# FreelancePick — full content reference > Independent reviews of accounting software, tax tools and business banking for US freelancers, solopreneurs and Americans abroad, plus free tax calculators. Affiliate commissions never affect rankings. Site: https://www.freelancepick.com Generated: 2026-10-04 Tax year: 2026. Jurisdiction: United States (federal plus all 50 states and DC). Editorial scores are FreelancePick verdicts on a 0–10 scale, not aggregated user ratings. Content is educational and is not tax, legal or financial advice. ## 2026 federal reference figures - Self-employment tax rate: 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare) - Social Security wage base: $184,500 - Medicare-only rate above the wage base: 2.9% - Additional Medicare surtax: 0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 married filing jointly - Deductible portion of SE tax: 50% - Net earnings multiplier: 0.9235 - 1st Quarter 2026 estimated tax (Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2026) due 2026-04-15 - 2nd Quarter 2026 estimated tax (Apr 1 – May 31, 2026) due 2026-06-16 - 3rd Quarter 2026 estimated tax (Jun 1 – Aug 31, 2026) due 2026-09-15 - 4th Quarter 2026 estimated tax (Sep 1 – Dec 31, 2026) due 2027-01-15 ## State income tax and estimated-payment thresholds (2026) Data reviewed 2026-09-09. "Top rate" is the top marginal rate. | State | Code | Top rate | Flat | Estimated payments required at | Revenue agency | Online payment service | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Alabama | AL | Up to 5% | no | $500 | Alabama Department of Revenue | My Alabama Taxes | | Alaska | AK | No state income tax | no | n/a | Alaska Department of Revenue | n/a | | Arizona | AZ | 2.5% flat | yes | $1,000 | Arizona Department of Revenue | AZTaxes.gov | | Arkansas | AR | Up to 4.7% | no | $1,000 | Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration | Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point | | California | CA | Up to 13.3% | no | $500 | California Franchise Tax Board | FTB Web Pay | | Colorado | CO | 4.4% flat | yes | $1,000 | Colorado Department of Revenue | Revenue Online | | Connecticut | CT | Up to 6.99% | no | $1,000 | Connecticut Department of Revenue Services | myconneCT | | Delaware | DE | Up to 6.6% | no | $400 | Delaware Division of Revenue | Delaware Taxpayer Portal | | District of Columbia | DC | Up to 8.95% | no | $100 | District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue | MyTax.DC.gov | | Florida | FL | No state income tax | no | n/a | Florida Department of Revenue | n/a | | Georgia | GA | 5.49% flat | yes | $500 | Georgia Department of Revenue | Georgia Tax Center | | Hawaii | HI | Up to 11% | no | $500 | Hawaii Department of Taxation | Hawaii Tax Online | | Idaho | ID | 5.8% flat | yes | $500 | Idaho State Tax Commission | Taxpayer Access Point | | Illinois | IL | 4.95% flat | yes | $500 | Illinois Department of Revenue | MyTax Illinois | | Indiana | IN | 3.05% flat | yes | $1,000 | Indiana Department of Revenue | INTIME | | Iowa | IA | Up to 6% | no | $200 | Iowa Department of Revenue | GovConnectIowa | | Kansas | KS | Up to 5.7% | no | $500 | Kansas Department of Revenue | Kansas Customer Service Center | | Kentucky | KY | 4.5% flat | yes | $500 | Kentucky Department of Revenue | Kentucky One Stop | | Louisiana | LA | Up to 4.25% | no | $1,000 | Louisiana Department of Revenue | Louisiana File Online | | Maine | ME | Up to 7.15% | no | $1,000 | Maine Revenue Services | Maine Tax Portal | | Maryland | MD | Up to 5.75% | no | $500 | Comptroller of Maryland | Comptroller of Maryland online services | | Massachusetts | MA | 5% flat | yes | $400 | Massachusetts Department of Revenue | MassTaxConnect | | Michigan | MI | 4.25% flat | yes | $500 | Michigan Department of Treasury | Michigan e-Payments | | Minnesota | MN | Up to 9.85% | no | $500 | Minnesota Department of Revenue | Minnesota e-Services | | Mississippi | MS | 5% flat | yes | $200 | Mississippi Department of Revenue | Taxpayer Access Point | | Missouri | MO | Up to 4.8% | no | $100 | Missouri Department of Revenue | MyTax Missouri | | Montana | MT | Up to 6.9% | no | $500 | Montana Department of Revenue | TransAction Portal | | Nebraska | NE | Up to 6.64% | no | $500 | Nebraska Department of Revenue | Nebraska e-pay | | Nevada | NV | No state income tax | no | n/a | Nevada Department of Taxation | n/a | | New Hampshire | NH | No state income tax | no | n/a | New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration | n/a | | New Jersey | NJ | Up to 10.75% | no | $400 | New Jersey Division of Taxation | Division of Taxation online payment | | New Mexico | NM | Up to 5.9% | no | $1,000 | New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department | Taxpayer Access Point | | New York | NY | Up to 10.9% | no | $300 | New York State Department of Taxation and Finance | Tax Department Online Services | | North Carolina | NC | 4.99% flat | yes | $1,000 | North Carolina Department of Revenue | NCDOR online payments | | North Dakota | ND | Up to 2.95% | no | $1,000 | North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner | ND TAP | | Ohio | OH | Up to 3.99% | no | $500 | Ohio Department of Taxation | OH|TAX eServices | | Oklahoma | OK | Up to 4.75% | no | $500 | Oklahoma Tax Commission | OkTAP | | Oregon | OR | Up to 9.9% | no | $1,000 | Oregon Department of Revenue | Revenue Online | | Pennsylvania | PA | 3.07% flat | yes | $8,000 | Pennsylvania Department of Revenue | myPATH | | Rhode Island | RI | Up to 5.99% | no | $250 | Rhode Island Division of Taxation | RI Taxpayer Portal | | South Carolina | SC | Up to 7% | no | $100 | South Carolina Department of Revenue | MyDORWAY | | South Dakota | SD | No state income tax | no | n/a | South Dakota Department of Revenue | n/a | | Tennessee | TN | No state income tax | no | n/a | Tennessee Department of Revenue | n/a | | Texas | TX | No state income tax | no | n/a | Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts | n/a | | Utah | UT | 4.85% flat | yes | $1,000 | Utah State Tax Commission | Taxpayer Access Point | | Vermont | VT | Up to 8.75% | no | $500 | Vermont Department of Taxes | myVTax | | Virginia | VA | Up to 5.75% | no | $150 | Virginia Department of Taxation | Virginia Tax online services | | Washington | WA | No state income tax | no | n/a | Washington Department of Revenue | n/a | | West Virginia | WV | Up to 6.5% | no | $600 | West Virginia Tax Division | MyTaxes | | Wisconsin | WI | Up to 7.65% | no | $500 | Wisconsin Department of Revenue | My Tax Account | | Wyoming | WY | No state income tax | no | n/a | Wyoming Department of Revenue | n/a | ## Tool reviews ### QuickBooks Self-Employed URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/quickbooks-self-employed Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.8/10 Official site: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/self-employed/ Summary: QuickBooks Self-Employed costs $15/month for the base plan, $25/month for the Tax Bundle that includes TurboTax Self-Employed filing, and $35/month for the Live Tax Bundle with CPA access. It suits Schedule C filers who drive for work and want automatic mileage tracking. If you invoice clients more than you track mileage, FreshBooks or Wave fit better. Key facts: - Self-Employed: $15/mo - Tax Bundle: $25/mo - Live Tax Bundle: $35/mo - Free plan: No - Includes filing: Tax Bundle and above - Free alternative: Wave Best for: Freelancers filing Schedule C; Gig workers (Uber, DoorDash); Contractors with simple finances; Anyone who wants quarterly tax estimates built in Not for: S-Corp or LLC owners needing payroll; Businesses with inventory; Freelancers who need advanced invoicing 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 FAQ: - Q: Is QuickBooks Self-Employed good for freelancers? A: 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. - Q: Does QuickBooks Self-Employed calculate quarterly taxes? A: Yes. QuickBooks Self-Employed automatically estimates your quarterly federal tax payment based on your income and expenses, and sends reminders before each due date. - Q: How much does QuickBooks Self-Employed cost? A: 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. - Q: Can I use QuickBooks Self-Employed if I have an LLC? A: 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. - Q: How much does QuickBooks Self-Employed cost per month? A: QuickBooks Self-Employed has three plans: Self-Employed at $15/month, Self-Employed Tax Bundle at $25/month (includes TurboTax Self-Employed for federal + state filing), and Self-Employed Live Tax Bundle at $35/month (adds year-round CPA access). Intuit frequently runs 50% off promotions for the first 3 months. - Q: What is the cost of QuickBooks Self-Employed vs competitors? A: QuickBooks Self-Employed starts at $15/month. For comparison: FreshBooks starts at $17/month, Wave is free (but lacks quarterly tax estimates), and Keeper starts at $20/month. If you also need to file taxes, the $25/month Tax Bundle can be the most cost-effective all-in-one option. - Q: Is there a free version of QuickBooks Self-Employed? A: No, QuickBooks Self-Employed does not have a free plan. However, it offers a 30-day free trial with no credit card required. For a free alternative with expense tracking, Wave Accounting is the top choice — though it does not calculate quarterly tax estimates. - Q: Can new customers still sign up for QuickBooks Self-Employed? A: Intuit has shifted new sign-ups to QuickBooks Solopreneur, its successor product for Schedule C filers (from $20/month), while existing QuickBooks Self-Employed subscribers keep their current plans and pricing. Solopreneur covers the same core needs — income and expense tracking, mileage, and quarterly tax estimates. If you are choosing fresh today, compare Solopreneur against FreshBooks ($17/mo) and free Wave before deciding. ### FreshBooks URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/freshbooks Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.6/10 Official site: https://www.freshbooks.com/ Summary: FreshBooks costs $17–$55/mo. There is a 30-day free trial. It fits freelancers who send a lot of invoices best. It is a poor fit for gig workers who need schedule c tax tracking. We score it 8.6/10. Key facts: - Price: $17–$55/mo - Free plan: No - Free trial: 30 days - Our score: 8.6/10 Best for: Freelancers who send a lot of invoices; Service businesses with recurring clients; Consultants who track time by project; Agencies with small teams Not for: Gig workers who need Schedule C tax tracking; Budget-conscious freelancers; Anyone who needs inventory tracking Pros: Best-in-class invoicing with proposals, retainers, and client portals; Excellent time tracking tied to projects and clients; Very intuitive interface — easy to learn for non-accountants; Strong mobile app for iOS and Android; Responsive customer support via phone and live chat Cons: No built-in quarterly tax estimates; More expensive than QuickBooks for the same base features; Limited accounting depth for complex business structures; Reporting is less comprehensive than Xero or QuickBooks FAQ: - Q: Is FreshBooks good for freelancers? A: FreshBooks is excellent for freelancers who invoice clients regularly, especially those in consulting, design, or other service businesses. It is less ideal for gig workers or freelancers who primarily need tax tracking. - Q: Does FreshBooks do tax filing? A: FreshBooks does not file your taxes directly, but it generates the reports (profit/loss, expense summaries) that you or your accountant need to prepare your Schedule C or other tax forms. - Q: How does FreshBooks compare to QuickBooks? A: FreshBooks is better for invoicing and client management. QuickBooks Self-Employed is better for tax tracking and Schedule C prep. If your top priority is professional invoicing, FreshBooks wins. - Q: How much does FreshBooks cost in 2026? A: FreshBooks offers three main plans in 2026: Lite at $17/month (5 billable clients, unlimited invoices), Plus at $30/month (50 clients, proposals, retainers, double-entry accounting), and Premium at $55/month (unlimited clients, project profitability, custom email templates). Annual billing saves approximately 10%. A free 30-day trial is available without a credit card. - Q: Does FreshBooks track self-employment taxes? A: FreshBooks does not automatically calculate quarterly estimated taxes or self-employment tax the way QuickBooks Self-Employed does. However, FreshBooks generates profit and loss reports and expense summaries that make it easy for you or your accountant to calculate what you owe. For automatic SE tax tracking, QuickBooks Self-Employed is a better fit. - Q: Is FreshBooks better than Wave for freelancers? A: It depends on your needs. Wave is free and covers basic accounting. FreshBooks charges $17–$55/month but offers significantly better invoicing, time tracking, client portals, and customer support. If you invoice clients regularly and want a professional experience, FreshBooks is worth the cost. If you just need basic bookkeeping for free, Wave is a better choice. - Q: Does FreshBooks work for Schedule C? A: FreshBooks does not generate Schedule C directly, but its profit and loss reports and expense categorization make it straightforward to fill out Schedule C manually or hand the data to a tax professional or software like TurboTax. - Q: Is there a free trial for FreshBooks? A: Yes. FreshBooks offers a 30-day free trial on all plans. No credit card is required to start. You can create invoices, track expenses, and explore all features before committing. - Q: Can FreshBooks handle international clients? A: Yes. FreshBooks supports multi-currency invoicing, letting you send invoices in your client's currency. This is useful for freelancers with international clients in the EU, Canada, Australia, or the UK. ### Wave URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/wave Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.0/10 Official site: https://www.waveapps.com/ Summary: Wave costs Free plan, paid from $16/mo. It fits budget-conscious freelancers best. It is a poor fit for freelancers who need quarterly tax tracking. We score it 8.0/10. Key facts: - Price: Free plan, paid from $16/mo - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 8.0/10 Best for: Budget-conscious freelancers; Freelancers just starting out; Simple financial situations; Anyone who wants zero monthly costs Not for: Freelancers who need quarterly tax tracking; Businesses with complex multi-entity structures; Anyone who needs premium customer support Pros: Completely free for core accounting and invoicing features; Double-entry accounting — professional quality; Bank and credit card feed sync; Solid mobile app for receipts and invoices; No limits on invoices or transactions on the free plan Cons: Limited customer support on free plan; No built-in quarterly tax estimates; Payment processing fees are higher than competitors; Lacks time tracking and project management features FAQ: - Q: Is Wave really free? A: Yes. Wave's core accounting, invoicing, and expense tracking features are permanently free. Wave earns revenue from optional paid services like payment processing and payroll. - Q: Is Wave good enough for freelancers? A: For freelancers with straightforward finances, Wave is excellent and more than adequate. It handles invoicing, expense tracking, and generates the reports you need for tax filing. - Q: What are Wave's limitations compared to paid software? A: Wave lacks built-in quarterly tax estimates, mileage tracking, time tracking, and has more limited customer support. For these features, consider QuickBooks Self-Employed or FreshBooks. ### Xero URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/xero Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.4/10 Official site: https://www.xero.com/ Summary: Xero costs $13–$70/mo. There is a 30-day free trial. It fits growing freelancers and small businesses best. It is a poor fit for freelancers who just need basic invoicing. We score it 8.4/10. Key facts: - Price: $13–$70/mo - Free plan: No - Free trial: 30 days - Our score: 8.4/10 Best for: Growing freelancers and small businesses; Multi-currency billing and payments; Businesses with international clients; Freelancers who need 800+ app integrations Not for: Freelancers who just need basic invoicing; Anyone on a tight budget; Beginners who want a simple interface Pros: 800+ third-party app integrations; Excellent multi-currency support; Strong inventory and project tracking; Advanced reporting and cash flow forecasting; Good mobile app with bank reconciliation Cons: Steeper learning curve than FreshBooks or Wave; More expensive than most freelance-focused tools; No built-in quarterly tax estimates for US self-employed; Support response times can be slow FAQ: - Q: Is Xero good for freelancers? A: Xero is better suited for freelancers who have grown their business and need more sophisticated accounting features, multiple users, or international invoicing. For solo freelancers starting out, QuickBooks Self-Employed or Wave may be better value. - Q: How does Xero compare to QuickBooks? A: Xero has more integrations and better multi-currency support. QuickBooks has better US-specific tax features (quarterly estimates, Schedule C prep). Most US-based freelancers find QuickBooks more relevant. ### Bench URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/bench Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 9.2/10 Official site: https://bench.co Summary: Bench costs $299/month for Essential and $499/month for Premium, which adds tax filing; paying annually drops those to $249 and $399. A dedicated human team does the books for you. It earns its price for freelancers billing roughly $60k–$200k who want bookkeeping off their plate — below that, DIY tools at $15/month do the job. Key facts: - Essential: $299/mo - Premium: $499/mo - Annual discount: $249 / $399 - Tax filing: Premium only - Free plan: No - DIY alternative: QuickBooks SE — $15/mo Best for: Freelancers who hate bookkeeping; Solopreneurs with $50k+ annual revenue; Anyone who needs clean books for taxes; Business owners wanting tax filing add-on Not for: Budget-conscious freelancers under $50k/year; Freelancers who want to DIY their books; Businesses needing payroll management Pros: Real human bookkeeper — no DIY required; Clean, simple dashboard to review financials; Tax filing add-on (Bench Tax) covers full year-end; Catch-up bookkeeping available for prior years; Dedicated support via messaging Cons: Expensive vs DIY software ($299+/mo); Tax filing costs extra beyond base plan; Not ideal if you want to understand your books; No payroll or invoicing features FAQ: - Q: Is Bench worth it for freelancers? A: Bench is worth it if your time is worth more than the cost and you hate bookkeeping. At $299/month, it makes sense once you're billing $50k+/year and want clean books without the headache. - Q: Does Bench do taxes? A: Bench offers tax filing as an add-on called Bench Tax. It covers year-end filing (Schedule C, 1040) but not quarterly estimated tax payments — you still need to make those yourself. - Q: How does Bench compare to doing it yourself? A: DIY with Wave or QuickBooks costs $0–$15/month but requires 2–5 hours monthly. Bench costs $299+/month but requires near-zero time. The right choice depends on your hourly rate and how much you dislike bookkeeping. - Q: How much does Bench bookkeeping cost in 2026? A: Bench has two plans in 2026: Essential at $299/month (monthly bookkeeping, financial statements, dedicated bookkeeper) and Premium at $499/month (adds year-end tax filing via Bench Tax, priority support, catch-up bookkeeping). Annual billing saves approximately 15–20% versus monthly. - Q: What is Bench's monthly pricing for bookkeeping services? A: Bench charges $299/month for its Essential plan and $499/month for Premium. These prices are for businesses with straightforward monthly expenses. High-volume businesses (over $50k/month in transactions) may receive custom pricing. Bench Tax (separate tax filing service) is included in Premium. - Q: Is Bench bookkeeping cheaper than hiring an accountant? A: Yes. A local bookkeeper or accountant typically charges $300–$600/month for the same services, plus additional fees for tax filing. Bench's all-in Premium plan at $499/month is often cheaper than separate bookkeeper + accountant fees, especially in high cost-of-living cities. - Q: What is Bench's pricing for 2026? A: Bench offers two plans in 2026. Essential plan: $299/month (or $249/month billed annually). This includes monthly bookkeeping, year-end financial statements, and a dedicated bookkeeper. Premium plan: $499/month (or $399/month annually). This adds tax filing via Bench Tax, priority support, and catch-up bookkeeping. High-volume businesses may get custom pricing. - Q: Does Bench offer a free trial? A: Yes, Bench offers a free 1-month trial. During the trial, a real bookkeeper handles your books. If you cancel, you keep the financial statements. No credit card is required to start. ### Pilot URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/pilot Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 7.0/10 Official site: https://pilot.com Summary: Pilot bookkeeping starts at $499/month for Core and $849/month for Select, which adds CFO-level support. Both are built for venture-backed startups on accrual accounting, not for solo freelancers. Most independent workers are better served by Bench at $299/month, or Wave at no cost if invoices and expenses are all you need to track. Key facts: - Core plan: $499/mo - Select plan: $849/mo - Free plan: No - Accounting method: Accrual - Best for: Funded startups - Freelancer alternative: Bench — $299/mo Best for: VC-backed startups needing investor-ready financials; Companies with multiple employees; Businesses needing CFO-level financial reporting; Startups preparing for fundraising Not for: Solo freelancers and solopreneurs; Budget-conscious businesses; Anyone without complex financial needs Pros: Investor-grade financial reporting; Dedicated team of expert bookkeepers; Integrates with popular startup tools (Stripe, Gusto); CFO services available as add-on; GAAP-compliant accounting Cons: Very expensive for freelancers ($499+/month); Overkill for solo operators; Designed for startups, not freelancers; No free trial; Onboarding can be slow FAQ: - Q: What is Pilot bookkeeping and who is it for? A: Pilot is a full-service bookkeeping platform founded in 2017 that pairs businesses with dedicated bookkeeping teams and software. Unlike DIY tools like QuickBooks or Wave, Pilot does your books for you. It's designed for VC-backed startups and fast-growing businesses — not solo freelancers. Pricing starts at $499/month (Core) and goes to $849/month (Select with CFO services). - Q: Is Pilot good for freelancers? A: Pilot is not designed for freelancers. It's built for VC-backed startups with $499+/month price points. For solo freelancers, Bench or Wave is a much better fit. - Q: How does Pilot compare to Bench? A: Both offer outsourced bookkeeping, but Pilot targets startups (complex needs, higher prices) while Bench targets small businesses and freelancers. For most solopreneurs, Bench is the better choice. - Q: Does Pilot handle taxes? A: Pilot offers tax support as part of higher-tier plans, covering business tax returns. However for freelancers filing Schedule C, tools like TurboTax Self-Employed or Keeper are more cost-effective. - Q: How much does Pilot bookkeeping cost in 2026? A: Pilot's Core plan starts at $499/month and includes monthly bookkeeping, financial statements, and a dedicated bookkeeper. The Select plan is $849/month and adds CFO services, burn rate tracking, and investor reporting. Custom enterprise pricing is available for larger companies. There is no free trial. - Q: What is Pilot bookkeeping's official pricing for 2026? A: As of 2026, Pilot's official pricing is: Core at $499/month (bookkeeping + financial statements), Select at $849/month (adds CFO services). Pricing scales with your monthly expenses, so high-revenue businesses pay more. Contact Pilot for a custom quote if your monthly expenses exceed $50k. - Q: Is Pilot more expensive than Bench? A: Yes, significantly. Pilot starts at $499/month while Bench starts at $299/month. For freelancers and solopreneurs, Bench offers better value. Pilot's premium is justified for funded startups with complex reporting needs — not typical solo operators. ### Bonsai URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/bonsai Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.8/10 Official site: https://www.hellobonsai.com/ Summary: Bonsai costs $21–$52/mo. There is a 14-day free trial. It fits freelancers who need contracts + invoicing in one place best. It is a poor fit for freelancers needing complex double-entry accounting. We score it 8.8/10. Key facts: - Price: $21–$52/mo - Free plan: No - Free trial: 14 days - Our score: 8.8/10 Best for: Freelancers who need contracts + invoicing in one place; Creative professionals managing multiple clients; Anyone who wants automated payment reminders and client onboarding; Freelancers who want built-in quarterly tax estimates Not for: Freelancers needing complex double-entry accounting; Business owners with employees or payroll; Anyone on a tight budget who needs free software Pros: All-in-one: proposals, contracts, invoices, time tracking, and taxes; Attorney-vetted contract templates for common freelance engagements; Automated payment reminders and recurring invoices; Built-in quarterly tax estimation and expense tracking; Clean, modern interface that impresses clients Cons: Not a full accounting solution — no double-entry bookkeeping; Integrations are more limited than QuickBooks or Xero; Tax features are basic compared to dedicated tax software; US and Canada focused — limited international support FAQ: - Q: Is Bonsai good for freelancers? A: Bonsai is excellent for freelancers who want one platform for client management, contracts, and invoicing. It is particularly valuable if you currently use separate tools for proposals, contracts, and invoices. - Q: Does Bonsai replace accounting software? A: Bonsai handles invoicing and basic expense tracking but is not a full accounting replacement. For complex bookkeeping, many freelancers use Bonsai alongside Wave (free) or QuickBooks Self-Employed. - Q: How does Bonsai compare to HoneyBook? A: Both are client management platforms, but Bonsai has stronger tax and accounting features while HoneyBook has better client communication and CRM tools. Creative professionals often prefer HoneyBook; consultants often prefer Bonsai. ### HoneyBook URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/honeybook Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.6/10 Official site: https://www.honeybook.com/ Summary: HoneyBook costs $16–$66/mo. There is a 7-day free trial. It fits photographers and videographers best. It is a poor fit for freelancers who need deep accounting features. We score it 8.6/10. Key facts: - Price: $16–$66/mo - Free plan: No - Free trial: 7 days - Our score: 8.6/10 Best for: Photographers and videographers; Event planners and wedding professionals; Designers and creative consultants; Freelancers who handle many client inquiries Not for: Freelancers who need deep accounting features; Tech freelancers