Best accounting programs for ZZP'ers: our top 5

Introduction

As a self-employed person, you'd rather spend time on your passion than on your administration. Yet proper accounting is crucial to the success of your business. The right accounting program not only makes your administration easier, but also saves valuable time that you can invest in growing your business. But which program is really right for you? In this article you will discover the best accounting programs for self-employed people, including their strengths, costs and useful features, so you can quickly make the right choice and get started right away.

What is accounting?

Bookkeeping is the accurate tracking and processing of all financial transactions within your company, such as income and expenses. You do this partly to comply with legal obligations towards the tax authorities and partly to gain insight into how your company is doing financially. The tax authorities require entrepreneurs to have their records in good order so that they can easily comply with VAT returns and other tax obligations. In addition, there is a legal retention obligation of at least 7 years for companies and self-employed workers for their financial records.

Why do you need accounting?

The Internal Revenue Service requires that you keep orderly records.

Your records are used for your returns:

• Btw
• Income tax (IB)
• Corporate tax
• Payroll tax

There are no rules on exactly how to prepare your records. Thus, you are not required to use accounting software. However, keep in mind that your records must always meet certain requirements and guidelines set by the government.

Accounting software benefits

With good accounting software you will make your administration significantly easier, faster and clearer. It has the following advantages:

1. It costs you less time. In accounting software, for example, you can quickly send invoices and automatically calculate your sales tax.
2. You are less likely to make mistakes. Because the software performs many tasks automatically, the risk of making mistakes is lower.
3. Overview in your administration. Good for you and for your accountant. If you have an accountant do your returns, you can give your accountant access to your accounting program.
4. Insights into your numbers. Accounting software prepares an income statement and balance sheet for you, for example.

Free accounting program?

If you search on Google for a free accounting program you will find several providers. The only problem is that they are not free at all. They offer a free trial period and manage to rank high in Google. After the trial period, you pay a monthly subscription.

If you really want to do your bookkeeping for free, Excel or Google Spreadsheets are the way to go. This is because the IRS has no requirements on exactly how you keep your records. As long as your records are complete and clear, you may keep them in Excel or Google Spreadsheets.

An employee of the Internal Revenue Service said the following at a meeting for start-up entrepreneurs years ago:

"Your administration grows with your business."

If your business is small and your company has few costs and benefits, you'll be fine keeping your records in a spreadsheet. However, if your business is growing, then an online accounting package offers several advantages.

1. Moneybird

Moneybird
From € 14/month
60 days free trial
✓ With checking account
User-friendly
Offer module
Visit website

2. KNAB

Knab
From €12/month
60 day free trial
With checking account
Sharply priced
✓ Unlimited invoicing
Visit website

3. e-Bookkeeping.com

e-Boekhouden.nl
From €9.95/month
14 days free trial
✓ 15 months free for starters
Competitively priced
Very popular
Visit website

4. Moneymonk

MoneyMonk
From €7.95/month
30 days free trial
✓ Project management modules
User-friendly
Good support
Visit website

5. Tellow

Tellow
From €12.99/month
14 days money back guarantee
✓ Bank account included
✓ Free linking of bank transactions
✓ Unlimited invoicing
Visit website