Freelancing gives you freedom — but it also makes you responsible for everything:
client invoicing, payment follow-ups, expense tracking, GST/TDS compliance, and understanding how much you actually earn every month.

Most freelancers start with Excel or basic invoice tools, but as clients increase, payments get delayed and taxes become confusing. That’s where freelancer-friendly accounting software becomes essential.

Here’s a curated list of the top 5 accounting software for freelancers in 2025, based on ease of use, automation, compliance support, and scalability.

hisabkitab — AI-Powered Accounting Built for Freelancers

Overview
hisabkitab is a cloud-based accounting platform designed for people who are not accountants including freelancers, consultants, and independent professionals.

Why Freelancers Prefer It
hisabkitab focuses on automating the boring, repetitive parts of accounting so freelancers can focus on paid work.

Key Features

• Professional invoice creation (GST & non-GST)
  
  
  

• Export invoices for international clients
  
  
  

• Automated payment reminders via WhatsApp/email
  
  
  

• Expense tracking with AI bill upload
  
  
  

• Client-wise outstanding tracking
  
  
  

• TDS tracking and GST-ready reports
  
  
  

• Clean monthly profit dashboard
  
  
  

• Works on mobile & laptop
  
  
  

Best For
Freelancers who want end-to-end accounting without learning accounting concepts.

Zoho Books — Structured Accounting for Growing Freelancers

Overview
Zoho Books is a well-known accounting tool used by freelancers who need detailed reports and structured workflows.

Key Features

• Invoicing and expense tracking
  
  
  

• GST compliance
  
  
  

• Client portal
  
  
  

• Bank reconciliation
  
  
  

• Integration with Zoho ecosystem
  
  
  

Limitations for Freelancers

• Slight learning curve
  
  
  

• Feels heavy for solo users
  
  
  

• Some features locked behind paid plans
  
  
  

Best For
Freelancers planning to scale into a small agency setup.

Vyapar — Simple Billing with Basic Accounting

Overview
Vyapar is popular among small businesses and freelancers who want quick billing and basic expense tracking.

Key Features

• Simple invoice generation
  
  
  

• Expense recording
  
  
  

• GST reports
  
  
  

• Offline + cloud sync
  
  
  

Limitations

• Limited automation
  
  
  

• No strong client-wise profitability
  
  
  

• Less suitable for service-heavy freelancers
  
  
  

Best For
Freelancers who only need basic invoicing and expense logs.

QuickBooks — Global Tool for International Freelancers

Overview
QuickBooks is widely used by freelancers working with international clients, especially those paid in foreign currencies.

Key Features

• Multi-currency support
  
  
  

• Invoice & expense tracking
  
  
  

• Strong reporting
  
  
  

• International tax handling
  
  
  

Limitations

• Higher pricing
  
  
  

• Not India-GST friendly by default
  
  
  

• Overkill for most Indian freelancers
  
  
  

Best For
Freelancers working primarily with overseas clients.

Wave Accounting — Free Option for Beginners

Overview
Wave offers free invoicing and basic accounting features, mainly popular outside India.

Key Features

• Free invoicing
  
  
  

• Basic expense tracking
  
  
  

• Simple dashboards
  
  
  

Limitations

• No GST compliance for India
  
  
  

• Limited automation
  
  
  

• Not suitable for long-term growth
  
  
  

Best For
Beginners testing freelancing as a side income.

Comparison Table: Best Accounting Software for Freelancers

What Freelancers Should Look for in Accounting Software

Before choosing any accounting tool, freelancers should ensure it supports:

• Easy invoice creation
  
  
  

• Automated payment reminders
  
  
  

• Expense tracking for tax saving
  
  
  

• GST & TDS handling (if applicable)
  
  
  

• Clear view of monthly profit
  
  
  

• Client-wise outstanding tracking
  
  
  

• Cloud access from anywhere
  
  
  

Conclusion

Freelancers don’t need complex ERP systems or manual spreadsheets.
They need clarity, automation, and simplicity.

The right accounting software helps freelancers:

• Get paid faster
  
  
  

• Track expenses accurately
  
  
  

• Stay tax-compliant
  
  
  

• Understand real income
  
  
  

• Reduce admin stress
  
  
  

Among the available options, hisabkitab stands out as a freelancer-friendly, AI-powered solution built specifically for Indian freelancers and consultants.

Ready to simplify your freelance accounting?

Book a Free Demo and see how hisabkitab helps freelancers save time, reduce follow-ups, and stay financially organized.