or developers; Anyone needing multi-currency or international invoicing Pros: Beautiful client-facing experience that impresses prospects; Smart files combine proposals, contracts, and invoices in one document; Powerful automation for inquiry responses and follow-ups; Scheduling tool built in — no need for Calendly; Strong mobile app for managing projects on the go Cons: Limited accounting and expense tracking features; No built-in time tracking; Higher pricing than basic invoicing tools; Primarily US-focused — limited international features FAQ: - Q: Is HoneyBook worth it for freelancers? A: HoneyBook is worth it if you spend a lot of time on client communication, proposals, and contracts. It pays for itself quickly if it saves you even 2-3 hours per month on admin work. - Q: Does HoneyBook do accounting? A: HoneyBook handles invoicing and payment collection but is not a full accounting tool. It integrates with QuickBooks for accounting. For expense tracking and tax prep, you will still need a separate tool. - Q: How does HoneyBook compare to Bonsai? A: HoneyBook excels at client communication, CRM, and the creative service workflow. Bonsai is stronger for tax estimates and expense tracking. Both handle proposals, contracts, and invoicing well. ### Zoho Books URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/zoho-books Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.4/10 Official site: https://www.zoho.com/books/ Summary: Zoho Books costs Free plan, paid from $40/mo. There is a 14-day free trial. It fits freelancers who want a full accounting suite at low cost best. It is a poor fit for complete beginners who want the simplest possible tool. We score it 8.4/10. Key facts: - Price: Free plan, paid from $40/mo - Free plan: Yes - Free trial: 14 days - Our score: 8.4/10 Best for: Freelancers who want a full accounting suite at low cost; Those already using Zoho CRM or other Zoho apps; International freelancers needing multi-currency support; Growing businesses that need project accounting Not for: Complete beginners who want the simplest possible tool; Freelancers who just need basic invoicing; US freelancers who primarily need Schedule C tax tracking Pros: Free plan available for businesses under $50K annual revenue; Full double-entry accounting at a fraction of Xero or QuickBooks cost; Excellent multi-currency support with 170+ currencies; Strong automation for recurring transactions and payment reminders; Integrates with Stripe, PayPal, and 50+ apps Cons: Interface can feel less polished than FreshBooks or QuickBooks; US tax features (Schedule C, quarterly estimates) are less developed; Customer support quality varies by region; Some advanced features require higher-tier plans FAQ: - Q: Is Zoho Books good for freelancers? A: Zoho Books is excellent value for freelancers who need full accounting features. The free plan works for many freelancers, and the paid plans are significantly cheaper than QuickBooks or Xero with comparable features. - Q: How does Zoho Books compare to Wave? A: Both have free plans, but Zoho Books has more features in its free tier and better scalability. Wave is US-centric; Zoho Books has stronger international capabilities. For pure US freelancers, Wave is simpler. - Q: Does Zoho Books integrate with TurboTax? A: Zoho Books does not integrate directly with TurboTax. However, it generates detailed P&L statements and expense reports that you can use for Schedule C prep. Many freelancers export data to their accountant. ### Sage Accounting URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/sage-accounting Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 7.8/10 Official site: https://www.sage.com/en-us/products/sage-accounting/ Summary: Sage Accounting costs $10–$25/mo. There is a 30-day free trial. It fits freelancers who want solid reporting without complexity best. It is a poor fit for us freelancers needing schedule c-specific features. We score it 7.8/10. Key facts: - Price: $10–$25/mo - Free plan: No - Free trial: 30 days - Our score: 7.8/10 Best for: Freelancers who want solid reporting without complexity; UK-based freelancers and small businesses; Those who need strong cash flow forecasting; Freelancers transitioning from spreadsheets Not for: US freelancers needing Schedule C-specific features; Those who need extensive third-party integrations; Freelancers who want the most polished UI Pros: Affordable starting price at $10/month; Strong cash flow forecasting and reporting; Bank connections with automatic reconciliation; Multi-currency support; Good UK VAT and Making Tax Digital compliance Cons: Fewer integrations than Xero or QuickBooks; Interface feels less modern than competitors; US-specific tax features are limited; Support quality can be inconsistent FAQ: - Q: Is Sage Accounting good for US freelancers? A: Sage Accounting is a solid option for US freelancers who want basic cloud accounting at a low price. However, it lacks US-specific features like Schedule C prep or quarterly tax estimates that QuickBooks Self-Employed offers. - Q: How does Sage compare to QuickBooks? A: QuickBooks has better US tax integration and more third-party app connections. Sage is often cheaper and works better for UK businesses. For most US freelancers, QuickBooks or Wave is a better fit. ### Kashoo URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/kashoo Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 7.6/10 Official site: https://kashoo.com/ Summary: Kashoo costs $20/mo. There is a 14-day free trial. It fits freelancers who want the simplest possible accounting best. It is a poor fit for businesses needing payroll or inventory. We score it 7.6/10. Key facts: - Price: $20/mo - Free plan: No - Free trial: 14 days - Our score: 7.6/10 Best for: Freelancers who want the simplest possible accounting; Non-accountants who find QuickBooks or Xero overwhelming; Small businesses that need clean P&L and balance sheet reports; Anyone who wants AI-assisted expense categorization Not for: Businesses needing payroll or inventory; Freelancers needing quarterly tax estimates; Anyone needing extensive integrations Pros: Extremely simple and easy to use — minimal learning curve; AI automatically categorizes bank transactions; Clean financial reports ready for your accountant; Bank reconciliation with real-time bank feeds; Responsive and helpful customer support Cons: More limited features than Xero, QuickBooks, or Zoho Books; No time tracking or project management; No US quarterly tax estimation; Fewer integrations than major competitors FAQ: - Q: Who is Kashoo best for? A: Kashoo is best for freelancers and small business owners who find QuickBooks or Xero too complicated and want straightforward accounting without a steep learning curve. - Q: Does Kashoo do invoicing? A: Yes. Kashoo includes unlimited invoicing with customizable templates, automated payment reminders, and online payment acceptance via Stripe. - Q: How does Kashoo compare to Wave? A: Wave is free and comparable in simplicity. Kashoo costs $20/month but offers AI-powered categorization and arguably better customer support. If budget is a top priority, Wave wins. ### QuickBooks Online URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/quickbooks-online Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.8/10 Official site: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/online/ Summary: QuickBooks Online costs $30–$90/mo. There is a 30-day free trial. It fits freelancers who have employees or need payroll best. It is a poor fit for solo freelancers who only need basic invoicing. We score it 8.8/10. Key facts: - Price: $30–$90/mo - Free plan: No - Free trial: 30 days - Our score: 8.8/10 Best for: Freelancers who have employees or need payroll; Those working closely with an accountant or bookkeeper; Businesses with inventory or multiple revenue streams; Freelancers who need 750+ app integrations Not for: Solo freelancers who only need basic invoicing; Budget-conscious freelancers — Wave or Zoho are cheaper; Beginners intimidated by full accounting software Pros: Most widely used accounting platform — accountants know it well; Full double-entry accounting with payroll support; 750+ app integrations including e-commerce and payments; Excellent project profitability tracking; Strong mobile app with mileage tracking Cons: More expensive than alternatives like Xero or Zoho Books; Steeper learning curve than freelancer-focused tools; Price increases are a common complaint; Customer support quality can be inconsistent FAQ: - Q: What is the difference between QuickBooks Online and Self-Employed? A: QuickBooks Self-Employed is for sole proprietors filing Schedule C. QuickBooks Online is a full accounting system for businesses needing double-entry bookkeeping, payroll, and multiple users. - Q: Is QuickBooks Online worth it for freelancers? A: For simple freelance work, Wave or QBO Self-Employed is more cost-effective. QBO makes sense once you have employees, inventory, or need to work closely with a bookkeeper. ### Harvest URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/harvest Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.6/10 Official site: https://www.getharvest.com/ Summary: Harvest costs Free plan, paid from $12/mo. There is a 30-day free trial. It fits freelancers who bill clients by the hour best. It is a poor fit for freelancers with fixed-price projects who do not track time. We score it 8.6/10. Key facts: - Price: Free plan, paid from $12/mo - Free plan: Yes - Free trial: 30 days - Our score: 8.6/10 Best for: Freelancers who bill clients by the hour; Consultants tracking time across multiple projects; Small agencies managing teams and client billing; Anyone who wants to convert time entries directly into invoices Not for: Freelancers with fixed-price projects who do not track time; Those who need full accounting or P&L reporting; Budget-conscious freelancers with simple invoicing needs Pros: Seamless time-to-invoice workflow — one click to bill tracked hours; Integrates with 50+ tools including Asana, Slack, and QuickBooks; Detailed project budget and profitability reports; Browser extension and mobile app for time tracking anywhere; Free plan available for 1 user with up to 2 projects Cons: Not a full accounting tool — no P&L or balance sheet; Free plan limited to 2 active projects; Reporting focused on time, not financials; No contract or proposal features FAQ: - Q: Does Harvest do accounting? A: Harvest handles time tracking, project management, and invoicing but is not a full accounting tool. Pair it with QuickBooks Online or Xero via native integration for complete bookkeeping. - Q: Is Harvest good for solo freelancers? A: Yes — the free plan covers 1 user with 2 active projects. The Pro plan at $12/seat/month is very reasonable for unlimited projects and clients. ### Dubsado URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/dubsado Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.4/10 Official site: https://www.dubsado.com/ Summary: Dubsado costs $20–$40/mo. It fits photographers and videographers with complex client workflows best. It is a poor fit for freelancers who need accounting or bookkeeping features. We score it 8.4/10. Key facts: - Price: $20–$40/mo - Free plan: No - Free trial: Yes - Our score: 8.4/10 Best for: Photographers and videographers with complex client workflows; Creative freelancers who want automated onboarding; Coaches and consultants managing ongoing client relationships; Service businesses wanting branded client portals Not for: Freelancers who need accounting or bookkeeping features; Those who want a quick and simple setup; Tech freelancers or developers Pros: Powerful workflow automation eliminates repetitive admin tasks; Beautiful branded client portals; Smart fields auto-populate contracts and emails; Unlimited clients and projects on all plans; Robust lead capture forms and pipeline management Cons: Steeper learning curve than HoneyBook or Bonsai; Setup takes considerable time to configure correctly; No accounting features — billing only; Mobile app less polished than the web version FAQ: - Q: Is Dubsado hard to set up? A: Dubsado has a steeper learning curve than HoneyBook. Most users spend 5–10 hours in initial setup. The payoff is highly automated workflows that save hours weekly once configured. - Q: How does Dubsado compare to HoneyBook? A: Dubsado offers more customization and automation flexibility. HoneyBook is easier to set up with a more polished default experience. Dubsado is better for complex multi-step workflows; HoneyBook for quick professional setup. ### 17hats URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/seventeen-hats Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.0/10 Official site: https://www.17hats.com/ Summary: 17hats costs $25–$45/mo. There is a 7-day free trial. It fits solopreneurs who want everything in one place best. It is a poor fit for freelancers needing full double-entry accounting. We score it 8.0/10. Key facts: - Price: $25–$45/mo - Free plan: No - Free trial: 7 days - Our score: 8.0/10 Best for: Solopreneurs who want everything in one place; Freelancers who want basic bookkeeping alongside CRM; Service-based businesses managing leads through to invoicing; Those who want built-in scheduling and project management Not for: Freelancers needing full double-entry accounting; Those with teams or multiple users; Businesses that prioritize deep accounting over CRM features Pros: True all-in-one for solo operators — fewer separate subscriptions needed; Built-in bookkeeping with income and expense reports; Lead pipeline and automated follow-up sequences; Scheduling with client self-booking; Lifetime pricing option available to reduce long-term cost Cons: Single-user platform — no team collaboration; Bookkeeping is basic compared to Wave or QuickBooks; Mobile app less capable than desktop version; Interface feels less modern than Dubsado or HoneyBook FAQ: - Q: Is 17hats good for photographers? A: Yes, 17hats is popular with photographers and event professionals who need the full journey: inquiry → quote → contract → invoice → bookkeeping, all in one place. - Q: Does 17hats replace accounting software? A: For many solopreneurs, the basic bookkeeping in 17hats is sufficient. For more complex needs — bank reconciliation, tax reports — a dedicated tool like Wave or QuickBooks is recommended. ### AND.CO URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/and-co Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 7.6/10 Official site: https://www.and.co/ Summary: AND.CO costs Free plan, paid from $18/mo. It fits fiverr sellers who want integrated workspace tools best. It is a poor fit for those needing full accounting with p&l reports. We score it 7.6/10. Key facts: - Price: Free plan, paid from $18/mo - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 7.6/10 Best for: Fiverr sellers who want integrated workspace tools; New freelancers who want free professional tools; Those who need basic contracts and invoicing at no cost; Freelancers with simple client management needs Not for: Those needing full accounting with P&L reports; Freelancers with complex multi-client workflows; Anyone needing robust customer support Pros: Core features completely free — contracts, invoices, time tracking; Clean, professional templates for client-facing documents; Tight integration with Fiverr marketplace; Quick setup — fully operational in minutes; Expense tracking and basic income reports included Cons: Very basic accounting — no double-entry bookkeeping; Limited integrations with accounting software; Customer support can be slow to respond; Feature development slower since Fiverr acquisition FAQ: - Q: Is AND.CO really free? A: Yes. AND.CO core features including contracts, invoicing, and time tracking are free indefinitely. The Pro upgrade adds advanced features for higher-volume needs. - Q: Is AND.CO the same as Fiverr Workspace? A: Yes. AND.CO was acquired by Fiverr and rebranded as Fiverr Workspace. The product is essentially the same with some integration improvements for Fiverr sellers. ### Paymo URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/paymo Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.2/10 Official site: https://www.paymoapp.com/ Summary: Paymo costs Free plan, paid from $10.9/mo. There is a 15-day free trial. It fits freelancers managing complex multi-phase projects best. It is a poor fit for simple invoicing-only needs. We score it 8.2/10. Key facts: - Price: Free plan, paid from $10.9/mo - Free plan: Yes - Free trial: 15 days - Our score: 8.2/10 Best for: Freelancers managing complex multi-phase projects; Those who need project management and invoicing in one tool; Consultants tracking time across tasks and projects; Small agencies billing clients based on project work Not for: Simple invoicing-only needs; Those wanting full accounting or bookkeeping; Freelancers who prefer minimal tools Pros: Full project management (Gantt, kanban) plus invoicing in one tool; Automatic time-to-invoice conversion; Free plan available for 1 user; Budget tracking warns when projects exceed estimate; Expense tracking and basic financial reports Cons: Not a full accounting tool — no balance sheet or P&L; Interface can feel cluttered with many features; Mobile app less capable than desktop; Free plan limited to 1 user and 5 clients FAQ: - Q: Is Paymo good for freelancers? A: Paymo is excellent for freelancers who manage project-based work and need to track time against tasks before billing. It bridges the gap between project management and invoicing. - Q: Does Paymo integrate with accounting software? A: Paymo integrates with QuickBooks Online and Xero, allowing you to sync invoices to your accounting software for proper bookkeeping. ### Melio URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/melio Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.0/10 Official site: https://meliopayments.com/ Summary: Melio costs Free. It fits freelancers who pay contractors or vendors regularly best. It is a poor fit for freelancers who only receive payments (not send them). We score it 8.0/10. Key facts: - Price: Free - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 8.0/10 Best for: Freelancers who pay contractors or vendors regularly; Small businesses wanting to pay bills with a card for cash back; Those who want to digitize check payments; Businesses syncing payments directly to QuickBooks or Xero Not for: Freelancers who only receive payments (not send them); Those needing international payments; Anyone who needs invoicing alongside bill pay Pros: Free for bank transfers — no monthly fee; Pay any vendor by bank transfer even if they only accept checks; Pay with credit card to earn rewards (small fee applies); Sync with QuickBooks and Xero for automatic bookkeeping; Schedule future payments and set up payment approvals Cons: Focused on paying bills, not receiving payments or invoicing; Credit card payments have a 2.9% fee; No international wire transfers; Not a full accounting solution FAQ: - Q: Is Melio really free? A: ACH bank transfers are free with no limits. Paying by credit card incurs a 2.9% fee. Expedited ACH (next day) costs $1.50. For most users, the free ACH option covers all needs. - Q: Can I use Melio to pay contractors? A: Yes. Melio is ideal for paying contractors and subcontractors. You can pay by bank transfer and your contractor receives a check or direct deposit depending on their preference. ### FreeAgent URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/freeagent Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.0/10 Official site: https://www.freeagent.com/ Summary: FreeAgent costs $12–$24/mo. There is a 30-day free trial. It fits uk-based freelancers needing mtd compliance best. It is a poor fit for us freelancers who need schedule c-specific features. We score it 8.0/10. Key facts: - Price: $12–$24/mo - Free plan: No - Free trial: 30 days - Our score: 8.0/10 Best for: UK-based freelancers needing MTD compliance; Freelancers with international clients in the UK; Those who want project-based accounting with time tracking; Self-employed professionals wanting an accountant-friendly platform Not for: US freelancers who need Schedule C-specific features; Those wanting free accounting software; Large businesses with complex inventory needs Pros: Excellent for UK freelancers with full HMRC and MTD integration; Built-in project accounting with time tracking; Automatic bank feeds and reconciliation; Clear tax timeline showing upcoming obligations; Free for NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland business customers (UK) Cons: US quarterly tax and Schedule C features are limited; Less well-known than QuickBooks or Xero in the US market; Fewer third-party integrations than major competitors; Mobile app less full-featured than the web version FAQ: - Q: Is FreeAgent good for US freelancers? A: FreeAgent is a capable accounting tool for US freelancers but lacks US-specific tax features like quarterly estimates. It is better suited as an invoicing and bookkeeping platform paired with a dedicated US tax tool. - Q: Is FreeAgent free with NatWest? A: UK-based NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland business customers get FreeAgent free as part of their banking. This makes it exceptional value for UK freelancers with those banks. ### Plutio URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/plutio Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 7.8/10 Official site: https://www.plutio.com/ Summary: Plutio costs $19–$39/mo. There is a 14-day free trial. It fits freelancers who want one platform to replace many tools best. It is a poor fit for those who need robust accounting or bookkeeping. We score it 7.8/10. Key facts: - Price: $19–$39/mo - Free plan: No - Free trial: 14 days - Our score: 7.8/10 Best for: Freelancers who want one platform to replace many tools; Those who want client portals with integrated messaging; Remote freelancers managing multiple concurrent projects; Value-conscious freelancers wanting premium features at low cost Not for: Those who need robust accounting or bookkeeping; Freelancers who prefer simple minimal tools; Those needing a well-established platform with a large user base Pros: Replaces proposals, contracts, invoicing, PM, and time tracking in one tool; Built-in client portal with project visibility; Integrated messaging eliminates need for Slack with clients; Affordable pricing for the feature set offered; Highly customizable to match your brand Cons: Smaller user community than established platforms; Occasional bugs — newer platform than HoneyBook or Bonsai; No true accounting — basic invoicing only; White-label features require higher plan FAQ: - Q: Is Plutio legitimate and reliable? A: Plutio is a legitimate SaaS product operating since 2016 with thousands of active users. While smaller than HoneyBook or Dubsado, it is a stable and actively developed platform. - Q: How does Plutio compare to Dubsado? A: Dubsado has stronger workflow automation and a larger community. Plutio offers built-in client messaging and is generally cheaper. Dubsado suits creative workflows; Plutio suits project-heavy freelancers. ### InvoiceBerry URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/accounting-software/invoiceberry Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 7.4/10 Official site: https://www.invoiceberry.com/ Summary: InvoiceBerry costs Free plan, paid from $20/mo. It fits freelancers who just need clean, fast invoicing best. It is a poor fit for those needing full accounting or bookkeeping. We score it 7.4/10. Key facts: - Price: Free plan, paid from $20/mo - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 7.4/10 Best for: Freelancers who just need clean, fast invoicing; Those who want multi-currency invoicing for international clients; Micro-businesses wanting basic expense tracking alongside invoicing; Anyone who finds Wave or QuickBooks too complex Not for: Those needing full accounting or bookkeeping; Businesses needing time tracking or project management; Freelancers who need strong customer support Pros: Extremely simple — create and send an invoice in under 2 minutes; Free plan available with up to 3 clients; Multi-currency invoicing with 50+ currencies; Professional invoice templates with your branding; Expense tracking and basic profit and loss reports Cons: Very basic feature set — not suitable for complex needs; No time tracking or project management; Customer support limited on lower plans; Free plan restricted to 3 clients FAQ: - Q: Is InvoiceBerry free? A: InvoiceBerry has a free plan limited to 3 clients with unlimited invoices. For freelancers with more than 3 ongoing clients, the Solo plan at $10/month unlocks 35 clients and recurring invoices. - Q: How does InvoiceBerry compare to Wave? A: Wave is completely free with more features including full accounting. InvoiceBerry's edge is its extreme simplicity and clean interface. If you want zero learning curve for invoicing only, InvoiceBerry is faster day-to-day. ### Relay URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/relay Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 9.2/10 Official site: https://relayfi.com/ Summary: Relay costs Free plan, paid from $30/mo. It fits freelancers who want a free business account best. It is a poor fit for freelancers who need multi-currency accounts. We score it 9.2/10. Key facts: - Price: Free plan, paid from $30/mo - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 9.2/10 Best for: Freelancers who want a free business account; Profit First practitioners; LLC and sole prop owners in the US; Anyone wanting multiple sub-accounts for tax savings Not for: Freelancers who need multi-currency accounts; Expats or international users; Anyone needing physical branch access Pros: Completely free — no monthly fees or minimums; Create up to 20 checking accounts (great for Profit First); Up to 50 virtual debit cards; Integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, Wave, and FreshBooks; FDIC insured up to $3 million via Thread Bank Cons: US-only — not available for international accounts; No cash deposits; Limited physical card options; No loans or lines of credit FAQ: - Q: Is Relay a real bank account? A: Relay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Thread Bank, Member FDIC. Your deposits are FDIC insured up to $3 million. - Q: Is Relay good for freelancers? A: Yes — Relay is one of the best free business banking options for US freelancers. The ability to create multiple accounts makes it ideal for separating tax savings from operating expenses. - Q: Can I use Relay for a sole proprietorship? A: Yes. Relay accepts sole proprietors, single-member LLCs, multi-member LLCs, S-Corps, and C-Corps. You'll need an EIN to open the account. ### Mercury URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/mercury Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 9.0/10 Official site: https://mercury.com/ Summary: Mercury costs Free plan, paid from $35/mo. It fits llcs and s-corps best. It is a poor fit for freelancers who need international multi-currency accounts. We score it 9.0/10. Key facts: - Price: Free plan, paid from $35/mo - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 9.0/10 Best for: LLCs and S-Corps; Tech freelancers and developers; Freelancers planning to