The Best Accounting Apps for Gig Workers

Review accounting apps for freelancers, covering pricing, mileage tracking, tax automation, and support so 1099 professionals pick the best bookkeeping tool.

Independent contractors managing self-employed taxes should stay proactive about independent contractor deductions and year-round recordkeeping.

💡 Set aside 25% of every gig payout for self-employed taxes so independent contractor deductions cover quarterly payments.

How We Evaluated Each App for Self-Employed Taxes

Gig workers need lightweight tools that automate expense tracking, support mileage logs, and generate tax-ready reports. We compared leading options on price, feature depth, bank feeds, mobile experience, and support quality.

QuickBooks Self-Employed

Best for: Freelancers who already collaborate with accountants using Intuit products.
Highlights: Automatic mileage detection, quarterly tax estimates, and TurboTax integration for seamless filing. The mobile app categorizes transactions with swipe gestures.
Considerations: Limited invoicing customization. Upgrade to QuickBooks Online if you outgrow the feature set.

KeeperTax

Best for: Contractors who prefer a done-for-you approach.
Highlights: AI-driven chat interface identifies write-offs, delivers weekly savings summaries, and connects you with enrolled agents for tax filing support.
Considerations: Higher monthly cost than DIY software, but it includes audit defense and filing services.

Wave Accounting

Best for: Budget-focused freelancers who want free invoicing and bookkeeping.
Highlights: Unlimited income and expense tracking, online payments, and basic reports. Receipt scanning is available with its mobile app.
Considerations: Live support and payroll require paid add-ons. Mileage tracking is manual.

FreshBooks

Best for: Service-based professionals who bill hourly or by project.
Highlights: Built-in time tracking, proposal templates, and client portals. Expense tracking and double-entry accounting keep books organized.
Considerations: Tiered pricing is based on active clients. Automation features improve at higher tiers.

Choosing Your Stack

List your must-have features—mileage, recurring invoices, client portals—then test free trials. Pair a bookkeeping app with a mileage tracker (like Everlance) and a receipt app if it doesn’t cover everything. Revisit your setup annually to confirm you’re paying for tools that actually earn their keep.

How do I track mileage for gig work in 2025?

Use IRS-approved mileage logs or apps like Everlance to document date, distance, and purpose for every self-employed trip.

Can I deduct equipment or vehicle lease payments?

Yes, deduct the portion tied to independent contractor work; keep receipts and lease statements for 1099 tax audits.

When should I pay quarterly estimated taxes?

Send payments by April, June, September, and January to cover self-employed taxes and avoid IRS penalties.

What records should independent contractors keep?

Maintain income statements, mileage reports, receipts, and bank deposits to support deductions and 1099 filings.

How can I reduce surprise tax bills as a freelancer?

Estimate your independent contractor deductions monthly, set aside 25-30% of income, and automate transfers to a tax savings account.