Updated 2026-01-28
Best Tax Software for Freelancers
Simple tax workflows and deductions.
Finance tools should reduce admin, not create it. The best choice depends on whether you need invoicing, bookkeeping, payroll, or budgeting. This page compares common picks and the situations where each one makes sense.
Note: we focus on practical trade-offs. If you already know the category, jump straight to the comparison table.
Quick picks
| Tool | Why it’s a good fit | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Wise Best overall | Great for low-cost international transfers and multi-currency accounts. | Not a full bank replacement for every business. |
| QuickBooks Best value | Common choice for accounting with strong integrations; fits many small businesses. | Costs add up; setup can feel heavy if you’re very small. |
| Zoho Books Best for teams | Strong value if you already use Zoho products; solid automation. | Ecosystem is best when you stay inside Zoho. |
| Gusto Best for beginners | Strong payroll + HR basics for small businesses, especially in the US. | Region-specific; verify availability and compliance support. |
| Xero Best for power users | Clean UI and strong for bookkeeping workflows, especially for small businesses. | Features and add-ons vary by region; verify your exact needs. |
How to choose
- Start with the job to be done: what problem are you solving weekly?
- Setup vs simplicity: powerful tools often require configuration.
- Pricing reality: check seat limits, usage caps, and add-ons.
- Adoption: the best tool is the one your team actually uses.
Next steps
Once you’ve shortlisted 2–3 tools, test them with one real workflow (not a demo project). That usually reveals the right pick quickly.