grow into a startup; Anyone wanting high-yield treasury accounts Not for: Freelancers who need international multi-currency accounts; Expats outside the US; Anyone needing a physical debit card immediately Pros: No monthly fees, no minimum balance; High-yield Mercury Treasury accounts (money market funds); Excellent API for developers and automation; Virtual and physical Visa debit cards; Integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, Stripe, and more Cons: US entities only (no sole proprietors — need an LLC or Corp); No multi-currency accounts; Customer support primarily via email (no phone); No cash deposit option FAQ: - Q: Can a sole proprietor use Mercury? A: Mercury requires a registered business entity — an LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp. Sole proprietors without a formal business entity cannot open a Mercury account. - Q: Is Mercury FDIC insured? A: Yes. Mercury accounts are held at Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust, both FDIC members. Deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor per bank. - Q: How does Mercury compare to Relay? A: Mercury is better for LLCs, S-Corps, and tech companies. Relay is better for sole proprietors and "Profit First" practitioners who want multiple sub-accounts. Both are free. ### Wise Business URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/wise-business Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 9.4/10 Official site: https://wise.com/us/business/ Summary: Wise Business costs Free. It fits freelancers with international clients best. It is a poor fit for freelancers who only work with us clients. We score it 9.4/10. Key facts: - Price: Free - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 9.4/10 Best for: Freelancers with international clients; Expat Americans receiving foreign payments; Anyone who needs multi-currency accounts; Freelancers who want the best exchange rates Not for: Freelancers who only work with US clients; Anyone needing a primary US business bank account; Those needing cash deposits or ATM access Pros: Hold 50+ currencies in one account; Local bank details in 10+ countries (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.); Uses real mid-market exchange rate — no markup; Low, transparent transfer fees; No monthly fee on the basic plan Cons: Not a full business bank account — no business loans; Customer support can be slow to respond; Some features require account verification that takes days; Not all currencies have local account details FAQ: - Q: Can US freelancers use Wise Business? A: Yes. US freelancers can open a Wise Business account to receive payments in foreign currencies, convert them at mid-market rates, and send money internationally with low fees. - Q: Does Wise replace a business bank account? A: Wise is not a full business bank account. It is best used alongside a US business bank (like Relay or Mercury) to handle international payments. - Q: How does Wise compare to Revolut for freelancers? A: Wise consistently offers better exchange rates and is more transparent about fees. Revolut offers more business features (expense cards, team access) but at higher cost. Wise wins for pure currency conversion. ### Revolut Business URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/revolut-business Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.6/10 Official site: https://www.revolut.com/business/ Summary: Revolut Business costs Free plan, paid from $100/mo. It fits freelancers and small agencies with teams best. It is a poor fit for us-only freelancers (overkill for domestic use). We score it 8.6/10. Key facts: - Price: Free plan, paid from $100/mo - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 8.6/10 Best for: Freelancers and small agencies with teams; European-based US expats; Businesses that need expense management and team cards; International freelancers needing a EUR/GBP IBAN Not for: US-only freelancers (overkill for domestic use); Budget-conscious freelancers on the free plan; Anyone needing excellent customer support Pros: Multi-currency accounts with 30+ supported currencies; Virtual and physical debit cards for team members; Spend analytics and expense management; Open API for business automation; EUR and GBP IBANs available Cons: Free plan has very limited monthly transfers; Weekend currency conversion has a 1% markup; Customer support quality is inconsistent; Not a full bank — FSCS/FDIC protection varies by country FAQ: - Q: Is Revolut Business available in the US? A: Revolut Business launched in the US in 2020. US businesses can open Revolut accounts, but availability of some features may differ from the European version. - Q: Is Revolut safe for business banking? A: Revolut is a regulated financial institution in most countries. In the US, funds are held in FDIC-insured partner banks. It is generally safe for everyday business banking, though it is not a traditional bank. ### Novo URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/novo Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.8/10 Official site: https://www.novo.co/ Summary: Novo costs Free. It fits freelancers and solopreneurs who want a dedicated business account best. It is a poor fit for businesses needing multi-currency accounts. We score it 8.8/10. Key facts: - Price: Free - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 8.8/10 Best for: Freelancers and solopreneurs who want a dedicated business account; E-commerce sellers using Shopify or Stripe; Anyone who wants to save for taxes with automatic reserves; Small businesses tired of bank fees Not for: Businesses needing multi-currency accounts; Those who need cash deposits or branch banking; International freelancers outside the US Pros: Completely free — no monthly fees, no minimums, no hidden charges; Built-in invoicing (send, track, and collect payments); Reserves feature automatically sets aside money for taxes; Integrates with Stripe, Shopify, QuickBooks, Xero, and Zapier; Refunds all ATM fees charged by other banks Cons: US-only — not available internationally; No cash deposit option; No business credit cards or lending products; Customer support response times can vary FAQ: - Q: Is Novo a real bank? A: Novo is a fintech company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A., Member FDIC. Your deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000. - Q: Can I deposit cash with Novo? A: No. Novo does not accept cash deposits. You can receive money via ACH, wire transfer, check (mobile deposit), or payment processors like Stripe and PayPal. - Q: How does Novo compare to Relay? A: Both are free business accounts. Novo includes built-in invoicing and integrates with e-commerce tools (Shopify). Relay offers up to 20 sub-accounts and 50 virtual cards, ideal for Profit First practitioners. Choose Novo for invoicing; choose Relay for cash flow management. ### Lili URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/lili Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.4/10 Official site: https://www.lili.co/ Summary: Lili costs Free plan, paid from $35/mo. It fits freelancers who want automatic tax savings built into banking best. It is a poor fit for businesses needing multi-currency accounts. We score it 8.4/10. Key facts: - Price: Free plan, paid from $35/mo - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 8.4/10 Best for: Freelancers who want automatic tax savings built into banking; Sole proprietors and independent contractors; Gig workers who struggle to save for quarterly taxes; Those who want an all-in-one bank + basic accounting tool Not for: Businesses needing multi-currency accounts; Those who need a full accounting platform; LLC or corporate account holders (sole prop only on basic plan) Pros: Automatic tax bucket — sets aside a % of income for taxes automatically; Built-in invoicing and expense tracking; No monthly fees on the basic plan; Instant payment notifications and real-time balance updates; FinancialSafe feature for emergency fund savings Cons: US-only and primarily for sole proprietors on the free plan; No cash deposits; Tax tools are basic compared to dedicated tax software; Pro plan required for advanced accounting features FAQ: - Q: How does Lili's automatic tax savings work? A: When you receive income into your Lili account, the app automatically transfers a percentage you define (like 25-30%) into a separate tax bucket. This helps freelancers avoid the common trap of spending money they owe in quarterly taxes. - Q: Is Lili FDIC insured? A: Yes. Lili banking services are provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC. Your deposits are FDIC insured up to $250,000. - Q: How does Lili compare to Relay for freelancers? A: Lili is designed exclusively for freelancers and has stronger tax-saving automation. Relay offers more flexibility with multiple accounts and is better for the Profit First method. Both are good choices — Lili wins for simplicity, Relay for control. ### Found URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/found Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.6/10 Official site: https://www.found.com/ Summary: Found costs Free plan, paid from $20/mo. It fits freelancers who want banking + tax prep in one app best. It is a poor fit for multi-member llcs or corporations. We score it 8.6/10. Key facts: - Price: Free plan, paid from $20/mo - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 8.6/10 Best for: Freelancers who want banking + tax prep in one app; Self-employed who want real-time tax estimates; Gig workers and 1099 contractors; Those who want to file taxes directly from their bank app Not for: Multi-member LLCs or corporations; Those needing multi-currency accounts; Businesses with employees or payroll needs Pros: Real-time quarterly tax estimate updates as you earn; Automatic expense categorization for tax deductions; Tax filing built directly into the banking app; No monthly fee on the basic plan; Works with gig platforms (Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Upwork) Cons: Available for sole proprietors only (no corporations); Tax filing is basic — not suitable for complex returns; No multi-currency support; Still a newer company — fewer features than established banks FAQ: - Q: Does Found actually file your taxes? A: Found includes basic tax filing for Schedule C (self-employment) within the app. For freelancers with straightforward returns, this can eliminate the need for separate tax software. - Q: Is Found only for gig workers? A: No. Found works for any self-employed individual — freelancers, independent contractors, consultants, gig workers, and sole proprietors. It is designed for anyone who receives 1099 income. - Q: How does Found compare to Lili? A: Both target freelancers with automatic tax saving. Found has stronger tax filing integration (you can actually file from the app). Lili has been around longer and has a more established banking infrastructure. ### BlueVine URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/bluevine Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.4/10 Official site: https://www.bluevine.com/ Summary: BlueVine costs Free plan, paid from $30/mo. It fits freelancers who want to earn interest on business cash best. It is a poor fit for those who need multi-currency accounts. We score it 8.4/10. Key facts: - Price: Free plan, paid from $30/mo - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 8.4/10 Best for: Freelancers who want to earn interest on business cash; Self-employed who occasionally need a line of credit; Business owners who want fee-free checking with lending options; Freelancers managing significant cash reserves Not for: Those who need multi-currency accounts; International freelancers; Anyone who needs cash deposits or branch access Pros: High-yield interest on checking balances; No monthly fees on standard plan; Business line of credit available (up to $250K); Integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, and Wave; Bill pay and same-day ACH transfers Cons: US-only account; Interest rate requires meeting monthly activity requirements; Line of credit may not be available to all applicants; No cash deposits (partner ATMs only) FAQ: - Q: How does BlueVine's interest rate compare to other business accounts? A: BlueVine consistently offers one of the highest interest rates for business checking, significantly above what traditional banks offer. The rate applies to balances when you meet monthly activity requirements. - Q: Can I get a line of credit with BlueVine? A: Yes. BlueVine offers business lines of credit up to $250,000. Approval is based on your business revenue and credit history. This is a unique feature compared to most freelancer-focused banking options. - Q: Is BlueVine FDIC insured? A: Yes. BlueVine banking services are provided by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC. Deposits are FDIC insured up to $250,000. ### North One URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/north-one Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.0/10 Official site: https://www.northone.com/ Summary: North One costs $10/mo. It fits freelancers who want envelope-style budgeting for business best. It is a poor fit for businesses needing multi-currency accounts. We score it 8.0/10. Key facts: - Price: $10/mo - Free plan: No - Free trial: Yes - Our score: 8.0/10 Best for: Freelancers who want envelope-style budgeting for business; Entrepreneurs who want to separate tax money automatically; Small businesses that want integrated payment processing; Those who prefer a flat monthly fee over percentage-based costs Not for: Businesses needing multi-currency accounts; Those who want a free account; International freelancers Pros: Envelopes feature for automatic tax and budget separation; Integrates with QuickBooks, Wave, FreshBooks, and Stripe; Fast account opening (as little as 3 minutes); Mastercard business debit card; US-based customer support Cons: $10/month fee — not free like Relay or Novo; No interest earned on deposits; US-only; No business lending products FAQ: - Q: What are North One Envelopes? A: Envelopes are virtual sub-accounts within your North One checking account. You can create an Envelope for taxes, one for software expenses, one for payroll — and money stays separate without needing multiple bank accounts. - Q: How does North One compare to Relay? A: Both offer sub-account budgeting. Relay is free and offers up to 20 sub-accounts. North One costs $10/month but has a simpler interface. For most freelancers, Relay offers more value at zero cost. - Q: Is North One FDIC insured? A: Yes. North One banking services are provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. Your deposits are FDIC insured up to $250,000. ### Payoneer URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/payoneer Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.2/10 Official site: https://www.payoneer.com/ Summary: Payoneer costs Free. It fits freelancers on upwork, fiverr, or amazon who need to withdraw earnings best. It is a poor fit for us domestic-only freelancers. We score it 8.2/10. Key facts: - Price: Free - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 8.2/10 Best for: Freelancers on Upwork, Fiverr, or Amazon who need to withdraw earnings; International freelancers receiving payments in multiple currencies; Those who need a debit card for international spending; Marketplace sellers needing multi-currency collection Not for: US domestic-only freelancers; Those needing a full business bank account; Anyone seeking the best exchange rates (Wise is better) Pros: Accepted by 2,000+ marketplaces and platforms worldwide; Local receiving accounts in USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, and more; Mastercard debit card for worldwide spending; Mass payout capabilities for agencies paying many contractors; Batch payment and invoicing features Cons: $29.95 annual inactivity fee if no transactions in 12 months; Exchange rates not as competitive as Wise; Customer support issues are a common complaint; Annual fee for some account types FAQ: - Q: Is Payoneer good for Upwork and Fiverr freelancers? A: Yes. Payoneer is the preferred withdrawal method for many freelancing platforms. It is deeply integrated with Upwork and Fiverr, allowing direct withdrawal of platform earnings. - Q: How does Payoneer compare to Wise for receiving international payments? A: Wise generally offers better exchange rates and lower fees for currency conversion. Payoneer wins for marketplace integrations — if your clients pay you through platforms like Upwork, Payoneer is often the only or best option. ### Brex URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/brex Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.4/10 Official site: https://www.brex.com/ Summary: Brex costs Free plan, paid from $12/mo. It fits incorporated freelancers (llc or corp) wanting a corporate card best. It is a poor fit for sole proprietors (brex requires a registered entity). We score it 8.4/10. Key facts: - Price: Free plan, paid from $12/mo - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 8.4/10 Best for: Incorporated freelancers (LLC or Corp) wanting a corporate card; Tech freelancers and startups with high monthly expenses; Those who want strong rewards without a personal credit check; Businesses needing sophisticated spend management and controls Not for: Sole proprietors (Brex requires a registered entity); Freelancers with very low monthly expenses; Those who need traditional checking with check writing Pros: No personal guarantee required for the corporate card; High credit limits based on business cash flow; Strong rewards: 7x on rideshare, 4x on travel, 3x on restaurants; Spend management dashboard with real-time controls; No annual fee on the standard plan Cons: Requires a registered business entity — no sole proprietors; Generally requires $50,000+ in business bank balances; Not ideal for freelancers with low or irregular revenue; Some features locked behind the paid Brex Premium tier FAQ: - Q: Can a freelancer with an LLC use Brex? A: Yes. Brex accepts LLCs and corporations. However, they typically require the business to have substantial revenue or cash reserves ($50K+). New freelancers or those with modest income may not qualify. - Q: What makes Brex different from a regular business credit card? A: Brex is a charge card (balance must be paid monthly) rather than a revolving credit card. It does not require a personal guarantee and sets limits based on your business cash balance, not personal credit score. ### Chase Business Complete Banking URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/chase-business Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.0/10 Official site: https://www.chase.com/business/banking/checking Summary: Chase Business Complete Banking costs $15/mo. It fits freelancers who prefer a large traditional bank with branch access best. It is a poor fit for those who want zero monthly fees (fintech options are better). We score it 8.0/10. Key facts: - Price: $15/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.0/10 Best for: Freelancers who prefer a large traditional bank with branch access; Those who want to pair business banking with Chase credit cards; Businesses needing cash deposit capabilities; Freelancers who already use Chase for personal banking Not for: Those who want zero monthly fees (fintech options are better); International freelancers needing multi-currency accounts; Tech-forward freelancers who prefer modern digital banking Pros: 4,700+ branches and 16,000 ATMs nationwide; Cash deposits accepted — important for cash-heavy businesses; Excellent Chase business credit card ecosystem; Robust online banking and mobile app; Monthly fee waivable with $2,000 minimum daily balance Cons: $15 monthly fee unless balance or activity requirements are met; Transaction limits before additional fees apply; Less innovative than neobank alternatives; Interest rate on deposits is minimal FAQ: - Q: Can I waive the Chase Business Complete Banking monthly fee? A: Yes. The $15 monthly fee is waived if you maintain a $2,000 minimum daily balance, spend $2,000+ on Chase Ink Business cards, or receive $2,000+ in QuickAccept deposits monthly. - Q: How does Chase Business compare to Relay or Mercury? A: Chase has branches, ATMs, and cash deposit capability that neobanks lack. Relay and Mercury have no fees, better digital interfaces, and more innovative features. Choose Chase if you need in-person banking; choose neobanks for zero-fee digital-first banking. ### Axos Bank Business Checking URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/axos-business Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.2/10 Official site: https://www.axosbank.com/Business/Business-Checking Summary: Axos Bank Business Checking costs Free. It fits freelancers who want a bank account with no monthly fees best. It is a poor fit for freelancers who frequently deposit cash. We score it 8.2/10. Key facts: - Price: Free - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 8.2/10 Best for: Freelancers who want a bank account with no monthly fees; Those who want unlimited ATM fee reimbursements; Remote-first freelancers comfortable with online-only banking; Those who want an established bank without brick-and-mortar overhead Not for: Freelancers who frequently deposit cash; Those who need in-person bank branch access; International freelancers needing multi-currency accounts Pros: No monthly maintenance fee on basic account; Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements; Earn interest on balances with Business Interest Checking tier; Mobile check deposit and online bill pay; FDIC insured — established bank, not a fintech startup Cons: No physical branches — fully online banking; No cash deposit capability; Fewer integrations than neobanks like Relay or Mercury; Customer service wait times can be long FAQ: - Q: Is Axos Bank legitimate and FDIC insured? A: Yes. Axos Bank is a federally chartered bank and FDIC member. It is not a fintech startup — it is a licensed bank that has operated since 2000, formerly known as Bank of Internet USA. - Q: How does Axos compare to Mercury for freelancers? A: Mercury is designed for startups and tech companies with better integrations and a more modern interface. Axos is a full bank with ATM fee reimbursements and interest on deposits. Choose Mercury for tech-forward features; choose Axos for traditional banking without fees. ### NBKC Business Checking URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/nbkc-business Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.4/10 Official site: https://www.nbkc.com/business/checking Summary: NBKC Business Checking costs Free. It fits freelancers who want a real bank account with zero fees best. It is a poor fit for freelancers needing multi-currency or international features. We score it 8.4/10. Key facts: - Price: Free - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 8.4/10 Best for: Freelancers who want a real bank account with zero fees; Those who want to avoid neobank risks and want FDIC insurance; Sole proprietors and LLCs wanting simple no-cost banking; Freelancers who need a business account accepted everywhere Not for: Freelancers needing multi-currency or international features; Those who need physical branch access outside Kansas City; International freelancers Pros: No monthly fees, no minimum balance, no transaction fees; Earns interest on checking balances; FDIC insured as a real chartered bank; Free incoming and outgoing wires (rare for business accounts); No surprise fees — total transparency on pricing Cons: Physical branches only in Kansas City area; Less feature-rich than neobanks like Relay or Mercury; No multi-currency or international payment features; Smaller technology ecosystem than larger banks FAQ: - Q: Are free wires really included with NBKC? A: Yes. NBKC offers free incoming and outgoing wire transfers, which is unusual for business checking accounts. Most banks charge $15-30 per outgoing wire. - Q: How does NBKC compare to Relay for freelancers? A: Both are fee-free business accounts. Relay has more digital features (20 sub-accounts, 50 virtual cards) for cash flow management. NBKC is a real chartered bank with free wires and interest on deposits. NBKC for banking simplicity; Relay for cash flow organization. ### Grasshopper Bank URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/grasshopper-bank Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.0/10 Official site: https://www.grasshopper.bank/ Summary: Grasshopper Bank costs Free. It fits entrepreneurs and freelancers who want a digital bank with full charter best. It is a poor fit for freelancers who need multi-currency accounts. We score it 8.0/10. Key facts: - Price: Free - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 8.0/10 Best for: Entrepreneurs and freelancers who want a digital bank with full charter; Those who want interest on deposits without monthly fees; Startups looking for a banking partner that understands growth companies; Freelancers who want API access for automation Not for: Freelancers who need multi-currency accounts; Those who need physical branch access; International businesses Pros: Fully chartered bank — not a fintech partner arrangement; No monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements; Earns interest on deposits; API access for business automation; Integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, and major tools Cons: Newer bank — less track record than Chase or Axos; No cash deposit capability; No multi-currency accounts; Fewer branch locations FAQ: - Q: Is Grasshopper Bank a real bank? A: Yes. Grasshopper Bank is an FDIC-insured chartered bank, not a fintech company that partners with a bank. This means deposits are directly held by Grasshopper Bank with full FDIC insurance up to $250,000. - Q: How does Grasshopper compare to Mercury? A: Both target tech-forward businesses with no fees and good integrations. Grasshopper is a fully chartered bank; Mercury is a fintech using partner banks for FDIC coverage. Grasshopper earns interest on all deposits; Mercury has a separate treasury product for yield. ### Oxygen URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/oxygen Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 7.8/10 Official site: https://oxygen.us/ Summary: Oxygen costs Free plan, paid from $9.99/mo. It fits freelancers and gig workers who want mobile-first banking best. It is a poor fit for freelancers needing sophisticated accounting integrations. We score it 7.8/10. Key facts: - Price: Free plan, paid from $9.99/mo - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 7.8/10 Best for: Freelancers and gig workers who want mobile-first banking; Creators who want both personal and business accounts in one app; Those who want cashback rewards on business spending; Budget-conscious freelancers wanting no-fee banking Not for: Freelancers needing sophisticated accounting integrations; Those needing multi-currency international accounts; Businesses with complex banking requirements Pros: No monthly fees on the standard plan; Personal and business accounts in the same app; Up to 5% cashback on business purchases; Free virtual debit card for online spending; Instant payment notifications and spending controls Cons: Fewer features