Free online bookkeeping software allows business owners, professionals, or individuals to manage their books and record-keeping for free through their computers, tablets, or mobile phones.
When it comes to free bookkeeping software options, they won’t be the most powerful or boast the most features, but it can be a good option for those starting out or who have simple finances and records to maintain.
At Accountor CPA, we know that every small business and individual has a budget in mind. That’s why we seek to find the best bookkeeping software that meets your needs and fits your budget, whatever that may be.
Low-cost or free bookkeeping software can be a good step in managing your records and finances. Get a free consultation with Accountor CPA to learn how you can use this software to take control of your income and expenses and build your financial future.
Is Free Online Bookkeeping Software A Good Option?
Many companies start with free bookkeeping software for small business when they first open because their finances are relatively straight forward. As a new business, you likely have few invoices, expenses are easily categorized, and you may be the only employee on the payroll. For individuals, many people think their finances are straightforward and opt for free simple bookkeeping software for home use.
Often, a business, SME, or individual realizes soon after that their needs are more complex than they originally thought or their needs have grown. When this happens, the free options often no longer cut it and you must upgrade to a paid bookkeeping software program.
Free bookkeeping systems can be a good place to start, but it is important to remember that all the time you spend learning how to use this software and inputting your data into it may be wasted when, in a few months, you need to upgrade. It is important that even when working with low cost or free bookkeeping software you choose a program that has paid options, so you can easily migrate your data if you need to upgrade your plan.
Free Bookkeeping Software for Small Business
How can you choose the best free bookkeeping software for small business?
There are a number of options to keep in mind when looking for free bookkeeping software solutions for your firm.
- Does it have options to upgrade to paid features should you need them in the future?
- What are the free features available?
- What features are missing? Are these important to you?
- How easy is it to use and set up?
- Is there an ability to give other users access if needed?
- Is there a mobile app?
- Is it secure?
- Is there an expiration date on the free version?
Even though there may not be a high financial cost, it is still important to research and choose the top low cost or free bookkeeping software app for your business.
The bookkeeping experts at Accountor CPA can help you determine what features are imperative for your business operation and choose the leading bookkeeping software.
Free Personal Bookkeeping Software
What about free personal bookkeeping software for home use?
Bookkeeping for individuals is an important part of a person’s financial well-being, even if the bookkeeping is simple. Individuals with one source of income, relatively simple investments or retirement savings, and common expenses can benefit from free bookkeeping software for home use. The features available in free versions will likely be enough for someone with simple financial needs to monitor their spending and set a budget.
However, financial and property investments, multiple sources of income, and a growing family can make managing your bookkeeping more complex - fast. It’s important that you make sure your free bookkeeping software for home use can keep up with you as you grow.
Low-Cost & Free Bookkeeping Apps for Simple Use
There are a few options for affordable and free bookkeeping apps that many small businesses start with as their business is growing. These options are free or inexpensive, but also offer more expensive upgrades to suit your business as it grows and needs more robust features.
Some of the industry’s best free bookkeeping software or cheaper options are:
- Wave
- Xero
- FreshBooks
- Receipt Bank
- Google Sheets
Wave
Wave is great bookkeeping software that caters to larger businesses or businesses with multiple branches. Wave offers free versions if you only need rudimentary features, but its paid features include more robust functions, like payroll and accepting payments.
Xero
Xero is perhaps the most simple remote bookkeeping program that caters to small business. It can be integrated with a number of third-party apps and programs, including Stripe, Paypal, Wagepoint payroll, Deputy timetracking, and more. Xero also provides excellent scalability so you can easily add and manage new users so that as your business grows, you can grow your bookkeeping software demands.
FreshBooks
FreshBooks is good low cost bookkeeping software option for small business owners and self-employed individuals. The software is extremely user-friendly and intuitive and can easily be scaled up or down depending on your business’ needs.
Receipt Bank
Receipt Bank works to help you manage your expenses. It can be integrated with other bookkeeping and accounting software and allows you to simply take a photo of your receipt to enter it as an expense in your system. There are various options available for individuals and businesses of different sizes, making it a good low- or moderate-cost expense management software.
Google Sheets
Google Sheets is less a bookkeeping software and more a bookkeeping tool, but it can be used in certain situations very smoothly. Google bookkeeping software free in the form of Google sheets allows you to track, calculate, and manage some very basic expenses and income.
Risks of Choosing Free Bookkeeping for Small Business
Free online bookkeeping software can be a good option for some enterprises and individuals. There are a few risks associated with choosing a free bookkeeping software for small business:
- Fewer bookkeeping features available
- Access to support may be restricted
- Molding your business practices to fit within the free features available
- More time spent searching for solutions
- May need to upgrade sooner and sync existing data with a new program
- Easily find yourself behind on bookkeeping as the functions available do not fit your needs
- Needing to find supplementary software to fill gaps in your record-keeping
If you find yourself relating to these points, it may be time to upgrade your free bookkeeping software. Contact Accountor CPA to learn about the budget-friendly options for bookkeeping software and service that we offer.
Scalable and Professional Online Bookkeeping Software and Solutions
The best way to choose bookkeeping apps and software for your small business or home use is by consulting with a professional bookkeeper or Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).
At Accountor CPA, we work with our clients to find the bookkeeping software that is best for their business and that they can truly get the most out of. Whether it is a free software to start, an inexpensive beginner package, or a more robust bookkeeping application, it is imperative that your company works with a simple online bookkeeping program that can get the job done.
Get a free virtual consultation to learn more about how your bookkeeping can be streamlined and simplified with basic or free bookkeeping software.