11 Best Accounting Software for Freelancers & the Self-Employed
Freelancers juggle a lot of different tasks throughout their day. Whether you’re working as a sole freelancer, or part of a bigger team, accounting can get caught in the mix. With so many projects to invoice for, taxes to keep track of, and contractors to pay, modern-day freelancers need accounting software that will work for them—not the other way around.
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The 11 Best Accounting Software for Freelancers in 2024
Sometimes even basic accounting is enough to make us break out into a sweat. So many numbers, so many formulas, and never enough time. Thankfully, we've got your back and have picked some of the best freelancer accounting software that you can rely on, no matter your line of work.
1. Best Overall Accounting Software: QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online is easy to use, designed for small businesses, and has been around for a long time. It's also packed with features that are useful for freelancers.
Some features we love about QuickBooks Online:
Easy integration with payment systems like PayPal and Xero
Robust forums where users help each other out and answer each other's questions
Build budgets and generate detailed reports so you can stay on top of your biz
Inventory tracking for physical products so you're never out of stock
Easy receipt organization via snapping a picture with your smartphone
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2. Best All-In-One Platform: Honeybook
Honeybook was built for freelancers, helping you manage proposals, contracts, projects, invoices, and everything else. Over 100,000 freelancers and independent businesses trust HoneyBook to manage clients, send invoices, and get paid. Use the link below to get 50% off your first year!
Some features we love about Honeybook:
Schedule invoices and automatically send reminders to clients
Personalize proposals with your own designs and photos
An online scheduling tool that you can share with clients to book time with you
Ready-to-use contract templates that can be signed via Honeybook
Their payment system accepts all major credit/debit cards and bank transfers while providing a seamless experience
3. Best Solution that Scales With Your Business: Momenteo
Momenteo is an invoicing software made especially for freelancers and self-employed workers. You can simply add your work, work times, travels, and expenses to the friendly calendar, and let Momenteo create invoices or estimates for you in just a few seconds. Momenteo also follows your business growth. Start by sending invoices for free, and when you have more clients, choose one of the premium options.
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Some features we love about Momenteo:
A calendar that allows you to easily add work completed, expenses, and travel done in a few clicks
Easily create project estimates and customize them with your brand colors
Personalize and automate invoices
Use your smartphone to grab receipts and payments related to your freelancing business
Add and automatically track any travel done while working
4. Best for Invoicing, Expensing, and Receipt Tracking: Zoho Books
Zoho Books is a great accounting software solution for freelancers. It's very easy to use, and it helps you get paid faster by providing receipts, invoices, expenses, and more. You can also manage your business from anywhere using Zoho Books' mobile app or web version. Zoho Books offers 14 days of free trial so you can try it out before purchasing their software.
Some features we love about Zoho:
Customizable invoices with online payment options
Client-facing portals so customers can view transactions in one place
Easy expense tracking where you can upload receipts and stay organized
Time tracking so projects can stay on budget and on-timeline
Sales tax tracking so you never lose track of what you’ll owe
5. Best for Payroll: Sage 50cloud Accounting
Sage 50cloud Accounting is cloud-based accounting software that can help you manage your business. It offers numerous features, including invoicing, billable time tracking, and more. The software also includes Sage Payroll so you can pay employees through direct deposit or check. You can accept payments from clients through invoice tracking and payment processing.
Some features we love about Sage:
Easily track expenses such as travel costs or employee meals
Simple tax preparation tools for easy end-of-year filing
Automated sales tax reports and quarterly tax estimates
Time tracking features so you (and your team) can bill accurately
Cloud-based—so you can access important documents from anywhere
6. Accounting Software with The Best User Experience: Freshbooks
Freshbooks is cloud-based accounting software that's easy to use and has a free version (yay, free!). Freshbooks allows you to create invoices using customizable templates, including a printable invoice template, and send them via email. You can also get paid online and take advantage of other features, such as automatic bank reconciliation and time tracking, making it a great option for freelancers and small business owners.