than Relay or Mercury for business banking; Limited accounting software integrations; No multi-currency support; Less well-known — smaller user base FAQ: - Q: Is Oxygen FDIC insured? A: Yes. Oxygen banking services are provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. Deposits are insured up to $250,000. - Q: Who is Oxygen best for? A: Oxygen is best for freelancers and gig workers who want a simple, mobile-first banking experience with cashback rewards and no monthly fee. It is not the best choice for those needing accounting integrations or multi-currency features. ### Rho URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/rho Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.2/10 Official site: https://www.rho.co/ Summary: Rho costs Free. It fits established freelancers and agencies with significant revenue best. It is a poor fit for new freelancers or very small solo operations. We score it 8.2/10. Key facts: - Price: Free - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 8.2/10 Best for: Established freelancers and agencies with significant revenue; Those who want banking and corporate cards in one platform; Businesses needing AP automation and bill pay; Companies wanting treasury management with yield Not for: New freelancers or very small solo operations; Sole proprietors without a registered entity; Those needing multi-currency international accounts Pros: No monthly fees and no minimum balance; Corporate cards with spend controls and real-time visibility; Accounts payable automation built into the platform; Treasury management with money market fund access; Strong integrations with NetSuite, QuickBooks, and Xero Cons: Designed for established businesses — overkill for very small freelancers; Requires a registered US business entity; Less focused on the solo freelancer use case; Some features require application and approval FAQ: - Q: Is Rho good for freelancers? A: Rho is best for freelancers who have grown into a more established business with higher revenue and financial complexity. Solo freelancers just starting out are better served by Relay, Novo, or Lili. - Q: Does Rho have a credit card? A: Rho offers corporate charge cards (not revolving credit cards). These provide high limits based on your business cash balance and must be paid in full monthly, similar to Brex. ### First Internet Bank Business Checking URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/first-internet-bank Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 7.8/10 Official site: https://www.firstib.com/business-banking/checking Summary: First Internet Bank Business Checking costs Free. It fits freelancers who want a chartered bank with no monthly fees best. It is a poor fit for those who need cash deposits or in-person banking. We score it 7.8/10. Key facts: - Price: Free - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 7.8/10 Best for: Freelancers who want a chartered bank with no monthly fees; Those comfortable with fully online banking since 1999; Businesses wanting interest on checking balances; Remote-first freelancers who never need a branch Not for: Those who need cash deposits or in-person banking; Freelancers needing multi-currency or international features; Those who want modern fintech-style integrations Pros: No monthly maintenance fee; Earns interest on checking balances; Fully chartered bank — not a fintech partnership; Online business checking with solid mobile app; FDIC insured up to $250,000 Cons: No physical branches — fully online only; Less modern interface than neobanks; Fewer integrations with accounting tools; No cash deposit capability FAQ: - Q: Is First Internet Bank FDIC insured? A: Yes. First Internet Bank is a federally chartered bank and FDIC member. Your deposits are FDIC insured up to $250,000. It has been operating as a federally chartered bank since 1999. - Q: How does First Internet Bank compare to Axos Bank? A: Both are established online-only banks with no monthly fees. Axos has a slightly more modern digital interface and offers unlimited ATM fee reimbursements. First Internet Bank is also excellent and competitive for interest rates. Both are strong choices for fee-free online business banking. ### American Express Business Checking URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/banking/amex-business-checking Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.4/10 Official site: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/bank/ Summary: American Express Business Checking costs Free. It fits freelancers who want to earn high interest on business cash best. It is a poor fit for freelancers who need cash deposits or in-person banking. We score it 8.4/10. Key facts: - Price: Free - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 8.4/10 Best for: Freelancers who want to earn high interest on business cash; Those who already use American Express for business credit cards; Businesses wanting a trusted brand for banking; Remote freelancers comfortable with digital-only banking Not for: Freelancers who need cash deposits or in-person banking; Those needing multi-currency international accounts; Businesses with very high transaction volumes Pros: High APY on balances — competitive with the best business accounts; No monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements; American Express brand recognition and customer service quality; FDIC insured; Integrates with American Express business credit cards Cons: Fully online only — no branch access; No cash deposit capability; Fewer fintech integrations than Relay or Mercury; Transaction limits may apply for very high volume FAQ: - Q: Is American Express Business Checking the same as Kabbage? A: American Express acquired Kabbage in 2020 and rebranded its banking products under the American Express Business name. The underlying banking infrastructure was upgraded and now carries the American Express brand and service standards. - Q: How competitive is the interest rate on AmEx Business Checking? A: American Express Business Checking consistently offers one of the highest APYs available for business checking accounts, typically far above what traditional banks offer. The exact rate fluctuates with market conditions. ### TurboTax Self-Employed URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/tax-tools/turbotax-self-employed Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 9.0/10 Official site: https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/self-employed/ Summary: TurboTax Self-Employed costs $129–$289/mo. It fits freelancers filing schedule c best. It is a poor fit for budget-conscious filers (premium pricing). We score it 9.0/10. Key facts: - Price: $129–$289/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 9.0/10 Best for: Freelancers filing Schedule C; 1099 workers with multiple income sources; Anyone wanting step-by-step guidance; Self-employed people with complex deductions Not for: Budget-conscious filers (premium pricing); Business owners who need payroll or multi-entity filing; People comfortable with DIY spreadsheet filing Pros: Comprehensive Schedule C coverage with 500+ industry deduction lists; Deduction Maximizer finds overlooked write-offs; Integration with QuickBooks Self-Employed for one-click import; Live CPA help available as an add-on; Audit support included Cons: Most expensive option in the market; Upsells aggressively throughout the filing process; Price jumps significantly when adding state filing; Some users find the step-by-step format slow FAQ: - Q: Do I need TurboTax Self-Employed vs regular TurboTax? A: Yes. Only TurboTax Self-Employed includes Schedule C, which is required for freelancers and independent contractors. The standard "Deluxe" or "Premium" plans do not include Schedule C. - Q: How much does TurboTax Self-Employed cost? A: TurboTax Self-Employed costs $129 for a federal return, plus $49-59 for each state return. If you need live CPA help, prices go higher. - Q: Can I import from QuickBooks to TurboTax? A: Yes. If you use QuickBooks Self-Employed, you can export your data directly to TurboTax with one click — a major time saver during tax season. - Q: Is TurboTax Self-Employed worth the cost? A: For most freelancers with moderate complexity, yes. The deduction maximizer alone often finds enough missed deductions to justify the cost. Simple returns might not need the premium price. ### Keeper URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/tax-tools/keeper Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.8/10 Official site: https://keepertax.com/ Summary: Keeper costs $16–$30/mo. It fits freelancers who forget to track expenses best. It is a poor fit for business owners with complex accounting needs. We score it 8.8/10. Key facts: - Price: $16–$30/mo - Free plan: No - Free trial: Yes - Our score: 8.8/10 Best for: Freelancers who forget to track expenses; Gig workers (Uber, DoorDash, Instacart); 1099 workers with lots of small deductions; Self-employed people who want year-round deduction monitoring Not for: Business owners with complex accounting needs; Anyone who already tracks expenses meticulously; Freelancers who prefer a traditional accountant Pros: AI automatically scans bank/card transactions for write-offs; Monitors spending year-round, not just at tax time; Includes tax filing for federal and state; Very affordable at $16/month; Simple mobile-first interface Cons: AI sometimes flags non-deductible transactions; Less suitable for complex tax situations; No payroll or business structure support; Bank connection occasionally has sync issues FAQ: - Q: How does Keeper find tax deductions? A: Keeper connects to your bank accounts and credit cards, then uses AI to review your transactions and identify potential business expenses. It flags these for you to confirm or reject. - Q: Does Keeper file my taxes? A: Yes. Keeper includes tax filing (federal + state) as part of its subscription, which makes it unique among expense tracking tools. - Q: Is Keeper safe to connect to my bank? A: Keeper uses bank-level encryption and read-only access (it cannot move money). It connects via Plaid, the same system used by major fintech apps. ### H&R Block Self-Employed URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/tax-tools/hrblock-self-employed Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.6/10 Official site: https://www.hrblock.com/tax-preparation/tax-software/self-employed/ Summary: H&R Block Self-Employed costs $85–$145/mo. It fits cost-conscious freelancers who want full-featured filing best. It is a poor fit for quickbooks self-employed users (no direct import). We score it 8.6/10. Key facts: - Price: $85–$145/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.6/10 Best for: Cost-conscious freelancers who want full-featured filing; Anyone who wants optional in-person or CPA help; Freelancers who find TurboTax too expensive; Self-employed filers with moderate complexity Not for: QuickBooks Self-Employed users (no direct import); Freelancers needing very complex tax planning; Those who want the most intuitive step-by-step experience Pros: More affordable than TurboTax for comparable coverage; Option to get in-person help at H&R Block offices nationwide; Schedule C with full deduction support; Price Lock Guarantee — no surprise upsells; Competitive audit support Cons: Interface is slightly less polished than TurboTax; No direct QuickBooks import (unlike TurboTax); State filing is an additional cost; In-person H&R Block services cost significantly more FAQ: - Q: Does H&R Block's online tax software support self-employed returns? A: Yes. H&R Block's Self-Employed Online tier fully supports self-employed returns: Schedule C income and expenses, 1099-NEC and 1099-K forms, home office, mileage, vehicle expenses, and the self-employment tax calculation. It costs $85 for a federal return with one state included, and you can optionally add a live CPA review for accuracy. - Q: How does H&R Block Self-Employed compare to TurboTax? A: H&R Block Self-Employed is typically $40-60 cheaper than TurboTax for comparable coverage. Both handle Schedule C well. TurboTax has a more polished interface; H&R Block offers more affordable in-person help. - Q: Does H&R Block Self-Employed include state filing? A: Yes, the Self-Employed Online plan includes one state return in its base price, which makes it better value than TurboTax where state filing is an add-on. - Q: Can I use H&R Block if I have 1099s from multiple clients? A: Yes. H&R Block Self-Employed handles unlimited 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC income from multiple payers, which is common for freelancers. ### TaxSlayer Self-Employed URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/tax-tools/taxslayer-self-employed Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.2/10 Official site: https://www.taxslayer.com/self-employed Summary: TaxSlayer Self-Employed costs $53–$103/mo. It fits budget-conscious freelancers who need schedule c best. It is a poor fit for freelancers with very complex tax situations. We score it 8.2/10. Key facts: - Price: $53–$103/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.2/10 Best for: Budget-conscious freelancers who need Schedule C; Gig workers with straightforward self-employment income; Those who find TurboTax too expensive; Self-employed filers with basic to moderate complexity Not for: Freelancers with very complex tax situations; Those who want live CPA support built in; QuickBooks Self-Employed users (no direct import) Pros: Significantly cheaper than TurboTax for comparable Schedule C coverage; Handles all major self-employment deductions (home office, mileage, equipment); State return included in base price; Ask a Tax Pro feature available for questions; Clean, easy-to-follow guided interview Cons: Less polished UI than TurboTax; No direct import from accounting software; Live expert support is an add-on, not standard; Fewer integrations than TurboTax FAQ: - Q: How does TaxSlayer Self-Employed compare to TurboTax? A: TaxSlayer Self-Employed costs about $76 less than TurboTax Self-Employed for equivalent coverage. Both handle Schedule C well. TurboTax has a more guided experience and QuickBooks integration; TaxSlayer wins on price. - Q: Does TaxSlayer Self-Employed include state filing? A: Yes. TaxSlayer Self-Employed includes one state return in its base price, which is better value than TurboTax where state filing is an additional $49-59. - Q: Can I deduct my home office with TaxSlayer? A: Yes. TaxSlayer Self-Employed fully supports the home office deduction using both the simplified method ($5/sq ft) and the regular method (actual expense calculation). ### FreeTaxUSA URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/tax-tools/freetaxusa Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 7.8/10 Official site: https://www.freetaxusa.com/ Summary: FreeTaxUSA costs Free plan, paid from $7.99/mo. It fits freelancers who want zero-cost federal filing best. It is a poor fit for those who want step-by-step guided hand-holding. We score it 7.8/10. Key facts: - Price: Free plan, paid from $7.99/mo - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 7.8/10 Best for: Freelancers who want zero-cost federal filing; Self-employed filers comfortable with doing their own taxes; Budget-conscious gig workers and 1099 contractors; Schedule C filers with uncomplicated situations Not for: Those who want step-by-step guided hand-holding; Freelancers with very complex multi-state or international situations; Anyone who wants live professional support included Pros: Federal filing is genuinely free including Schedule C; State returns are only $14.99 — far cheaper than competitors; Covers all key self-employment deductions; Prior year comparison and import available; Audit defense add-on available for peace of mind Cons: Basic interface — less intuitive than TurboTax or H&R Block; No live CPA support on base plan; Limited import from accounting software; No mobile app for filing (web-only) FAQ: - Q: Is FreeTaxUSA really free for self-employed? A: Yes. FreeTaxUSA offers truly free federal filing including Schedule C for self-employed and freelancers. There is no hidden upgrade required to access self-employment forms. - Q: How much does state filing cost with FreeTaxUSA? A: State returns are $14.99 each, making FreeTaxUSA far cheaper than TurboTax ($49-59/state) or H&R Block for comparable coverage. - Q: Is FreeTaxUSA accurate for freelancers? A: Yes. FreeTaxUSA uses IRS-approved software and covers all Schedule C deductions accurately. Millions of self-employed Americans file with it each year. The limitation is the interface, not the accuracy. ### TaxAct Self-Employed URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/tax-tools/taxact-self-employed Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.0/10 Official site: https://www.taxact.com/self-employed Summary: TaxAct Self-Employed costs $65–$110/mo. It fits freelancers wanting a middle-ground between turbotax and freetaxusa best. It is a poor fit for those who want the most polished filing experience. We score it 8.0/10. Key facts: - Price: $65–$110/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.0/10 Best for: Freelancers wanting a middle-ground between TurboTax and FreeTaxUSA; Self-employed filers who want guided filing at lower cost; 1099 contractors who switched from a W-2 job this year; Small business owners filing Schedule C Not for: Those who want the most polished filing experience; Freelancers needing live CPA help included in the base price; Complex multi-state businesses Pros: Lower price than TurboTax with comparable Schedule C coverage; Deduction Maximizer finds commonly missed write-offs; Import W-2, 1099, and prior-year return data; Ask a Tax Pro add-on for professional guidance; Audit defense included in some plans Cons: Interface is less intuitive than TurboTax; Upsells can be frustrating during filing; Live support not included in base price; State return costs extra FAQ: - Q: Is TaxAct good for self-employed? A: TaxAct Self-Employed is a solid choice for freelancers who want more guidance than FreeTaxUSA but cannot justify TurboTax pricing. It covers Schedule C thoroughly and the Deduction Maximizer helps find missed write-offs. - Q: How does TaxAct compare to TurboTax for freelancers? A: TaxAct is typically $60-80 cheaper than TurboTax for comparable self-employment coverage. TurboTax has a more polished interface and better QuickBooks integration. TaxAct wins on value. - Q: Does TaxAct import from QuickBooks? A: TaxAct does not have a direct QuickBooks Self-Employed import like TurboTax does. However, you can manually enter your income and expense totals from QuickBooks reports. ### 1-800Accountant URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/tax-tools/1800-accountant Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 7.8/10 Official site: https://1800accountant.com/ Summary: 1-800Accountant costs $129–$249/mo. It fits freelancers who want a human accountant without a local cpa price best. It is a poor fit for budget-conscious freelancers who can diy their taxes. We score it 7.8/10. Key facts: - Price: $129–$249/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 7.8/10 Best for: Freelancers who want a human accountant without a local CPA price; Self-employed people who hate managing their own books; Business owners who need year-round quarterly tax planning; New freelancers who want professional setup and guidance Not for: Budget-conscious freelancers who can DIY their taxes; Those with very simple tax situations; Freelancers who prefer to be hands-on with their finances Pros: Dedicated accountant assigned to your account; Year-round bookkeeping and tax planning included; Quarterly tax estimate calculations and guidance; Business formation services available; Available by phone, chat, and email Cons: More expensive than DIY software options; Service quality can vary by assigned accountant; Not a replacement for a full-service CPA for complex situations; Contract required for annual plans FAQ: - Q: Is 1-800Accountant worth it for freelancers? A: It depends on your income. At $129/month, it is more expensive than DIY software but cheaper than a local CPA. It makes sense for freelancers earning $75K+ who value having a professional handle everything. - Q: Does 1-800Accountant file quarterly estimated taxes? A: Yes. 1-800Accountant includes quarterly tax planning as part of its service, helping you calculate and make estimated tax payments to avoid penalties. - Q: How does 1-800Accountant compare to Bench? A: Both offer human bookkeeping services at similar price points. Bench focuses on bookkeeping with tax filing as an add-on. 1-800Accountant includes tax filing and has a broader range of business services including formation. ### Jackson Hewitt Online URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/tax-tools/jackson-hewitt-online Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 7.6/10 Official site: https://www.jacksonhewitt.com/tax-filing/online-tax-filing/ Summary: Jackson Hewitt Online costs $25/mo. It fits freelancers who want affordable filing with optional in-person help best. It is a poor fit for freelancers with complex tax situations. We score it 7.6/10. Key facts: - Price: $25/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 7.6/10 Best for: Freelancers who want affordable filing with optional in-person help; Self-employed filers who previously used Jackson Hewitt in person; 1099 contractors with basic to moderate tax situations; Those who want state return included in the base price Not for: Freelancers with complex tax situations; Those who want the most sophisticated DIY filing experience; Anyone who needs accounting software integration Pros: Very affordable — flat fee regardless of how complex your return is; Federal and state filing included in one price; Option to get help from 6,000+ in-person locations nationwide; Money-back guarantee if you get a smaller refund elsewhere; Simple, clean interface for self-employed filing Cons: Interface is less feature-rich than TurboTax; Limited deduction-finding tools compared to competitors; Online help chat can have long wait times; Less suitable for very complex self-employment situations FAQ: - Q: Is Jackson Hewitt Online good for freelancers? A: Jackson Hewitt Online is a great value for freelancers with straightforward Schedule C situations. At $25 for federal and state, it is significantly cheaper than TurboTax or H&R Block. - Q: What is the maximum refund guarantee? A: Jackson Hewitt guarantees that if you get a larger refund or smaller tax bill with another tax provider using the same data, they will refund your preparation fees. - Q: Can I switch from online to in-person help? A: Yes. Jackson Hewitt allows you to start your return online and finish it at a local office, or transfer to a Tax Pro for review before filing. ### Cash App Taxes URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/tax-tools/cash-app-taxes Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.0/10 Official site: https://cash.app/taxes Summary: Cash App Taxes costs Free. It fits freelancers who want truly free federal and state filing best. It is a poor fit for freelancers with highly complex returns. We score it 8.0/10. Key facts: - Price: Free - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 8.0/10 Best for: Freelancers who want truly free federal and state filing; Self-employed who are price-sensitive; 1099 workers with straightforward situations; Those who already use Cash App for banking Not for: Freelancers with highly complex returns; Those who need guided hand-holding through deductions; Anyone needing live expert support included Pros: 100% free — both federal and state, no upsells; Covers Schedule C and all major self-employment deductions; No income or age restrictions on the free tier; Audit defense included for free; Clean modern interface that is easier than FreeTaxUSA Cons: Does not handle all complex tax situations; No live CPA or tax expert support included; Limited import options from accounting software; Requires a Cash App account to file FAQ: - Q: Is Cash App Taxes really free for self-employed? A: Yes. Cash App Taxes offers completely free federal and state filing including Schedule C for self-employed. There is no upgrade required, no income limit, and no surprise fees. - Q: What is the catch with Cash App Taxes being free? A: The main trade-off is no live expert support and some limitations on complex situations. Cash App earns revenue through other Cash App features, not the tax product. - Q: How does Cash App Taxes compare to FreeTaxUSA? A: Both are free for Schedule C federal filing. Cash App Taxes is also free for state filing (FreeTaxUSA charges $14.99 per state). Cash App Taxes has a more modern interface; FreeTaxUSA has been around longer and handles slightly more complex situations. ### TaxHawk URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/tax-tools/taxhawk Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 7.6/10 Official site: https://www.taxhawk.com/ Summary: TaxHawk costs Free plan, paid from $14.99/mo. It fits budget freelancers who want free federal filing with schedule c best. It is a poor fit for freelancers needing live cpa support. We score it 7.6/10. Key facts: - Price: Free plan, paid from $14.99/mo - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 7.6/10 Best for: Budget freelancers who want free federal filing with Schedule C; Self-employed who are comfortable with basic tax software; Those who want a simple accurate filing experience at low cost Not for: Freelancers needing live CPA support; Those with complex multi-state or investment situations; Anyone who wants a more guided step-by-step experience Pros: Free federal filing including Schedule C; Accuracy guarantee — pay any IRS penalties caused by software errors; Covers all major self-employment deductions; $14.99 state returns — competitive pricing; Prior year import available Cons: Basic interface — less intuitive than TurboTax; No live expert support; Limited import from accounting software; Essentially the same product as FreeTaxUSA under a different brand FAQ: - Q: Is TaxHawk the same as FreeTaxUSA? A: TaxHawk and FreeTaxUSA are sister products from the same company (TaxHawk, Inc.) with identical underlying software. Both offer free federal filing with $14.99 state returns. - Q: Does TaxHawk support Schedule C for freelancers? A: Yes. TaxHawk fully supports Schedule C including all standard self-employment deductions: home office, vehicle, equipment, professional services, and health insurance premiums. ### OLT Online Taxes URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/tax-tools/olt-tax Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 7.2/10 Official site: https://www.olt.com/ Summary: OLT Online Taxes costs Free plan, paid from $9.95/mo. It fits budget-focused freelancers wanting irs-approved free filing best. It is a poor fit for those who want a modern, polished interface. We score it 7.2/10. Key facts: - Price: Free plan, paid from $9.95/mo - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 7.2/10 Best for: Budget-focused freelancers wanting IRS-approved free filing; Self-employed with income under $73,000 (IRS Free File eligible); Those who want a veteran tax filing platform Not for: Those who want