QuickBooks Self-Employed
Track income, expenses, and quarterly taxes in one place.
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QuickBooks Self-Employed is purpose-built for freelancers, independent contractors, and gig workers who file a Schedule C. It automatically tracks mileage, categorizes expenses from your bank feed, and calculates your quarterly estimated taxes — making tax season significantly less painful.
Our Scores
4.2
Ease of Use
4.5
Features
4.3
Value
4.1
Support
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Built-in quarterly tax estimation with due date reminders
- ✓Automatic expense categorization from bank and credit card feeds
- ✓Mileage tracking via mobile app GPS
- ✓Direct Schedule C export to TurboTax
- ✓Simple, clean interface designed for non-accountants
Cons
- ✗No payroll features — not suitable for S-Corps
- ✗Limited invoice customization vs dedicated invoicing tools
- ✗Can be expensive if you upgrade to TurboTax bundle
- ✗Does not handle multiple business entities
Best For
- →Freelancers filing Schedule C
- →Gig workers (Uber, DoorDash)
- →Contractors with simple finances
- →Anyone who wants quarterly tax estimates built in
Not Ideal For
- ✗S-Corp or LLC owners needing payroll
- ✗Businesses with inventory
- ✗Freelancers who need advanced invoicing
Pricing Plans
Self-Employed
$15/month
- ✓Income & expense tracking
- ✓Quarterly tax estimates
- ✓Mileage tracking
- ✓Basic invoicing
- ✓Schedule C prep
Self-Employed Tax Bundle
$25/month
- ✓Everything in Self-Employed
- ✓TurboTax Self-Employed included
- ✓1 free federal + state tax return
- ✓Live tax advice (limited)
Self-Employed Live Tax Bundle
$35/month
- ✓Everything in Tax Bundle
- ✓Year-round CPA access
- ✓Final review by a CPA
- ✓Full TurboTax Live
Frequently Asked Questions
Is QuickBooks Self-Employed good for freelancers?
Yes — QuickBooks Self-Employed is one of the best choices for freelancers who file a Schedule C. Its built-in quarterly tax tracking and direct TurboTax integration make it especially valuable for independent contractors.
Does QuickBooks Self-Employed calculate quarterly taxes?
Yes. QuickBooks Self-Employed automatically estimates your quarterly federal tax payment based on your income and expenses, and sends reminders before each due date.
How much does QuickBooks Self-Employed cost?
QuickBooks Self-Employed starts at $15/month. The Tax Bundle (including TurboTax) is $25/month and can be the most cost-effective option if you also need to file your taxes.
Can I use QuickBooks Self-Employed if I have an LLC?
It depends. If your LLC is a single-member LLC taxed as a sole proprietorship (the default), QuickBooks Self-Employed works well. If your LLC is taxed as an S-Corp or C-Corp, you need a more advanced QuickBooks plan.
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Tax Information Notice
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified CPA or Enrolled Agent for your specific situation.