Some features we love about Freshbooks:
Integration with Gusto Payroll, allowing you to pay your employees/contractors faster
Multiple plan options with a free option for the budget freelancer
Retainer option for accountants, lawyers, or other retainer-fee-first freelancers
ACH payment integration so your revenue hits the bank ASAP
Clients estimates, payment recording, and project time tracking included
7. Best Accounting Software That Helps Simplify Taxes: Freely
Freely helps your business maximize tax deductions, fill your tax forms, and file your taxes so the IRS never needs to knock on your door.
Some features we love about Freely:
Maximized tax deductions so you send less to Uncle Sam every quarter
Pre-filled tax documents so you can file with ease and on-time
Live chat and email support for all your tax-sensitive questions
Bank-level data security so your financial info stays secure
Simple, inexpensive pricing for solopreneurs and 1099 contractors
8. Best Accounting Software for Big Projects: Xero
Xero is a great choice for freelancers who are working on big projects. It has everything you need to keep track of your money and make sure your tax returns are filed correctly. It's available on iOS, Android, Mac, and PC so you can access it anywhere.
Some features we love about Xero:
Simple bill tracking allows you to get a clear overview of your cash flow
The expense manager tool allows you to submit and reimburse expenses
Project tracking allows you to send quotes, invoices, and get paid effortlessly
Integration with Gusto Payroll so you can pay your employees/subcontractors
Financial reports that your accountant would be proud of
9. Best for Basic Accounting: Wave Accounting
Wave Accounting is free accounting software that lets you manage your bookkeeping on the go. It's ideal for freelancers who want to keep track of their finances while traveling or working remotely. Wave Accounting has basic accounting tools, like invoices and receipts, but it's not ideal for freelancers with complex accounting needs.
Some features we love about Wave:
Simple accounting, invoicing, and receipt generating
Offers a clean, easy-to-understand financial dashboard
Profit/loss, balance sheet, and cash flow reporting so you know where your business stands
Inventory tracking for freelancers selling physical goods
Integration with H&R block for easy tax filing
10. Best for Customization: Kashoo
Kashoo is easy-to-use accounting software that comes with a ton of features right out of the box. One of our favorite things about Kashoo is how customizable it is—you can set up your accounts and transactions exactly how you want them to look, which makes it really easy to understand and use.
Some features we love about Kahoo:
Invoicing features allow you to create invoicing templates specific to your business
Custom email notifications every time you get paid (no manually checking your account!)
Mileage tracking for the on-the-go business owner
Built-in expense tracking capabilities broken up by smart categories
Accountant-approved income and expense tracking
11. Best for Fiverr Freelancers: Fiverr Workspace
Fiverr has become one of the hottest freelancing and contracting platforms on the internet. Whether you’re looking for a quick side gig, or something more long-term, Fiverr has become the place to find gigs or find freelancers. It’s no surprise that with such a robust understanding of the Freelancer culture, Fiverr set out to build a back-office accounting software that is tailored for not only its own users but freelancers just like you.
Some features we love about Fiverr Workspace:
Seamlessly create smart proposals, contracts, and get them signed in one place
Automated task management so you can track time without losing your mind
Accept payments via bank transfer, credit card, or PayPal
Spending, earning, and expense reporting so you’re ready for tax day
Automatic reminders to let you know when you’re getting paid and when to follow up on invoices
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Stay on Track of Your Earnings
Accounting isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. We get it. But when you’re running your own business and building your own income streams, having a hands-on approach can help you scale faster, work smarter, and build your dream lifestyle.
Even if you have no experience with bookkeeping, self-employment tax filing, or paying out employees, these software picks can help where you feel lost.
With automated accounting software like these ten we just listed, you’re one step closer to knowing your business like the back of your hand, so next time your accountant comes knocking, you’ll be ready to answer!
Accounting Software FAQs
Still hesitant about which software to choose? Here are some quick answers to help you with your search.
How much should I spend on accounting software as a freelancer?
Free is always best, but if accounting isn’t your day job, you may not mind paying for a service. You'll want to look into monthly costs and per-user fees.
What is the easiest accounting system to use?
If you're just starting out or have never used accounting software before, find something simple enough that won't be too much of a learning curve on top of everything else you need to learn. Our preferred accounting system is Bonsai.
What is the best accounting software as a freelancer?
Your business is a reflection of you. If you like to go deep into the spreadsheets, a more robust accounting software may fit your needs, but if you're a part-time 1099er, then a simple (and probably free) software should do the trick.