a modern, polished interface; Freelancers needing comprehensive deduction guidance; Anyone requiring live support Pros: IRS Free File partner — free for eligible income levels; Covers Schedule C and all self-employment forms; Very low flat fee ($9.95) for those not Free File eligible; State filing available at competitive rates; Established platform operating since 2000 Cons: Dated interface — significantly less polished than TurboTax or H&R Block; Minimal deduction guidance or help prompts; Customer support is minimal; Less suitable for complex situations FAQ: - Q: Who qualifies for free filing with OLT? A: Through the IRS Free File program, taxpayers with Adjusted Gross Income of $73,000 or less can file federal taxes for free with OLT. Those above this income use the paid option at $9.95. - Q: Is OLT safe and IRS-approved? A: Yes. OLT is an IRS Free File Alliance partner and uses bank-level encryption. It has been filing federal returns safely for over 20 years. ### Liberty Tax Online URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/tax-tools/liberty-tax-online Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 7.6/10 Official site: https://www.libertytax.com/tax-filing-options/online/ Summary: Liberty Tax Online costs $45/mo. It fits freelancers who want online filing with optional in-person help best. It is a poor fit for freelancers with complex tax situations. We score it 7.6/10. Key facts: - Price: $45/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 7.6/10 Best for: Freelancers who want online filing with optional in-person help; Self-employed who have previously used Liberty Tax offices; 1099 workers wanting affordable Schedule C filing; Those who want access to 2,500+ physical locations as backup Not for: Freelancers with complex tax situations; Those needing the most feature-rich filing experience; Those who prefer specialty self-employment tax tools Pros: Access to 2,500+ Liberty Tax offices nationwide if you need in-person help; Covers Schedule C and all self-employment deductions; Competitive pricing compared to TurboTax and H&R Block; Audit assistance included; Both federal and state filing available Cons: Online interface is less polished than TurboTax; Deduction guidance is less comprehensive than premium tools; Some users report upsells during the filing process; Support quality varies significantly by location FAQ: - Q: How does Liberty Tax Online compare to H&R Block? A: Both offer online filing with optional in-person help at physical locations. H&R Block has more locations (12,000+ vs 2,500+) and generally a more polished online experience. Liberty Tax is typically a bit cheaper. - Q: Does Liberty Tax Online cover Schedule C? A: Yes. Liberty Tax Online's Premium plan covers Schedule C for freelancers and independent contractors, including home office, mileage, equipment, and other self-employment deductions. ### Community Tax URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/tax-tools/community-tax Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.0/10 Official site: https://www.communitytax.com/ Summary: Community Tax costs $299–$999/mo. It fits freelancers with irs tax debt or back taxes owed best. It is a poor fit for budget-conscious freelancers with simple, current tax situations. We score it 8.0/10. Key facts: - Price: $299–$999/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.0/10 Best for: Freelancers with IRS tax debt or back taxes owed; Self-employed who have unfiled returns from prior years; Those facing IRS audits, liens, or levies; Freelancers who want a full-service human-staffed tax company Not for: Budget-conscious freelancers with simple, current tax situations; Those who prefer DIY software; Freelancers who do not need IRS resolution services Pros: IRS tax resolution services alongside regular tax preparation; Handles unfiled returns, tax debt negotiation, and installment agreements; CPAs and Enrolled Agents on staff; Year-round availability — not just tax season; Personalized case management for complex situations Cons: Significantly more expensive than DIY software; Not ideal if you just need routine annual filing; Resolution services can take months; Some negative reviews about communication during long cases FAQ: - Q: What is Community Tax best known for? A: Community Tax is best known for IRS tax resolution — helping individuals and small businesses who owe back taxes, face audits, or have IRS collections activity. This sets them apart from pure tax preparation services. - Q: Can Community Tax help with unfiled freelance returns? A: Yes. Community Tax specializes in preparing multiple years of unfiled returns and negotiating payment plans or penalty abatements with the IRS, which is valuable for freelancers who fell behind. ### TaxRise URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/tax-tools/taxrise Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 7.8/10 Official site: https://www.taxrise.com/ Summary: TaxRise costs $1000/mo. It fits freelancers with significant irs tax debt ($10,000+) best. It is a poor fit for freelancers with current, simple tax situations. We score it 7.8/10. Key facts: - Price: $1000/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 7.8/10 Best for: Freelancers with significant IRS tax debt ($10,000+); Self-employed who have missed multiple years of filing; Those facing wage garnishment, bank levies, or tax liens; Freelancers who cannot afford to pay their full tax balance Not for: Freelancers with current, simple tax situations; Those who only need routine tax preparation; Anyone looking for affordable DIY tax filing Pros: Experienced IRS representation and negotiation team; Free initial consultation to assess your situation; Handles all IRS communication on your behalf; Offer in Compromise submission to settle for less than owed; Penalty abatement requests for qualifying situations Cons: Expensive — fees typically range from $1,000 to $5,000+; Not a tax filing service — resolution only; Process can take 6-18 months; Success is not guaranteed — depends on your specific circumstances FAQ: - Q: What does TaxRise actually do? A: TaxRise negotiates with the IRS on your behalf to reduce or resolve tax debt. This includes submitting Offers in Compromise (settling for less than owed), setting up installment agreements, and requesting penalty abatement. - Q: Is TaxRise worth it for freelancers with tax debt? A: If you owe $10,000 or more in IRS debt, professional resolution services can potentially save you more than their fees. For smaller balances, a payment plan directly with the IRS is often more cost-effective. ### TaxBit URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/tax-tools/taxbit Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.4/10 Official site: https://taxbit.com/ Summary: TaxBit costs $50–$175/mo. There is a 14-day free trial. It fits freelancers who accept crypto as payment for services best. It is a poor fit for freelancers who do not hold or transact in cryptocurrency. We score it 8.4/10. Key facts: - Price: $50–$175/mo - Free plan: No - Free trial: 14 days - Our score: 8.4/10 Best for: Freelancers who accept crypto as payment for services; Those who invest in cryptocurrency alongside freelance income; DeFi participants needing complex transaction tracking; Web3 freelancers and NFT creators Not for: Freelancers who do not hold or transact in cryptocurrency; Those needing a complete income tax filing solution; Budget-conscious crypto holders with very few transactions Pros: 500+ exchange and wallet integrations for automatic import; Handles complex DeFi, staking, and NFT transactions; IRS-compliant Form 8949 and Schedule D generation; Audit trail for all crypto transactions; Integrates with TurboTax and TaxAct for complete filing Cons: Only addresses crypto taxes — not a full tax filing solution; Can be expensive for high-transaction-volume users; Complex DeFi situations still require manual review; Pricing varies based on transaction volume FAQ: - Q: Do freelancers need to pay taxes on crypto they receive as payment? A: Yes. Cryptocurrency received as payment for services is taxed as ordinary income at its fair market value on the date received. When you later sell, any gain or loss from that value is subject to capital gains tax. TaxBit handles both. - Q: Does TaxBit integrate with TurboTax? A: Yes. TaxBit can export tax-ready files directly into TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct, so your crypto gains and losses are automatically included in your full tax return. ### Koinly URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/tax-tools/koinly Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.2/10 Official site: https://koinly.io/ Summary: Koinly costs Free plan, paid from $99/mo. It fits freelancers paid in cryptocurrency across multiple platforms best. It is a poor fit for freelancers who do not hold or receive cryptocurrency. We score it 8.2/10. Key facts: - Price: Free plan, paid from $99/mo - Free plan: Yes - Our score: 8.2/10 Best for: Freelancers paid in cryptocurrency across multiple platforms; International freelancers needing multi-country tax support; DeFi participants with complex transaction histories; Those who want to preview their tax position before paying Not for: Freelancers who do not hold or receive cryptocurrency; Those needing a full income tax filing solution; Users with very simple crypto situations seeking the cheapest option Pros: 700+ integrations with exchanges, wallets, and blockchains; Free plan lets you preview your tax position before paying; Multi-country support (US, UK, Canada, Australia, EU); Smart transfer matching reduces manual reconciliation; Generates Form 8949, Schedule D, and country-specific reports Cons: Free plan does not generate downloadable tax reports; Can be expensive for users with thousands of transactions; Complex DeFi situations may need manual correction; Not a full tax filing solution — focused on crypto only FAQ: - Q: Is Koinly or TaxBit better for US freelancers? A: Both are excellent. Koinly has a free preview mode and better international support. TaxBit is more established in the US market. For US-only freelancers, either works well; for international, Koinly edges ahead. - Q: Can Koinly handle NFT transactions? A: Yes. Koinly supports NFT purchases, sales, and minting transactions. You will need to review complex NFT situations manually, but standard NFT trades are handled automatically. ### Track1099 URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/tax-tools/track1099 Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 8.4/10 Official site: https://www.track1099.com/ Summary: Track1099 costs $2.99/mo. It fits freelancers who hire and pay other contractors best. It is a poor fit for solo freelancers who only receive payments (not send them). We score it 8.4/10. Key facts: - Price: $2.99/mo - Free plan: No - Free trial: Yes - Our score: 8.4/10 Best for: Freelancers who hire and pay other contractors; Small agencies that need to file 1099-NEC forms; Business owners who work with multiple subcontractors; Anyone who needs to comply with IRS 1099 reporting requirements Not for: Solo freelancers who only receive payments (not send them); Those who do not pay contractors $600+ per year; Those needing full payroll or HR software Pros: Very low per-form pricing — as low as $2.99 per 1099; Electronic W-9 collection from contractors; IRS e-filing with instant confirmation; State 1099 filing available; Integrates with QuickBooks and Xero Cons: Only handles 1099 filing — not a full payroll solution; No free tier for production filing; Per-form pricing can add up with many contractors FAQ: - Q: When do I need to file a 1099 as a freelancer? A: You must file a 1099-NEC for any contractor, freelancer, or service provider you paid $600 or more during the tax year. This includes designers, writers, developers, or anyone you hired as an independent contractor. - Q: How does Track1099 compare to Gusto for 1099 filing? A: Track1099 is focused purely on 1099 compliance at low per-form pricing. Gusto includes 1099 filing as part of a full payroll and HR platform. If you only need 1099 filing, Track1099 is far more cost-effective. ### Gusto URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/tax-tools/gusto Updated: 2026-09-09 Editorial score: 9.0/10 Official site: https://gusto.com/ Summary: Gusto costs $40–$80/mo. There is a 30-day free trial. It fits s-corp freelancers who need to run payroll for themselves best. It is a poor fit for sole proprietors who do not have an s-corp structure. We score it 9.0/10. Key facts: - Price: $40–$80/mo - Free plan: No - Free trial: 30 days - Our score: 9.0/10 Best for: S-corp freelancers who need to run payroll for themselves; Freelancers who pay contractors and need 1099 management; Small agencies with W-2 employees; Those who need benefits administration alongside payroll Not for: Sole proprietors who do not have an S-corp structure; Those who just need simple invoicing or tax filing; Budget-conscious freelancers who are not yet S-corps Pros: Automated payroll with tax filing for federal and all 50 states; 1099 contractor payments and year-end forms included; Benefits administration: health, dental, 401(k); Integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, and more; Beautiful, intuitive interface loved by small business owners Cons: Expensive for what solo S-corp freelancers need; Overkill for sole proprietors who do not have S-corp structure; Per-employee pricing adds up quickly with a larger team; Some advanced HR features require higher-tier plans FAQ: - Q: Do I need Gusto as a solo S-corp freelancer? A: If you have an S-corp, you are required to pay yourself a "reasonable salary" as a W-2 employee. Gusto automates this payroll, withholds taxes, and files all required forms. It is generally the most efficient way to manage S-corp payroll. - Q: Does Gusto handle 1099 contractor payments? A: Yes. Gusto allows you to pay both W-2 employees and 1099 contractors in the same platform. At year-end, it automatically generates and files both W-2s and 1099-NECs with the IRS. ## Expat tax services ### Greenback Tax Services URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/expat-tax-services/greenback-tax-services Updated: 2026-08-26 Editorial score: 9.4/10 Official site: https://www.greenbacktaxservices.com/ Summary: Greenback Tax Services costs $189–$499/mo. It fits us expats in any country best. It is a poor fit for expats with very simple w-2-only income. We score it 9.4/10. Key facts: - Price: $189–$499/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 9.4/10 Best for: US expats in any country; Freelancers abroad with complex returns (FEIE + business income); FBAR and Form 8938 filers; Anyone who wants a dedicated CPA for their return Not for: Expats with very simple W-2-only income; Those on an extremely tight budget; Anyone needing same-day turnaround Pros: Expat-only firm — deep specialization in US expat tax law; Dedicated CPA assigned to your account; Handles FEIE, FTC, FBAR, 8938, and foreign business income; Flat-fee pricing — no hourly billing surprises; Top-rated customer service with US-based team Cons: Higher price point than DIY software; Turnaround can take 2-4 weeks during peak season; Focused on US expats — not for US-based freelancers FAQ: - Q: What makes Greenback different from other expat tax services? A: Greenback focuses exclusively on US expats. Every CPA on their team specializes in international tax law. You are paired with the same CPA year after year, building continuity in your returns. - Q: How long does it take to get my return done with Greenback? A: Typical turnaround is 2-3 weeks after submitting all your documents. During peak season (March-April), it can take 4 weeks. Expedited options are available. - Q: Does Greenback handle FBAR filing? A: Yes. Greenback offers FBAR (FinCEN 114) filing as part of their Federal + FBAR package or as a standalone add-on. This is critical for expats with non-US bank accounts over $10,000. - Q: Can Greenback help with catching up on unfiled returns? A: Yes. Greenback offers streamlined filing procedures for expats who are behind on their US taxes. This is a common situation for US citizens who did not know they needed to file while living abroad. ### BrightTax URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/expat-tax-services/brighttax Updated: 2026-08-26 Editorial score: 9.0/10 Official site: https://brighttax.com/ Summary: BrightTax costs $249–$599/mo. It fits business owners and s-corp holders abroad best. It is a poor fit for simple w-2 expats. We score it 9.0/10. Key facts: - Price: $249–$599/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 9.0/10 Best for: Business owners and S-Corp holders abroad; High-income expats with complex investments; GILTI and Subpart F situations; US expats who need tax treaty elections Not for: Simple W-2 expats; Budget-conscious filers; Anyone who wants a quick, cheap return Pros: Deep expertise in business structures and foreign entities; Strong track record with GILTI and complex international situations; Proactive tax planning — not just return preparation; Specialist teams for different countries; Year-round advisory support included Cons: Most expensive option on the market; Can be overkill for simple returns; Premium price means less suitable for lower-income expats FAQ: - Q: Is BrightTax good for expat business owners? A: BrightTax is one of the best options for US expats who own businesses abroad. They handle the complex interplay of foreign business income, GILTI, and US self-employment tax obligations. - Q: How does BrightTax compare to Greenback? A: BrightTax is better for complex business situations and high-income expats. Greenback is excellent for the majority of expats with standard W-2 or freelance income. Both have dedicated CPAs. ### Nomad Tax URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/expat-tax-services/nomad-tax Updated: 2026-08-26 Editorial score: 8.4/10 Official site: https://nomad.tax/ Summary: Nomad Tax costs $149–$249/mo. It fits digital nomads moving between countries best. It is a poor fit for expats with established residency in one country. We score it 8.4/10. Key facts: - Price: $149–$249/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.4/10 Best for: Digital nomads moving between countries; Physical presence test FEIE filers; Freelancers on nomad/digital nomad visas; Budget-conscious expats who still want professional help Not for: Expats with established residency in one country; Business owners with complex entities; Anyone who needs in-depth tax planning beyond the basics Pros: Most affordable professional expat tax service; Specialized in nomad-specific scenarios (multiple countries, short stays); Physical presence test tracking assistance; Remote-first workflow — easy document sharing; US-based CPAs who travel themselves Cons: Less depth for complex business structures; Smaller team than Greenback or BrightTax; Limited support for non-standard situations FAQ: - Q: What is the physical presence test and does Nomad Tax handle it? A: The physical presence test requires you to be outside the US for at least 330 full days in a 12-month period to claim the FEIE. Nomad Tax specializes in tracking your travel days and ensuring your FEIE claim is accurate. - Q: Can Nomad Tax help if I am in multiple countries in one year? A: Yes — this is their specialty. Nomad Tax is designed for people who moved through 3, 5, or even 10 countries in a single year and need help sorting out their tax obligations. ### Taxes for Expats URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/expat-tax-services/taxes-for-expats Updated: 2026-08-26 Editorial score: 9.0/10 Official site: https://www.taxesforexpats.com/ Summary: Taxes for Expats costs $275–$695/mo. It fits us expats who want an experienced, established service best. It is a poor fit for expats with extremely simple w-2-only situations who want the cheapest option. We score it 9.0/10. Key facts: - Price: $275–$695/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 9.0/10 Best for: US expats who want an experienced, established service; Those with FBAR and FATCA obligations; Expats using streamlined filing to catch up on unfiled returns; Americans abroad with freelance or business income Not for: Expats with extremely simple W-2-only situations who want the cheapest option; Those who prefer a DIY software approach Pros: Over 20 years of US expat tax experience; Full FEIE, FTC, FBAR, and FATCA expertise; Streamlined filing procedures for delinquent filers; Flat-fee pricing with no billing surprises; Strong reputation and thousands of positive client reviews Cons: More expensive than DIY expat software; Turnaround can be several weeks during peak filing season; Online-only service — no in-person meetings FAQ: - Q: What is streamlined filing and does Taxes for Expats handle it? A: Streamlined filing is an IRS procedure that allows US citizens who were unaware of their filing obligations to catch up on past returns with reduced or eliminated penalties. Taxes for Expats specializes in this procedure. - Q: How does Taxes for Expats compare to Greenback? A: Both are well-established expat tax services with flat-fee pricing and CPA-prepared returns. Greenback is often rated #1 for customer service; Taxes for Expats has a longer track record (since 2000). Pricing is comparable. - Q: Can Taxes for Expats handle my freelance income from abroad? A: Yes. Taxes for Expats routinely handles US expats with Schedule C (freelance) income. They will optimize between FEIE and FTC to minimize your US tax liability on foreign-earned self-employment income. ### 1040 Abroad URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/expat-tax-services/1040-abroad Updated: 2026-08-26 Editorial score: 8.4/10 Official site: https://1040abroad.com/ Summary: 1040 Abroad costs $199–$299/mo. It fits budget-conscious us expats who still want professional preparation best. It is a poor fit for highly complex situations with multiple entities and foreign corporations. We score it 8.4/10. Key facts: - Price: $199–$299/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.4/10 Best for: Budget-conscious US expats who still want professional preparation; First-time expat filers who need guidance; Freelancers abroad with straightforward income situations; Expats who want transparent pricing without surprises Not for: Highly complex situations with multiple entities and foreign corporations; Those who need in-depth tax planning beyond return preparation Pros: Competitive pricing with transparent flat fees; Founded by expats who understand the expat experience; Clear, jargon-free communication with clients; FEIE, FTC, and FBAR handling; Good turnaround times and responsive support Cons: Smaller team than Greenback or Taxes for Expats; Less suitable for highly complex business structures abroad; Limited services for very high-income or high-complexity expats FAQ: - Q: Is 1040 Abroad good for freelancers living abroad? A: Yes. 1040 Abroad handles Schedule C (freelance) income alongside FEIE and FBAR obligations, which is the common combination for US digital nomads and expat freelancers. - Q: How long does 1040 Abroad take to file my return? A: Typical turnaround is 1-2 weeks after you submit your documents. They offer an expedited option if you need your return filed faster. - Q: Can 1040 Abroad help me if I have never filed as an expat? A: Yes. 1040 Abroad helps first-time expat filers navigate their obligations, including helping you choose between FEIE and FTC and ensuring your first expat return is filed correctly. ### MyExpatTaxes URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/expat-tax-services/myexpattaxes Updated: 2026-08-26 Editorial score: 8.0/10 Official site: https://www.myexpattaxes.com/ Summary: MyExpatTaxes costs $149–$199/mo. It fits expats with straightforward tax situations who want to diy best. It is a poor fit for expats with complex business structures or foreign entities. We score it 8.0/10. Key facts: - Price: $149–$199/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.0/10 Best for: Expats with straightforward tax situations who want to DIY; Budget-conscious expats who want to avoid professional fees; FEIE filers with single-country income; Expats comfortable with technology who want guided software Not for: Expats with complex business structures or foreign entities; Delinquent filers who need streamlined procedures; Those with high-complexity situations needing a CPA Pros: Most affordable option for professional-quality expat returns; User-friendly wizard guides you through FEIE, FTC, and FBAR; Filed in under 30 minutes for straightforward returns; FBAR filing included in the platform; European company with a strong privacy and security focus Cons: Not suitable for complex business or investment situations; Less hand-holding than a dedicated CPA service; Limited phone support; Newer platform than Greenback or Taxes for Expats FAQ: - Q: Is MyExpatTaxes software or a professional service? A: MyExpatTaxes is DIY software — you prepare and file your own return using their guided platform. There is no CPA preparing your return. An optional CPA review add-on is available. - Q: Does MyExpatTaxes handle FBAR? A: Yes. FBAR (FinCEN 114) filing is included in all MyExpatTaxes plans. You can complete it as part of the same filing process without needing a separate service. - Q: What if my situation is too complex for MyExpatTaxes? A: MyExpatTaxes works best for expats with employment income, basic freelance income, and standard FEIE or FTC situations. For foreign business entities, trusts, or delinquent filings, a full-service provider like Greenback or Taxes for Expats is recommended. ### Expat US Tax URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/expat-tax-services/expat-us-tax Updated: 2026-08-26 Editorial score: 8.2/10 Official site: https://expatustax.com/ Summary: Expat US Tax costs $229–$399/mo. It fits us expats wanting professional preparation at competitive prices best. It is a poor fit for very complex multi-entity business structures. We score it 8.2/10. Key facts: - Price: $229–$399/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.2/10 Best for: US expats wanting professional preparation at competitive prices; Freelancers abroad with Schedule C income; FBAR and FATCA filers who want expert handling; Expats who want a streamlined online document process Not for: Very complex multi-entity business structures; Those who need in-person consultation; Expats with extremely simple returns who prefer DIY Pros: Competitive pricing compared to larger expat tax firms; CPA and EA prepared returns for professional accuracy; Clean online portal for document upload and communication; FEIE, FTC, and FBAR expertise; Responsive team with good communication Cons: Smaller firm — less name recognition than Greenback or TFX; Less bandwidth during peak filing season; Fewer client reviews than established competitors FAQ: - Q: Is Expat US Tax reputable? A: Expat US Tax is a legitimate CPA-staffed tax preparation firm for US expats. While smaller than Greenback or Taxes for Expats, they have positive client reviews and qualified preparers. - Q: Do they handle both FEIE and Foreign Tax Credit? A: Yes. Expat US Tax handles both FEIE (Form 