accounting software for independent contractors

Security is a top priority, with robust encryption methods ensuring data protection. FreshBooks is a user-friendly accounting solution designed for small construction businesses and independent contractors. Its cloud-based system allows contractors to manage their financial health on the go, making it ideal for those juggling multiple projects and clients. You can use it to track expenses, manage cash flow and accounts receivable, and forecast future profitability. The Wave app also tracks your time spent on tasks, making it easier to see how much you have left to accomplish. Expert accounting services offer you the ability to focus on saving money and paying estimated taxes in advance, setting a foundation for a more secure financial future.

Best Apps for Independent Contractors: Must-Have Tools to Streamline Your Workflow

And Zoho’s paid plans are similarly comprehensive with even more integration, accounting features, and client collaboration tools. It includes inventory management with each plan—even its cheapest, which costs just $13 a month. Freelancers with more than five clients need FreshBooks Plus, which starts at $25 a month.

Essential Accounting Capabilities for Freelancers

accounting software for independent contractors

For https://ms2.inkland.com/financial-forecasting-using-percent-of-sales/ example, simplicity and cost are key for freelancers and solopreneurs. QuickBooks Online, Intuit QuickBooks’ cloud-based accounting program, has a famously low learning curve. Features like automatic bank reconciliation, receipt tracking, and expense categorization (by tax category) help freelancers maximize earnings and tax deductions. And in contrast to FreshBooks, QuickBooks doesn’t limit you to a certain amount of billable clients per month.

QuickBooks Online

accounting software for independent contractors

Still, you can’t argue with the level of guidance it provides as you work through the software. It’s also one of the few tax software programs that offers crypto support – perfect for the non-traditional contractor or freelancer. Instead, they’ll simply use the software to ensure the personal tax returns they file align with the information they see on their W-2. The idea behind tax software is simple – it provides accurate tax calculations by guiding you through the filing process for federal and, in many cases, state tax returns. However, the specific things you can do depends on the software you choose.

Tax Preparation Made Easy

  • Currently, that means you will pay 15.3 percent for social security, 12.4 percent for Medicare, and 2.9 percent for both.
  • A robust integration framework allows different systems to communicate, ensuring data consistency and reducing manual intervention.
  • Zoho Books manages invoices, expenses, and projects and allows for collaboration with clients and team members.
  • Get ready to tackle bookkeeping with confidence and create order from the chaos.
  • While QuickBooks Self-Employed and FreshBooks are both paid subscription services, Wave Accounting offers a free invoicing and accounting tool.
  • Gain financial insights and make better business decisions by using Instabooks cash flow calculator.

Moreover, incorporating helpful features like automated tips and error-checking can significantly benefit non-accountants. Such features guide users through processes and alert them of potential mistakes, reducing the likelihood of errors. Additionally, offering a robust help center and live support can provide immediate assistance when users encounter issues. One important aspect is to ensure that financial jargon is minimized. Therefore, using plain language and offering in-app explanations can make a big difference. Start tracking your expenses, identifying tax deductions, and estimating your quarterly taxes with Bonsai by signing up for a free trial today.

FreshBooks (Web, iOS, Android)

You can always integrate an expense management app, of course, but built-in expense tracking would make for an even easier accounting solution. Finally, Zoho Books doesn’t sync with as many third-party apps as competitors. While you can sync other Zoho products to your Zoho Books account, you don’t have many ecommerce or inventory management options.

Instead of relying on spreadsheets or manual tracking, contractors gain real-time visibility into project expenses, labor costs, and outstanding invoices. By leveraging Shoeboxed, independent contractors can streamline their accounting process, save time, ensure Oil And Gas Accounting accurate financial tracking, and ultimately focus more on their clients. PayPal is a payment platform that allows you to send and receive payments from clients worldwide. You can generate invoices, track payments, and even transfer money to your bank account.

  • The simplicity of having taxes deducted from each paycheck by an employer does not apply to independent contractors.
  • If you’re not sold by now, you might be once you connect Wave with Zapier to integrate it with the rest of the apps you use.
  • Independent contractors have to pay self-employment taxes and income tax.
  • General accounting solutions often fall short, leading to inefficiencies.
  • A compact device that flexes to your needs with integrated payments and receipt printer.

Invoicing and Billing

Learn more about how Xero accounting software works for your small business. The software immediately gets to work learning your expenses and begins automating accounting tasks right off the bat. Invoicing templates – Who has time to create every invoice from scratch? Instead, use ZipBooks’ beautiful and easy-to-use templates to send custom invoices in just a few clicks. Read our reviews on products like Foundation Software, Spectrum, and Sage 100 Contractor. Explore our top picks for general contractor software covering bid management, document control, and project management.

accounting software for independent contractors

accounting software for independent contractors

Independent contractor accounting software is specialized financial management tools designed to meet the unique needs of freelancers and self-employed individuals. Unlike traditional accounting software, these platforms often emphasize ease of use and feature sets that accounting software for independent contractors simplify managing irregular income, tracking expenses, and tax preparation. Formerly Outright, this is among the most popular tools for independent contractors. At a price of less than $12 a month, its recurring subscription model fits most budgets.

accounting software for independent contractors

You’ll also find that FreeTaxUSA supports Form 1099-LTC – a rarity for free software. The only reason not to try it – outside of it being less intuitive than other options in this list – is that the software doesn’t allow you to handle any foreign employment income. First, head to your main Bonsai dashboard and have a close look on the left side – we’ll be working with the accounting and taxes sections. Secure file transfers and password protection are also offered by these types of software – two more layers of defense that ensure data security. While any 1099 worker or freelancer can use tax software, it’s especially beneficial for the following groups.