking: Expense tracking is the backbone of financial management. It involves recording all outgoing payments, from subscriptions to operational costs. This feature is vital for freelancers to maintain detailed records, which simplifies tax preparation and helps identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Invoicing and Income Management: Invoicing is not just about getting paid; it’s about professionalism and efficiency. The software should allow you to generate, send quickly, and track invoices. This feature ensures timely payments and a clear view of your income streams, helping you identify your most profitable clients or projects.
- Profit and Loss Reports: A Profit and Loss (P&L) report compares your income to your expenses, showing your net profit or loss over a specific period. This feature helps you understand your business’s financial health, enabling you to make informed decisions and identify areas for improvement.
- Third-Party Compatibility: Integration with other tools and platforms, such as PayPal, Stripe, or project management software, is crucial. This feature allows for automatic data import and export, saving time and reducing errors from manual data entry.
- Receipt Scanning: Receipt scanning lets you easily capture deductible purchases. This feature is especially vital for simplifying freelancer finances by eliminating the need for manual data entry and ensuring all expenses are tracked accurately.
- Tax Support: The software should assist with tax planning and filing, including estimated quarterly tax payments. This feature helps freelancers manage their unique tax obligations, ensure compliance, and maximize deductions.
- Time Tracking: Time tracking is essential for freelancers who bill by the hour. The software should allow you to log hours worked on different projects, ensuring accurate billing and providing insights into how your time is spent.
- Mobile Accessibility: It is crucial to access key business accounting features on the go. Mobile apps with cloud access enable you to manage your finances in real time, whether traveling or working remotely, ensuring you stay on top of your financial management.
- User-Friendly Interface: A user-friendly interface is essential for freelancers who may need a background in accounting. The software should be intuitive and easy to navigate, reducing the learning curve and making financial management less daunting.
- Financial Reporting and Projections: Real-time financial reporting provides insights into cash flow, profits, and other critical metrics. This feature helps freelancers make data-driven decisions, spot negative trends early, and plan for future growth.
Benefits Of Accounting Software For Freelancers
Handling your finances as a freelancer can feel like a lot. The good news? The right accounting software can seriously lighten the load. Here are five ways accounting software for freelancers can make your life easier.
- Time Efficiency: Accounting software automates many of the repetitive tasks in bookkeeping, such as invoicing and business expenses tracking, allowing you to focus more on your core work.
- Accuracy: Accounting software minimizes the risk of errors by reducing the need for manual data entry, ensuring that your financial records are accurate and up-to-date.
- Financial Insights: These tools often come with reporting features that provide valuable insights into your financial health, helping you make informed business decisions.
- Tax Preparation: Accounting software can simplify tax season by organizing your financial data and generating necessary reports, mailing your taxes accurately, and filing them on time.
- Professionalism: Using accounting software can enhance your professional image by providing polished, branded invoices and financial statements, which can impress clients and improve your business reputation.
Costs And Pricing Of Accounting Software For Freelancers
Picking the right accounting software for freelancers means knowing what you’re paying for. Prices can change depending on things like features, team size, and any extras you might need. To make things easier, I put together a quick table that breaks down common plans, average costs, and what you usually get with each one.
Plan Comparison Table for Accounting Software for Freelancers
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Limited invoicing, basic expense tracking, and report generation. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Advanced invoicing, time tracking, and basic project management. |
| Business Plan | $30-$60/user/month | Multi-currency support, integrations with third-party apps, and enhanced reporting. |
| Enterprise Plan | Custom Pricing | Custom workflows, advanced security features, and dedicated support. |
Accounting Software For Freelancers FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about accounting software for freelancers.
Can accounting software help freelancers with tax compliance?
Many accounting software solutions offer features designed to help freelancers with tax compliance. These features may include automatic tax calculations, generation of tax reports, and integration with tax filing services. Some software even provides reminders for tax deadlines and helps track deductible expenses, making it easier to comply with tax regulations.
Is cloud-based accounting software secure for managing my freelance finances?
Cloud-based accounting software is generally secure, as reputable providers implement robust security measures to protect your data. These measures often include encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular security audits. However, it’s essential to choose a trusted provider and follow best practices, such as using strong passwords and regularly updating your software, to ensure the highest level of security for your financial information.
How can accounting software improve my invoicing process?
Accounting software can significantly streamline your invoicing process by automating many tasks. You can create and send professional invoices quickly, set up recurring invoices for regular clients, and track the status of your invoices in real time. Some software also allows you to accept online payments directly through the invoice, reducing the time it takes to get paid. Additionally, automated reminders can be sent to clients for overdue payments, improving your cash flow management.
How do I migrate my financial data to a new accounting software?
Migrating your financial data to new accounting software typically involves exporting it from your current system and importing it into the new one. Most accounting software providers offer detailed guides or support services to assist with this process. It’s essential to back up your data before migrating and verify that all information has been accurately transferred. Some software also offers automated migration tools to simplify the process.
What kind of customer support can I expect from accounting software providers?
Customer support varies among accounting software providers, but most offer multiple channels for assistance, including email, phone, and live chat support. Some providers provide extensive online resources, such as knowledge bases, tutorials, and community forums. When choosing accounting software, consider the level of support you may need and whether the provider offers the necessary resources to help you resolve any issues that may arise.
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