2555) and Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116) and will advise which option results in a lower US tax liability for your specific situation. ### H&R Block Expat Tax URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/expat-tax-services/hr-block-expat Updated: 2026-08-26 Editorial score: 8.2/10 Official site: https://www.hrblock.com/expat-tax-preparation/ Summary: H&R Block Expat Tax costs $99–$299/mo. It fits expats who trust established brands for tax preparation best. It is a poor fit for expats with highly complex foreign business structures. We score it 8.2/10. Key facts: - Price: $99–$299/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.2/10 Best for: Expats who trust established brands for tax preparation; Budget-conscious expats who want professional help at lower prices; Those who want access to the H&R Block support network; US expats with straightforward to moderately complex returns Not for: Expats with highly complex foreign business structures; Those who need specialized digital nomad tax expertise; Expats who prefer boutique specialist firms Pros: Most affordable professional expat tax service on the market; Backed by the H&R Block brand and resources; Covers FEIE, FTC, FBAR, and Schedule C; Access to live tax professional support; Good for expats who already use H&R Block for US taxes Cons: Expat specialization is less deep than dedicated expat-only firms; Generalist brand — expat service is one of many offerings; Some expats report less personalized service than boutique firms FAQ: - Q: Is H&R Block good for US expats? A: H&R Block offers a solid expat tax service at competitive prices. For straightforward expat situations, it is a good value. For very complex situations, a dedicated expat-only firm like Greenback or BrightTax may offer more specialized expertise. - Q: How does H&R Block Expat compare to Greenback Tax Services? A: Greenback specializes exclusively in expat taxes and often provides more personalized service. H&R Block is less expensive and backed by a larger brand. Greenback wins on specialization; H&R Block wins on price and brand recognition. - Q: Does H&R Block handle FBAR for expats? A: Yes. H&R Block's expat tax service includes FBAR (FinCEN 114) filing for US expats with foreign bank accounts exceeding $10,000 at any point during the year. ### Tax Samaritan URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/expat-tax-services/tax-samaritan Updated: 2026-08-26 Editorial score: 8.8/10 Official site: https://www.taxsamaritan.com/ Summary: Tax Samaritan costs $295–$695/mo. It fits self-employed us expats and digital nomads best. It is a poor fit for expats with very simple salaried income and no foreign accounts. We score it 8.8/10. Key facts: - Price: $295–$695/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.8/10 Best for: Self-employed US expats and digital nomads; Freelancers with foreign income and self-employment tax obligations; Expats needing FBAR and FATCA compliance help; Those who want a dedicated tax professional Not for: Expats with very simple salaried income and no foreign accounts; Those looking for the cheapest DIY option; Non-US taxpayers Pros: Specializes in self-employed expats and digital nomads; Flat-fee pricing with no hourly billing; Dedicated CPA or EA assigned to each client; Strong knowledge of FEIE, FTC, FBAR, and FATCA; Good customer reviews for responsiveness Cons: Higher cost than DIY software; Smaller firm — may have limited bandwidth during peak season; No free consultation before engaging FAQ: - Q: Is Tax Samaritan good for freelancers living abroad? A: Yes. Tax Samaritan specifically markets to self-employed expats and digital nomads, making them one of the better options if you have both foreign income and self-employment obligations. - Q: Does Tax Samaritan handle FBAR filing? A: Yes. FBAR (FinCEN 114) filing is available as part of their service packages, and their team is experienced with the foreign account thresholds and disclosure requirements. - Q: How does Tax Samaritan compare to Greenback? A: Both are expat-focused boutique firms with flat-fee pricing. Greenback is more widely recognized and has a larger client base. Tax Samaritan is particularly strong for self-employed expats. Pricing is comparable between the two. ### Protax Consulting Services URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/expat-tax-services/protax-consulting Updated: 2026-08-26 Editorial score: 8.6/10 Official site: https://protaxconsulting.com/ Summary: Protax Consulting Services costs $350–$750/mo. It fits expats with complex international tax situations best. It is a poor fit for expats with simple salaried income. We score it 8.6/10. Key facts: - Price: $350–$750/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.6/10 Best for: Expats with complex international tax situations; Foreign nationals with US income; Business owners with cross-border structures; Those needing tax treaty analysis Not for: Expats with simple salaried income; Budget-conscious filers; Those who prefer a fully digital experience Pros: Deep expertise in complex US international tax law; Handles foreign corporations, treaties, and cross-border structures; Team includes both CPAs and tax attorneys; Strong reputation in the expat community; Based in New York with US-based professionals Cons: Higher price point than most expat tax services; More suitable for complex situations than simple returns; Less digital-forward than some competitors FAQ: - Q: What makes Protax different from other expat tax services? A: Protax handles highly complex international tax situations including foreign corporations, tax treaties, and cross-border business structures. They are better suited for expats with complicated financial lives than those with simple salaried income abroad. - Q: Does Protax work with foreign nationals in the US? A: Yes. Protax serves both US expats abroad and foreign nationals with US tax obligations, including those on work visas or with US-source income. ### Golding & Golding International Tax Lawyers URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/expat-tax-services/golding-golding Updated: 2026-08-26 Editorial score: 8.4/10 Official site: https://www.goldinglawyers.com/ Summary: Golding & Golding International Tax Lawyers costs $500–$750/mo. It fits expats with unfiled or delinquent tax returns best. It is a poor fit for expats with simple, compliant tax situations. We score it 8.4/10. Key facts: - Price: $500–$750/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.4/10 Best for: Expats with unfiled or delinquent tax returns; Those needing Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures; FBAR penalty defense and offshore disclosure; Expats with unreported foreign accounts or assets Not for: Expats with simple, compliant tax situations; Those just needing annual return preparation; Budget-conscious filers Pros: Specialized in IRS offshore compliance and voluntary disclosure; Expert in Streamlined Filing and OVDP programs; Attorney-client privilege for sensitive situations; Strong track record with FBAR penalty abatement; Highly detailed educational content on their website Cons: Higher cost than standard expat tax prep firms; Best for compliance issues — not for routine annual filing; Legal firm, not a traditional tax preparation service FAQ: - Q: What is the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedure? A: The IRS Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures allow US taxpayers who non-willfully failed to file taxes or report foreign accounts to come into compliance with reduced penalties. Golding & Golding specializes in guiding clients through this program. - Q: Is Golding & Golding right for expats with unfiled returns? A: Yes. If you are behind on US tax filings while living abroad, Golding & Golding is one of the most experienced firms for getting you caught up through the IRS's amnesty programs with minimal penalties. ### HTJ Tax URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/expat-tax-services/htj-tax Updated: 2026-08-26 Editorial score: 8.2/10 Official site: https://htj.tax/ Summary: HTJ Tax costs $250–$900/mo. It fits digital nomads seeking tax optimization best. It is a poor fit for expats with simple salaried income. We score it 8.2/10. Key facts: - Price: $250–$900/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.2/10 Best for: Digital nomads seeking tax optimization; Expat entrepreneurs with foreign business structures; Those exploring territorial tax countries; US expats with complex cross-border business income Not for: Expats with simple salaried income; Those not interested in tax planning — only compliance; US residents who are not living abroad Pros: Strong focus on tax optimization strategies for nomads and expats; Experienced with foreign business structures and territorial tax systems; Active YouTube and podcast presence with free educational content; Works with clients in many countries simultaneously; Entrepreneurial-friendly approach Cons: Tax optimization advice can be aggressive — requires careful implementation; Less suitable for simple annual return filing; Pricing can vary widely by service complexity FAQ: - Q: Does HTJ Tax help digital nomads reduce their tax burden legally? A: Yes. HTJ Tax specializes in legal tax optimization strategies for location-independent entrepreneurs including territorial tax residencies, foreign earned income exclusion, and cross-border business structuring. - Q: Is HTJ Tax suitable for simple US expat returns? A: They can handle standard expat returns, but their expertise shines brightest for complex tax optimization scenarios. For a simple annual return, a more affordable service might be more cost-effective. ### Taxback International URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/expat-tax-services/taxback-international Updated: 2026-08-26 Editorial score: 8.0/10 Official site: https://www.taxback.com/ Summary: Taxback International costs $149–$299/mo. It fits expats with tax obligations in multiple countries best. It is a poor fit for us-only expat situations with one country of residence. We score it 8.0/10. Key facts: - Price: $149–$299/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.0/10 Best for: Expats with tax obligations in multiple countries; Those who have lived in several countries and need catch-up filing; Expats seeking tax refunds from foreign countries; Multinational employees with complex residency situations Not for: US-only expat situations with one country of residence; Those wanting a deeply personalized boutique service; Expats with highly complex US tax issues Pros: Handles tax compliance across many countries simultaneously; Strong experience with international tax refunds; Large firm with global reach and local knowledge; Relatively competitive pricing for multi-country situations; Online portal for document submission Cons: Less specialized in complex US expat-specific issues like FEIE optimization; Customer service quality can be inconsistent; Better known for refund services than complex planning FAQ: - Q: Can Taxback International help if I have tax obligations in multiple countries? A: Yes. Taxback International is specifically well-suited for expats with multi-country tax obligations. They have local expertise in many jurisdictions and can coordinate filings across multiple countries. - Q: Does Taxback help with foreign tax refunds? A: Yes. Taxback is well-known for helping expats and travelers claim tax refunds from countries where they overpaid taxes, including from payroll withholding during short-term work assignments. ### Expat Tax Professionals URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/expat-tax-services/expat-tax-professionals Updated: 2026-08-26 Editorial score: 8.4/10 Official site: https://www.expattaxprofessionals.com/ Summary: Expat Tax Professionals costs $199–$549/mo. It fits us expats wanting affordable full-service cpa filing best. It is a poor fit for expats with extremely complex multi-entity international structures. We score it 8.4/10. Key facts: - Price: $199–$549/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.4/10 Best for: US expats wanting affordable full-service CPA filing; Freelancers abroad with FEIE and Schedule C needs; Expats in over 100 countries; Those who want flat-fee pricing without surprises Not for: Expats with extremely complex multi-entity international structures; Those needing tax planning or optimization beyond compliance; Non-US taxpayers Pros: Flat-fee pricing among the most affordable for full-service CPA filing; Serves expats in over 100 countries; CPAs and IRS Enrolled Agents on staff; Handles FEIE, FTC, FBAR, and self-employment income; Good turnaround times and responsive support Cons: Less name recognition than Greenback or H&R Block; May not handle the most complex international structures; Limited tax planning and advisory services beyond compliance FAQ: - Q: How does Expat Tax Professionals compare to Greenback? A: Both are expat-focused flat-fee CPA services. Expat Tax Professionals generally comes in slightly less expensive for comparable services. Greenback has more brand recognition and marketing. Quality of service is comparable between the two. - Q: Do they handle freelancers with both FEIE and Schedule C? A: Yes. This is a common combination for US expat freelancers, and Expat Tax Professionals handles it within their self-employed expat package. ### Online Taxman URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/expat-tax-services/online-taxman Updated: 2026-08-26 Editorial score: 8.6/10 Official site: https://onlinetaxman.com/ Summary: Online Taxman costs $219–$419/mo. It fits tech-savvy expats who prefer a digital-first experience best. It is a poor fit for expats needing highly complex cross-border business structuring. We score it 8.6/10. Key facts: - Price: $219–$419/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.6/10 Best for: Tech-savvy expats who prefer a digital-first experience; Those with FEIE, foreign pension, or foreign rental income; Expats who want flat-fee CPA filing without meeting in person; Americans abroad in most countries Not for: Expats needing highly complex cross-border business structuring; Those who prefer in-person or phone-heavy service; Non-US taxpayers Pros: Founded by a CPA with personal expat experience; Fully online process designed for expat convenience; Flat-fee pricing with no hidden charges; Handles common expat situations cleanly: FEIE, FBAR, foreign pensions; Responsive and well-reviewed customer support Cons: Less suitable for very complex multi-entity international situations; Smaller team than large services like Greenback; Limited availability of advisory and planning services FAQ: - Q: Who founded Online Taxman? A: Online Taxman was founded by Vincenzo Villamena, a CPA who lived abroad and wanted to create a better, more digital-friendly expat tax service. His firsthand expat experience shaped the service's approach. - Q: Is Online Taxman suitable for freelancers with Schedule C? A: Yes. Their Self-Employed Expat package handles Schedule C, self-employment tax, FEIE, and FBAR — the typical combination for US freelancers living abroad. ### ExpatFile URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/expat-tax-services/expat-file Updated: 2026-08-26 Editorial score: 8.0/10 Official site: https://www.expatfile.tax/ Summary: ExpatFile costs $189–$279/mo. It fits cost-conscious expats comfortable doing their own taxes best. It is a poor fit for expats with complex situations requiring professional advice. We score it 8.0/10. Key facts: - Price: $189–$279/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.0/10 Best for: Cost-conscious expats comfortable doing their own taxes; Expats with straightforward situations (salaried income abroad, FEIE); Those who want expat-specific guidance without paying CPA fees; Tech-savvy expats who prefer self-service Not for: Expats with complex situations requiring professional advice; Those needing FBAR filing assistance (not included); Self-employed expats with complicated business income Pros: Only major tax software built exclusively for US expats; Walks through FEIE and FTC with expat-specific guidance; Most affordable option among expat-focused services; Intuitive interview-style interface; Flat-fee with no per-form charges Cons: Self-guided — no CPA review included in base price; FBAR filing not included — must file separately; Not suitable for very complex expat situations; Less hand-holding than full-service CPA options FAQ: - Q: How is ExpatFile different from TurboTax for expats? A: ExpatFile is built specifically for expats. TurboTax is a general-purpose software that handles expat situations but requires more navigation to reach the right forms. ExpatFile's entire flow is designed around FEIE, foreign addresses, and expat-specific scenarios. - Q: Does ExpatFile include FBAR filing? A: No. ExpatFile handles the US income tax return but does not include FBAR (FinCEN 114) filing. You need to file FBAR separately through the BSA e-filing system or a service that includes FBAR. ### Universal Tax Professionals URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/expat-tax-services/universal-tax-professionals Updated: 2026-08-26 Editorial score: 8.2/10 Official site: https://www.universaltaxprofessionals.com/ Summary: Universal Tax Professionals costs $249–$599/mo. It fits expats who value direct access to their tax professional best. It is a poor fit for expats needing highly complex international tax planning. We score it 8.2/10. Key facts: - Price: $249–$599/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 8.2/10 Best for: Expats who value direct access to their tax professional; Americans abroad who want a relationship-based service; Self-employed expats with FEIE and Schedule C needs; Those who want consistent year-over-year service from the same professional Not for: Expats needing highly complex international tax planning; Those looking for the lowest possible price; Expats who prefer a self-service digital experience Pros: High-touch, relationship-based approach with direct CPA/EA access; Strong reputation for communication and responsiveness; Handles FEIE, FTC, FBAR, FATCA, and self-employment income; Flat-fee pricing without billing surprises; Good for ongoing multi-year client relationships Cons: Less well-known than larger services like Greenback; Boutique firm may have limited capacity during peak tax season; Not the best fit for highly complex cross-border structures FAQ: - Q: Can I work with the same tax professional year after year at Universal Tax Professionals? A: Yes. Universal Tax Professionals emphasizes continuity and relationship-based service, which means you can typically work with the same CPA or EA each year — a significant advantage for expats with ongoing obligations. - Q: How does Universal Tax Professionals compare to MyExpatTaxes? A: MyExpatTaxes is a self-guided software option at lower price points. Universal Tax Professionals provides full-service CPA preparation with direct professional access, making it better for expats who want professional handling rather than a DIY approach. ### American Expat Tax Services URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/expat-tax-services/american-expat-tax Updated: 2026-08-26 Editorial score: 7.8/10 Official site: https://americanexpattax.com/ Summary: American Expat Tax Services costs $179–$329/mo. It fits budget-conscious us expats who still want professional preparation best. It is a poor fit for expats with highly complex multi-entity international situations. We score it 7.8/10. Key facts: - Price: $179–$329/mo - Free plan: No - Our score: 7.8/10 Best for: Budget-conscious US expats who still want professional preparation; Americans abroad with standard expat situations; Expats who want flat-fee pricing without paying premium CPA rates; First-time expat filers Not for: Expats with highly complex multi-entity international situations; Those needing deep tax planning and advisory services; Expats with large foreign asset portfolios requiring complex FATCA reporting Pros: Among the most affordable flat-fee expat CPA services; Transparent pricing with no hidden fees; Handles FEIE, FTC, FBAR, and Schedule C; Good option for first-time expat filers; Straightforward process with clear communication Cons: Less specialized than top-tier boutique firms; Not ideal for complex international tax situations; Less prominent reputation in the expat community FAQ: - Q: Is American Expat Tax Services reliable for first-time expat filers? A: Yes. They provide a clear, guided process and are a good choice for expats who are filing their first return from abroad. Their flat-fee model prevents billing surprises, which is reassuring for newcomers. - Q: How does American Expat Tax Services compare to Greenback in price? A: American Expat Tax Services generally charges less than Greenback for comparable services. The trade-off is that Greenback has a larger team, more name recognition, and a slightly more polished client experience. ## Comparisons ### QuickBooks Self-Employed vs FreshBooks URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/compare/quickbooks-vs-freshbooks Updated: 2026-08-19 Summary: QuickBooks Self-Employed and FreshBooks are two of the most popular accounting tools for freelancers. They overlap in core features but are designed for different primary use cases — QuickBooks shines for tax prep while FreshBooks leads in client-facing invoicing. ### Wave vs FreshBooks URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/compare/wave-vs-freshbooks Updated: 2026-08-19 Summary: Wave is free; FreshBooks costs $17-60/month. The question is whether FreshBooks' premium features are worth the cost for your specific freelancing business. Here is our honest breakdown. ### Xero vs QuickBooks Self-Employed URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/compare/xero-vs-quickbooks Updated: 2026-08-19 Summary: Xero and QuickBooks are both excellent accounting platforms, but they serve different needs. Xero excels for growing businesses with international clients and complex integrations. QuickBooks Self-Employed is purpose-built for US freelancers who need quarterly tax tracking and Schedule C prep. ### TurboTax vs H&R Block Self-Employed 2026 URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/compare/turbotax-vs-hrblock-self-employed Updated: 2026-08-19 Summary: TurboTax and H&R Block are the two dominant tax software brands in the US. Both offer comprehensive Self-Employed versions that handle Schedule C, 1099 income, and self-employment tax. The key difference is price, polish, and integration with other financial tools. ### Bench vs Pilot URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/compare/bench-vs-pilot Updated: 2026-08-19 Summary: Bench and Pilot are both online bookkeeping services where real humans handle your books each month. Bench is designed for small businesses and freelancers; Pilot targets venture-backed startups and growing companies. Both are significantly more expensive than DIY software. ### Greenback Tax Services vs BrightTax URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/compare/greenback-vs-brighttax Updated: 2026-08-19 Summary: Greenback and BrightTax are both top-tier US expat tax CPA services. Both specialize exclusively in Americans abroad. The choice between them comes down to complexity of your situation and price sensitivity. ### Wise Business vs Revolut Business URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/compare/wise-vs-revolut Updated: 2026-08-19 Summary: Wise and Revolut are the two most popular multi-currency account options for freelancers who work with international clients. Both allow you to hold multiple currencies and make cheap international transfers — but they have different strengths. ### Relay vs Mercury 2026: Which Is Better? URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/compare/relay-vs-mercury Updated: 2026-08-19 Summary: Relay and Mercury are the two most popular free business bank accounts for freelancers and solopreneurs. Both have no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and solid accounting integrations. The choice comes down to your specific needs: Relay excels at cash flow management; Mercury shines for tech-forward businesses and yield. FAQ: - Q: Is Relay or Mercury better for freelancers? A: Both are excellent free business bank accounts. Relay is better if you want built-in cash flow management — create up to 20 sub-accounts and automatically route a percentage of every deposit to dedicated buckets (tax reserve, savings, operating). Mercury is better if you want higher yield on your cash balance (4%+ APY) or API access. Many freelancers use both for different purposes. - Q: Is Relay truly free for freelancers? A: Yes. Relay's basic plan has no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and no transaction limits. You get up to 20 free checking accounts and 2 debit cards. The optional Relay Pro plan ($30/month) adds debit card cashback and priority support, but most freelancers don't need it. - Q: Does Mercury offer interest on business checking accounts? A: Yes — which is unusual for a free business bank account. Mercury's regular checking account earns yield on balances. Mercury Savings earns 4%+ APY. On a $20,000 balance, the annual interest earnings difference between Mercury and a traditional 0% bank could be $800+. - Q: Can I use both Relay and Mercury at the same time? A: Yes, and many freelancers do. A common setup: use Relay to receive all client payments and automatically route 25% to a dedicated tax reserve sub-account. Transfer operating funds to Mercury to earn yield on your working capital. Both banks integrate with QuickBooks and Xero, so your accounting stays clean. - Q: What is Relay's automatic routing feature? A: Relay lets you create rules that automatically split incoming payments across your sub-accounts by percentage. For example: 25% → Tax Reserve account, 10% → Savings account, 65% → Operating account. Every time a client payment arrives, Relay distributes it automatically. This eliminates the discipline problem of manually moving money to savings — it happens before you even see the full amount. ## Best-of roundups ### Best Expat Tax Services for Americans Abroad (2026) URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/best/expat-tax-services-americans-abroad Updated: 2026-08-19 Summary: We evaluated the top US expat tax services on expertise, pricing, turnaround time, CPA availability, and experience with complex situations including FEIE, Foreign Tax Credits, FBAR, and business income from abroad. FAQ: - Q: Do Americans abroad still have to file US taxes? A: Yes. The US taxes its citizens and green card holders on worldwide income regardless of where they live, and the filing obligation is unaffected by paying tax in your country of residence. What changes is how much you end up owing: the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and the Foreign Tax Credit exist to stop the same income being taxed twice, but both must be claimed on a filed return. Filing is also what starts the statute of limitations — an unfiled year stays open indefinitely. - Q: How much does an expat tax service cost? A: Expect $149 to $295 for a straightforward current-year federal return from a specialist. Nomad Tax starts at $149, Greenback Tax Services at $189, and BrightTax at $249. Returns with foreign business income, rental property, multiple countries in one year, or a streamlined filing for missed years cost more, and FBAR is often billed separately. Because these services price per form rather than per hour, ask for a written quote listing which forms the price covers. - Q: Should I claim the FEIE or the Foreign Tax Credit? A: It depends on your host country's tax rate. In a low-tax or no-tax country the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion usually wins — it excludes up to $132,900 of earned income for 2026. In a high-tax country the Foreign Tax Credit usually wins, because the credit for tax you already paid abroad can exceed what the exclusion saves, and it leaves you with taxable compensation that supports IRA and Solo 401(k) contributions. Switching from the exclusion back to the credit also has a five-year lockout, so the first-year choice matters. Our FEIE vs FTC calculator runs both. - Q: What is FBAR and do I need to file one? A: FBAR is FinCEN Form 114, a report of foreign financial accounts filed separately from your tax return. You must file it if the combined maximum balance of all your foreign accounts exceeded $10,000 at any point during the year. It is an aggregate test across every account you own or can sign for, not a per-account one, which is why people with several small accounts often qualify without realising. The FBAR reports balances only and creates no tax on its own; the penalties for not filing it are what make it matter. - Q: Do freelancers abroad still pay self-employment tax? A: Usually yes. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion applies to income tax, not to self-employment tax, so a US freelancer abroad still owes 15.3% on net earnings even when the exclusion reduces their income tax to zero. The exception is a totalization agreement: the US has them with roughly 30 countries, and where one applies and you pay into the local social security system instead, you can be exempt from US self-employment tax with a certificate of coverage. This is one of the clearest reasons to use a preparer who works on expat returns daily. ### Best Tax Software for Self-Employed & Freelancers (2026) URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/best/tax-software-self-employed Updated: 2026-08-19 Summary: We tested the top tax software options for self-employed workers, focusing on Schedule C handling, 1099 income support, deduction finding, and ease of use for non-accountants. These are our top picks for the 2026 tax year. FAQ: - Q: What is the best tax software for self-employed people in 2026? A: TurboTax Self-Employed is the most comprehensive for complex returns, but H&R Block Self-Employed is the best value — it covers all the same Schedule C territory and includes state filing for $85 vs. TurboTax's $193 (federal + state). Keeper at $16/month is best if you want year-round deduction monitoring integrated with tax filing. For simple situations on a tight budget, FreeTaxUSA handles Schedule C correctly for $15 total. - Q: Do I need the self-employed version of TurboTax or H&R Block? A: Yes. Standard editions (Free, Deluxe, Premier) do not include Schedule C support. You must use TurboTax Self-Employed ($129) or H&R Block Self-Employed ($85) — or their equivalent Home & Business desktop versions — to correctly report self-employment income and deductions. Using a cheaper version that does not support Schedule C will result in an incomplete or incorrect return. - Q: How does Keeper compare to TurboTax for self-employed? A: Keeper and TurboTax serve different needs. TurboTax is a once-a-year tax filing tool with strong interview-style guidance. Keeper is a year-round expense tracking app that also files your taxes. Keeper connects to your bank accounts and credit cards, uses AI to identify tax-deductible expenses in real time, and builds your deduction list automatically throughout the year. At tax time, it files using what it has already tracked. TurboTax requires you to remember and enter your deductions manually. - Q: Can self-employed people use free tax software? A: Very few free tax software options support Schedule C. The IRS Free File program offers free filing for taxpayers with income under $79,000, but most participating providers exclude Schedule C. FreeTaxUSA is the notable exception — it handles Schedule C correctly at $15 total (federal free, state $15). It provides minimal guidance but is accurate. TurboTax Free Edition and H&R Block Free Online do not support Schedule C. - Q: What deductions can self-employed people claim in 2026? A: Self-employed workers can deduct: home office (up to $1,500 via simplified method or actual expenses), business equipment and software, vehicle mileage (67 cents/mile in 2025 rate; 2026 rate TBD), health insurance premiums (100% deductible if you are not eligible for employer coverage), retirement contributions (up to $70,000 via Solo 401k or SEP IRA), professional development and education, business travel, subscriptions and professional memberships, and 50% of meals with clients. Self-employment tax itself is 50% deductible (above the line on Schedule 1). ### Best Free Invoicing Tools for Freelancers (2026) URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/best/free-invoicing-tools-freelancers Updated: 2026-08-19 Summary: You should not pay to invoice your clients. We tested the best free invoicing tools for freelancers — comparing invoice quality, customization, payment processing fees, and whether they track expenses and time as well. FAQ: - Q: What is the best completely free invoicing tool for freelancers? A: Wave. It is free with no cap on invoices, clients or users, and unlike most free tiers it includes full double-entry accounting rather than invoicing alone. Wave makes its money on payment processing, so the software stays free whether or not you use it to collect payment. The main limitations are that support is thinner than a paid product and there is no time tracking or proposal feature. - Q: Do free invoicing tools charge payment processing fees? A: Yes, and this is the real cost of a free plan. Card processing is typically around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, so collecting a $3,000 invoice by card costs roughly $87. ACH or bank transfer is usually near 1% and often capped at a few dollars. You can avoid the fee entirely by invoicing for bank transfer and having clients pay outside the platform, at the cost of losing automatic payment reconciliation. - Q: Can I deduct invoicing software on my taxes? A: Yes. Invoicing and accounting software is an ordinary and necessary business expense, deductible on Schedule C under software or office expense. Payment processing fees are separately deductible as bank and merchant fees, and they are easy to miss because they are netted out of what lands in your account rather than billed to you. Track the gross invoice amount and the fee separately so both appear in your books. - Q: Should I use free invoicing software or pay for a full accounting tool? A: Free is the right answer while invoicing is your only requirement and your expense tracking lives somewhere else. Paid becomes worth it once you want one system that produces both the invoice and the tax picture — QuickBooks Self-Employed at $15/month estimates quarterly taxes and sorts expenses into Schedule C categories, which is work you would otherwise do by hand. The deciding question is not price but whether you are reconciling two systems every month. ### Best Bookkeeping Services for Solopreneurs (2026) URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/best/bookkeeping-services-solopreneurs Updated: 2026-08-19 Summary: Outsourcing your bookkeeping can save hours per month and ensure accurate books for tax time. We evaluated the top online bookkeeping services for solopreneurs and one-person businesses on price, quality, tax support, and ease of working with the team. FAQ: - Q: Do solopreneurs need a bookkeeper? A: Not always. Below roughly $50,000 of revenue with a modest transaction count, DIY software plus a separate business bank account is usually enough. A bookkeeper earns their fee once transaction volume makes monthly reconciliation a multi-hour job, once you have an S-corp election or payroll, or once the books need to be reliable for something external — a loan, an accountant, or a buyer. The test is whether bookkeeping is displacing billable work. - Q: How much does bookkeeping cost for a one-person business? A: Full-service online bookkeeping for a solopreneur starts around $299/month, which is Bench's entry pricing. DIY software costs $0 to $15/month — Wave is free, QuickBooks Self-Employed is $15/month. A local independent bookkeeper typically charges $40–$80/hour and a small business often needs three to six hours a month. Prior-year catch-up work is quoted separately in every case. - Q: Does a bookkeeping service also file my taxes? A: Usually not in the base price. Bookkeeping produces accurate books; filing a return is a separate service, sometimes offered as an add-on and sometimes not offered at all. Ask before you sign, because a bookkeeping subscription plus a separate tax preparer is a materially different annual cost from a bundled service. If you file yourself, clean books make the return straightforward — the categories map to Schedule C lines directly. - Q: Is bookkeeping software tax deductible? A: Yes. Bookkeeping software subscriptions and bookkeeping service fees are both ordinary and necessary business expenses, deductible on Schedule C — software under office or software expense, a bookkeeper's fee under legal and professional services. The same applies to the tax preparation portion attributable to your business return. - Q: What is the single best thing I can do to make bookkeeping easier? A: Open a dedicated business bank account and run every business transaction through it, with no personal spending mixed in. Commingled accounts are the main reason bookkeeping becomes expensive: someone has to sort personal from business line by line, and that someone bills by the hour. Separating accounts costs nothing, roughly halves the monthly work, and makes the business side of your finances defensible if it is ever questioned. ### Best Tax Filing Software for Freelancers 2026 URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/best/tax-filing-software-freelancers Updated: 2026-08-19 Summary: Filing taxes as a freelancer means dealing with Schedule C, self-employment tax, quarterly estimated payments, and potentially state returns. We tested the top tax filing software for freelancers on Schedule C completeness, 1099 handling, deduction finding, and value. FAQ: - Q: Do freelancers need special tax software? A: Yes — freelancers need tax software that supports Schedule C (profit/loss from business), Schedule SE (self-employment tax), and quarterly estimated payment calculations. Standard W-2 editions of TurboTax or H&R Block do not include these forms. You specifically need the Self-Employed or Home & Business tier from any major tax software provider. - Q: Is TurboTax or H&R Block better for freelancers? A: TurboTax Self-Employed is more thorough — it covers 500+ deduction categories and has the most polished interview-style guidance for Schedule C filers. H&R Block Self-Employed is better value — it includes state filing in the base price ($85 vs TurboTax's $129 federal-only), making it the smarter pick if your return is relatively straightforward. - Q: How much does it cost to file freelancer taxes? A: Using DIY tax software, expect to pay $85–$193 depending on the product and whether state filing is included. TurboTax Self-Employed is $129 federal + ~$64 per state. H&R Block Self-Employed is $85 with one state return included. Keeper costs $16/month ($192/year) but includes year-round expense tracking. A professional CPA or enrolled agent will typically charge $400–$800 for a self-employed return. - Q: Can I deduct the cost of tax software? A: Yes. The cost of tax preparation software is deductible as a business expense on Schedule C (Line 17, "Legal and professional services" or "Other expenses"). If you use the software for both personal and business returns, you should only deduct the portion attributable to your business taxes. Keep your receipt — this applies to TurboTax, H&R Block, Keeper, and any other software you use to prepare your self-employment return. - Q: When are freelancer tax deadlines in 2026? A: For the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026): the federal tax deadline is April 15, 2026. Quarterly estimated tax deadlines are April 15, June 16, September 15, and January 15, 2027. If you file an extension, you get until October 15, 2026 to file your return — but any taxes owed are still due by April 15. Missing quarterly estimates results in underpayment penalties, so set calendar reminders. ### Best Invoicing Tools for Freelancers 2026 URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/best/invoicing-tools-freelancers Updated: 2026-08-19 Summary: Getting paid on time starts with sending professional invoices. We compared the top invoicing tools for freelancers — looking at invoice quality, payment acceptance, automation, time tracking, and whether they scale as your business grows. FAQ: - Q: What is the best free invoicing tool for freelancers? A: Wave is the best free invoicing tool for freelancers. It offers unlimited invoices, unlimited clients, expense tracking, and online payment acceptance at no monthly cost. The only fees are credit card processing (2.9% + $0.30) and ACH transfers ($1 per transaction), which are charged when clients pay — not to you for using the software. - Q: Does FreshBooks automatically chase late invoices? A: Yes. FreshBooks has an automatic late payment reminder system — you can set it to send reminder emails at specified intervals (e.g., 3 days before due, on the due date, 7 days after). You can also configure automatic late fees that are added to the invoice after a set number of overdue days. This removes the awkward "just checking in on payment" emails from your workflow. - Q: Can I accept credit cards with Wave? A: Yes. Wave Payments lets you add a "Pay Now" button to any invoice, and clients can pay by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) or ACH bank transfer. The fee is 2.9% + $0.30 for credit cards and $1.00 flat for ACH transfers. There is no monthly fee to accept payments — you only pay per transaction. - Q: What invoicing software integrates with QuickBooks? A: QuickBooks Self-Employed has invoicing built in, so everything is in one place. If you use QuickBooks Online (a separate, more powerful product), FreshBooks offers a direct integration that syncs invoice data. Wave does not integrate directly with QuickBooks but can export data in CSV format for manual import. - Q: How do professional invoices increase payment speed? A: Professional invoices with online payment options get paid significantly faster than PDF invoices requiring a manual bank transfer. Data from FreshBooks shows invoices with online payment options are paid on average 11 days sooner. The biggest factors are: adding a clickable "Pay Now" button, clear payment terms (Net 15 vs. Net 30), and automated reminders. A branded, professional-looking invoice also signals legitimacy, which reduces payment friction for new clients. ### Best Bookkeeping Services for Freelancers 2026 URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/best/bookkeeping-services-freelancers Updated: 2026-08-19 Summary: Good bookkeeping means clean records at tax time, accurate income tracking, and a clear picture of your business finances. We ranked the best bookkeeping services for freelancers — from full-service outsourced options to affordable DIY software. FAQ: - Q: Do freelancers need a bookkeeper? A: Not necessarily, but all freelancers need bookkeeping. The question is who does it. Simple freelance finances (one income source, predictable expenses) can be managed with DIY software like Wave or QuickBooks Self-Employed for $0–$15/month. Freelancers with complex finances, multiple clients, business credit cards, or recurring tax issues will typically save money by outsourcing to a service like Bench — the improved accuracy and time savings justify the $299/month cost. - Q: Is Bench worth $299/month for freelancers? A: It depends on your income and complexity. At $299/month ($3,588/year), Bench makes financial sense if: your hourly rate is $75+ and you spend more than 4 hours/month on bookkeeping, you have had tax errors or missed deductions from sloppy books, or your business involves complexity that DIY software handles poorly. For freelancers earning $60,000+ per year with active businesses, Bench typically pays for itself through better deduction capture and time savings. - Q: What does a bookkeeper do for freelancers? A: A bookkeeper (or bookkeeping service like Bench) categorizes your income and expenses, reconciles your bank and credit card accounts monthly, produces Profit & Loss statements, and maintains clean financial records throughout the year. They do not file your taxes — that is typically a separate add-on or CPA service. But they give your accountant clean books to work from, which reduces your accounting fees and the likelihood of errors. - Q: Can I do my own bookkeeping as a freelancer? A: Yes, and most freelancers do. With Wave (free) or QuickBooks Self-Employed ($15/month), you can connect your business bank account and credit cards, let the software auto-import transactions, and spend 30–60 minutes per month categorizing expenses. At tax time, run a Profit & Loss report and use it to fill out Schedule C. This approach works well for freelancers with straightforward finances and fewer than $150,000 in annual revenue. - Q: How much does bookkeeping cost for self-employed? A: DIY bookkeeping software costs $0 (Wave) to $30/month (QuickBooks Online). Outsourced bookkeeping services start at $299/month for Bench and $399/month for Bookkeeper360. Local freelance bookkeepers typically charge $25–$60/hour or $150–$400/month on retainer for a solo business. The right choice depends on how much time you spend on it, your hourly rate, and how complex your finances are. ### Best Multi-Currency Accounts for Freelancers 2026 URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/best/multi-currency-accounts-freelancers Updated: 2026-08-19 Summary: If you work with international clients, you lose money every time you receive a payment due to wire fees and poor exchange rates. Multi-currency accounts let you hold and convert money in multiple currencies — often at the mid-market rate, saving hundreds per year. FAQ: - Q: What is the best account for receiving international payments as a freelancer? A: Wise Business is the best option for most freelancers receiving international payments. It gives you local bank account details in 10+ currencies (including EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD), so international clients can send local bank transfers instead of expensive international wires. You hold the currency in your Wise account and convert at the mid-market rate plus a transparent fee (typically 0.4–0.6%) whenever you are ready. - Q: Does Wise Business work for US freelancers? A: Yes. US-based freelancers can open a Wise Business account, though the account opening process requires a business name (you can use your own name as a sole proprietor). You will get USD account details with a US routing and account number, plus local account details in EUR, GBP, AUD, and other currencies. Wise Business is FDIC-insured up to $250,000 for US customers via their partner banks. - Q: How do I receive EUR payments as a US freelancer? A: Open a Wise Business account and get your European IBAN. Share this IBAN with your European clients as your payment account. They send a local EUR bank transfer (cheap and fast for them — no international wire fees). The EUR lands in your Wise account. You can spend it directly with the Wise debit card, hold it, or convert to USD at the mid-market rate plus Wise's 0.4–0.6% fee. This is far cheaper than receiving an international wire to a US bank account. - Q: What are the fees for Wise Business? A: Opening a Wise Business account is free (there is a one-time account opening fee of around $31 for some countries, though US accounts are typically free to open). Holding money in any currency is free. Converting between currencies costs 0.4–0.6% of the converted amount — significantly less than banks charge. Incoming local bank transfers are free. Outgoing transfers to local accounts in the same currency are free or a small flat fee. There are no monthly account fees. - Q: Is Revolut Business available in the US? A: Revolut Business has limited availability in the US compared to Europe. US business accounts exist but the feature set (particularly the multi-currency IBAN functionality that makes Revolut powerful in Europe) is more restricted for US customers. US freelancers with European clients are generally better served by Wise Business for the multi-currency layer and Mercury or Relay for primary US banking. ### Best Retirement Accounts for Freelancers 2026 URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/best/retirement-accounts-freelancers Updated: 2026-08-19 Summary: As a freelancer, you have no employer 401(k) match — but you do have access to retirement accounts with higher contribution limits than traditional W-2 employees. We ranked the best retirement options for freelancers based on contribution limits, flexibility, tax advantages, and ease of setup. FAQ: - Q: What is the best retirement account for self-employed? A: The Solo 401(k) is the best retirement account for most self-employed freelancers earning over $50,000/year in net self-employment income. It has the highest contribution limits ($70,000 in 2026), offers both traditional (pre-tax) and Roth (after-tax) contribution options, and is available for free at Fidelity, Vanguard, and Charles Schwab. For simplicity or lower income levels, a SEP IRA is easier to manage and nearly as powerful. - Q: How much can a freelancer contribute to a Solo 401k in 2026? A: Up to $70,000 in 2026. This is split between an "employee" contribution of up to $23,500 and an "employer" contribution of up to 25% of net self-employment income. For example, a freelancer with $120,000 in net self-employment income could contribute $23,500 (employee) + $27,720 (employer, which is approximately 25% of adjusted net earnings) = $51,220 total. - Q: What is the SEP IRA contribution limit for 2026? A: The SEP IRA contribution limit for 2026 is the lesser of $70,000 or 25% of net self-employment income. In practice, this means most freelancers reach lower actual limits than the Solo 401(k) because of the 25% income cap. A freelancer with $60,000 in net self-employment income can contribute approximately $11,000 to a SEP IRA vs. up to $34,500 in a Solo 401(k). The advantage of a SEP IRA is simplicity — no IRS Form 5500 filing, and you can open and fund it as late as your tax return due date. - Q: Can I have both a SEP IRA and a Solo 401k? A: Technically you cannot have both a SEP IRA and a Solo 401(k) for the same self-employment business in the same year — the IRS limits combined contributions across these accounts. However, if you have W-2 income from an employer and self-employment income, you may be able to use a 401(k) from your employer alongside a SEP IRA for your self-employment income. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation. Most freelancers should choose one — Solo 401(k) if maximizing contributions, SEP IRA if prioritizing simplicity. - Q: When is the deadline to open a Solo 401k? A: A Solo 401(k) must be established by December 31 of the tax year you want to make contributions for. You cannot open a Solo 401(k) in April 2027 and retroactively contribute for 2026 — the account must exist by year-end. However, you can fund the account (make the actual contributions) up to your tax filing deadline including extensions (October 15, 2027 for 2026 taxes, if you file an extension). The key: open the account before December 31, 2026, even if you fund it later. ## State tax guides ### Freelance Taxes in Alabama URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/alabama Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Alabama income tax up to 5%; estimated payments required at $500. Paid via My Alabama Taxes. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 5% - Estimated payments at: $500+ owed - Agency: Alabama Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Alaska URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/alaska Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Alaska has no state income tax — federal self-employment and income tax only. Key facts: - State income tax: No state income tax - Agency: Alaska Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Arizona URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/arizona Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Arizona income tax 2.5% flat; estimated payments required at $1,000. Paid via AZTaxes.gov. Key facts: - State income tax: 2.5% flat - Estimated payments at: $1,000+ owed - Agency: Arizona Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Arkansas URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/arkansas Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Arkansas income tax up to 4.7%; estimated payments required at $1,000. Paid via Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 4.7% - Estimated payments at: $1,000+ owed - Agency: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration ### Freelance Taxes in California URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/california Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: California income tax up to 13.3%; estimated payments required at $500. Paid via FTB Web Pay. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 13.3% - Estimated payments at: $500+ owed - Agency: California Franchise Tax Board ### Freelance Taxes in Colorado URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/colorado Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Colorado income tax 4.4% flat; estimated payments required at $1,000. Paid via Revenue Online. Key facts: - State income tax: 4.4% flat - Estimated payments at: $1,000+ owed - Agency: Colorado Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Connecticut URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/connecticut Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Connecticut income tax up to 6.99%; estimated payments required at $1,000. Paid via myconneCT. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 6.99% - Estimated payments at: $1,000+ owed - Agency: Connecticut Department of Revenue Services ### Freelance Taxes in Delaware URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/delaware Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Delaware income tax up to 6.6%; estimated payments required at $400. Paid via Delaware Taxpayer Portal. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 6.6% - Estimated payments at: $400+ owed - Agency: Delaware Division of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Florida URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/florida Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Florida has no state income tax — federal self-employment and income tax only. Key facts: - State income tax: No state income tax - Agency: Florida Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Georgia URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/georgia Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Georgia income tax 5.49% flat; estimated payments required at $500. Paid via Georgia Tax Center. Key facts: - State income tax: 5.49% flat - Estimated payments at: $500+ owed - Agency: Georgia Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Hawaii URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/hawaii Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Hawaii income tax up to 11%; estimated payments required at $500. Paid via Hawaii Tax Online. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 11% - Estimated payments at: $500+ owed - Agency: Hawaii Department of Taxation ### Freelance Taxes in Idaho URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/idaho Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Idaho income tax 5.8% flat; estimated payments required at $500. Paid via Taxpayer Access Point. Key facts: - State income tax: 5.8% flat - Estimated payments at: $500+ owed - Agency: Idaho State Tax Commission ### Freelance Taxes in Illinois URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/illinois Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Illinois income tax 4.95% flat; estimated payments required at $500. Paid via MyTax Illinois. Key facts: - State income tax: 4.95% flat - Estimated payments at: $500+ owed - Agency: Illinois Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Indiana URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/indiana Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Indiana income tax 3.05% flat; estimated payments required at $1,000. Paid via INTIME. Key facts: - State income tax: 3.05% flat - Estimated payments at: $1,000+ owed - Agency: Indiana Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Iowa URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/iowa Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Iowa income tax up to 6%; estimated payments required at $200. Paid via GovConnectIowa. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 6% - Estimated payments at: $200+ owed - Agency: Iowa Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Kansas URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/kansas Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Kansas income tax up to 5.7%; estimated payments required at $500. Paid via Kansas Customer Service Center. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 5.7% - Estimated payments at: $500+ owed - Agency: Kansas Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Kentucky URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/kentucky Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Kentucky income tax 4.5% flat; estimated payments required at $500. Paid via Kentucky One Stop. Key facts: - State income tax: 4.5% flat - Estimated payments at: $500+ owed - Agency: Kentucky Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Louisiana URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/louisiana Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Louisiana income tax up to 4.25%; estimated payments required at $1,000. Paid via Louisiana File Online. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 4.25% - Estimated payments at: $1,000+ owed - Agency: Louisiana Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Maine URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/maine Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Maine income tax up to 7.15%; estimated payments required at $1,000. Paid via Maine Tax Portal. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 7.15% - Estimated payments at: $1,000+ owed - Agency: Maine Revenue Services ### Freelance Taxes in Maryland URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/maryland Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Maryland income tax up to 5.75%; estimated payments required at $500. Paid via Comptroller of Maryland online services. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 5.75% - Estimated payments at: $500+ owed - Agency: Comptroller of Maryland ### Freelance Taxes in Massachusetts URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/massachusetts Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Massachusetts income tax 5% flat; estimated payments required at $400. Paid via MassTaxConnect. Key facts: - State income tax: 5% flat - Estimated payments at: $400+ owed - Agency: Massachusetts Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Michigan URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/michigan Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Michigan income tax 4.25% flat; estimated payments required at $500. Paid via Michigan e-Payments. Key facts: - State income tax: 4.25% flat - Estimated payments at: $500+ owed - Agency: Michigan Department of Treasury ### Freelance Taxes in Minnesota URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/minnesota Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Minnesota income tax up to 9.85%; estimated payments required at $500. Paid via Minnesota e-Services. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 9.85% - Estimated payments at: $500+ owed - Agency: Minnesota Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Mississippi URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/mississippi Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Mississippi income tax 5% flat; estimated payments required at $200. Paid via Taxpayer Access Point. Key facts: - State income tax: 5% flat - Estimated payments at: $200+ owed - Agency: Mississippi Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Missouri URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/missouri Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Missouri income tax up to 4.8%; estimated payments required at $100. Paid via MyTax Missouri. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 4.8% - Estimated payments at: $100+ owed - Agency: Missouri Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Montana URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/montana Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Montana income tax up to 6.9%; estimated payments required at $500. Paid via TransAction Portal. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 6.9% - Estimated payments at: $500+ owed - Agency: Montana Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Nebraska URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/nebraska Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Nebraska income tax up to 6.64%; estimated payments required at $500. Paid via Nebraska e-pay. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 6.64% - Estimated payments at: $500+ owed - Agency: Nebraska Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Nevada URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/nevada Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Nevada has no state income tax — federal self-employment and income tax only. Key facts: - State income tax: No state income tax - Agency: Nevada Department of Taxation ### Freelance Taxes in New Hampshire URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/new-hampshire Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: New Hampshire has no state income tax — federal self-employment and income tax only. Key facts: - State income tax: No state income tax - Agency: New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration ### Freelance Taxes in New Jersey URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/new-jersey Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: New Jersey income tax up to 10.75%; estimated payments required at $400. Paid via Division of Taxation online payment. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 10.75% - Estimated payments at: $400+ owed - Agency: New Jersey Division of Taxation ### Freelance Taxes in New Mexico URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/new-mexico Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: New Mexico income tax up to 5.9%; estimated payments required at $1,000. Paid via Taxpayer Access Point. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 5.9% - Estimated payments at: $1,000+ owed - Agency: New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department ### Freelance Taxes in New York URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/new-york Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: New York income tax up to 10.9%; estimated payments required at $300. Paid via Tax Department Online Services. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 10.9% - Estimated payments at: $300+ owed - Agency: New York State Department of Taxation and Finance ### Freelance Taxes in North Carolina URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/north-carolina Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: North Carolina income tax 4.99% flat; estimated payments required at $1,000. Paid via NCDOR online payments. Key facts: - State income tax: 4.99% flat - Estimated payments at: $1,000+ owed - Agency: North Carolina Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in North Dakota URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/north-dakota Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: North Dakota income tax up to 2.95%; estimated payments required at $1,000. Paid via ND TAP. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 2.95% - Estimated payments at: $1,000+ owed - Agency: North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner ### Freelance Taxes in Ohio URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/ohio Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Ohio income tax up to 3.99%; estimated payments required at $500. Paid via OH|TAX eServices. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 3.99% - Estimated payments at: $500+ owed - Agency: Ohio Department of Taxation ### Freelance Taxes in Oklahoma URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/oklahoma Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Oklahoma income tax up to 4.75%; estimated payments required at $500. Paid via OkTAP. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 4.75% - Estimated payments at: $500+ owed - Agency: Oklahoma Tax Commission ### Freelance Taxes in Oregon URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/oregon Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Oregon income tax up to 9.9%; estimated payments required at $1,000. Paid via Revenue Online. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 9.9% - Estimated payments at: $1,000+ owed - Agency: Oregon Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Pennsylvania URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/pennsylvania Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Pennsylvania income tax 3.07% flat; estimated payments required at $8,000. Paid via myPATH. Key facts: - State income tax: 3.07% flat - Estimated payments at: $8,000+ owed - Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Rhode Island URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/rhode-island Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Rhode Island income tax up to 5.99%; estimated payments required at $250. Paid via RI Taxpayer Portal. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 5.99% - Estimated payments at: $250+ owed - Agency: Rhode Island Division of Taxation ### Freelance Taxes in South Carolina URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/south-carolina Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: South Carolina income tax up to 7%; estimated payments required at $100. Paid via MyDORWAY. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 7% - Estimated payments at: $100+ owed - Agency: South Carolina Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in South Dakota URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/south-dakota Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: South Dakota has no state income tax — federal self-employment and income tax only. Key facts: - State income tax: No state income tax - Agency: South Dakota Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Tennessee URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/tennessee Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Tennessee has no state income tax — federal self-employment and income tax only. Key facts: - State income tax: No state income tax - Agency: Tennessee Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Texas URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/texas Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Texas has no state income tax — federal self-employment and income tax only. Key facts: - State income tax: No state income tax - Agency: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts ### Freelance Taxes in Utah URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/utah Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Utah income tax 4.85% flat; estimated payments required at $1,000. Paid via Taxpayer Access Point. Key facts: - State income tax: 4.85% flat - Estimated payments at: $1,000+ owed - Agency: Utah State Tax Commission ### Freelance Taxes in Vermont URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/vermont Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Vermont income tax up to 8.75%; estimated payments required at $500. Paid via myVTax. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 8.75% - Estimated payments at: $500+ owed - Agency: Vermont Department of Taxes ### Freelance Taxes in Virginia URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/virginia Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Virginia income tax up to 5.75%; estimated payments required at $150. Paid via Virginia Tax online services. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 5.75% - Estimated payments at: $150+ owed - Agency: Virginia Department of Taxation ### Freelance Taxes in Washington URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/washington Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Washington has no state income tax — federal self-employment and income tax only. Key facts: - State income tax: No state income tax - Agency: Washington Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in West Virginia URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/west-virginia Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: West Virginia income tax up to 6.5%; estimated payments required at $600. Paid via MyTaxes. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 6.5% - Estimated payments at: $600+ owed - Agency: West Virginia Tax Division ### Freelance Taxes in Wisconsin URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/wisconsin Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Wisconsin income tax up to 7.65%; estimated payments required at $500. Paid via My Tax Account. Key facts: - State income tax: Up to 7.65% - Estimated payments at: $500+ owed - Agency: Wisconsin Department of Revenue ### Freelance Taxes in Wyoming URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/state-guides/wyoming Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Wyoming has no state income tax — federal self-employment and income tax only. Key facts: - State income tax: No state income tax - Agency: Wyoming Department of Revenue ## Calculators ### Quarterly Tax Calculator URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Estimates quarterly estimated tax payments, federal plus state, and the underpayment safe harbour. ### Self-Employment Tax Calculator URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Estimates the 15.3% Social Security and Medicare tax on net freelance earnings up to $184,500. ### Freelance Rate Calculator URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/freelance-rate Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Finds the hourly rate needed to hit a target take-home income. ### Break-Even Rate Calculator URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/break-even-rate Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Finds the minimum hourly rate that covers business costs. ### W-2 to Freelance Calculator URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/w2-to-freelance Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Converts an employee salary into equivalent freelance income after taxes and lost benefits. ### Home Office Deduction Calculator URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/home-office-deduction Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Compares the simplified and actual-expense methods. ### S-Corp Savings Calculator URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/s-corp-savings Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Estimates SE-tax savings from an S-Corp election, net of compliance costs. ### Solo 401(k) Contribution Calculator URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/solo-401k Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Estimates maximum employee and employer contributions. ### FEIE vs FTC Calculator URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/feie-vs-ftc Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Compares the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion against the Foreign Tax Credit. ### FBAR Threshold Calculator URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/fbar-threshold Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Checks whether foreign account balances cross the $10,000 FBAR filing threshold. ### Freelance Health Insurance Calculator URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/health-insurance Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Estimates marketplace premiums and the self-employed health insurance deduction. ### Per-state calculators Every state below has both a quarterly-tax and a self-employment-tax calculator: - Alabama: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/alabama , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/alabama - Alaska: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/alaska , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/alaska - Arizona: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/arizona , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/arizona - Arkansas: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/arkansas , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/arkansas - California: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/california , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/california - Colorado: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/colorado , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/colorado - Connecticut: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/connecticut , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/connecticut - Delaware: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/delaware , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/delaware - District of Columbia: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/district-of-columbia , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/district-of-columbia - Florida: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/florida , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/florida - Georgia: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/georgia , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/georgia - Hawaii: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/hawaii , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/hawaii - Idaho: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/idaho , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/idaho - Illinois: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/illinois , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/illinois - Indiana: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/indiana , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/indiana - Iowa: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/iowa , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/iowa - Kansas: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/kansas , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/kansas - Kentucky: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/kentucky , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/kentucky - Louisiana: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/louisiana , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/louisiana - Maine: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/maine , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/maine - Maryland: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/maryland , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/maryland - Massachusetts: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/massachusetts , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/massachusetts - Michigan: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/michigan , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/michigan - Minnesota: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/minnesota , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/minnesota - Mississippi: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/mississippi , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/mississippi - Missouri: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/missouri , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/missouri - Montana: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/montana , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/montana - Nebraska: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/nebraska , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/nebraska - Nevada: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/nevada , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/nevada - New Hampshire: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/new-hampshire , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/new-hampshire - New Jersey: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/new-jersey , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/new-jersey - New Mexico: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/new-mexico , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/new-mexico - New York: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/new-york , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/new-york - North Carolina: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/north-carolina , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/north-carolina - North Dakota: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/north-dakota , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/north-dakota - Ohio: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/ohio , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/ohio - Oklahoma: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/oklahoma , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/oklahoma - Oregon: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/oregon , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/oregon - Pennsylvania: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/pennsylvania , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/pennsylvania - Rhode Island: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/rhode-island , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/rhode-island - South Carolina: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/south-carolina , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/south-carolina - South Dakota: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/south-dakota , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/south-dakota - Tennessee: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/tennessee , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/tennessee - Texas: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/texas , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/texas - Utah: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/utah , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/utah - Vermont: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/vermont , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/vermont - Virginia: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/virginia , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/virginia - Washington: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/washington , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/washington - West Virginia: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/west-virginia , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/west-virginia - Wisconsin: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/wisconsin , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/wisconsin - Wyoming: https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/quarterly-tax/wyoming , https://www.freelancepick.com/calculators/self-employment-tax/wyoming (102 pages.) ## Expat country guides ### US Expat Taxes in Portugal URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/portugal Updated: 2026-08-26 Summary: Portugal: local tax 14.5%–53% progressive (NHR regime: 20% flat for qualifying income), FEIE available, US tax treaty yes. Portugal qualifies for FEIE under both the Bona Fide Residence test (if you establish tax residency in Portugal) and the Physical Presence test (330+ days in a 12-month period). Portugal's NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) tax regime can further reduce local taxes. Key facts: - Local tax rate: 14.5%–53% progressive (NHR regime: 20% flat for qualifying income) - Currency: Euro (EUR) - US tax treaty: yes ### US Expat Taxes in Mexico URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/mexico Updated: 2026-08-26 Summary: Mexico: local tax 1.92%–35% progressive (ISR), FEIE available, US tax treaty yes. Mexico qualifies for FEIE. Most digital nomads use the Physical Presence test (330 days out of the US). If you establish formal tax residency in Mexico, the Bona Fide Residence test may also apply. Key facts: - Local tax rate: 1.92%–35% progressive (ISR) - Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN) - US tax treaty: yes ### US Expat Taxes in Thailand URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/thailand Updated: 2026-08-26 Summary: Thailand: local tax 5%–35% progressive (may be 0% for foreign-sourced income in some cases), FEIE available, US tax treaty yes. Thailand qualifies for FEIE via the Physical Presence test. Thailand introduced a Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa in 2022, which provides tax benefits for eligible remote workers. Key facts: - Local tax rate: 5%–35% progressive (may be 0% for foreign-sourced income in some cases) - Currency: Thai Baht (THB) - US tax treaty: yes ### US Expat Taxes in Germany URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/germany Updated: 2026-08-26 Summary: Germany: local tax 14%–45% progressive + 5.5% solidarity surcharge, FEIE available, US tax treaty yes. Germany qualifies for FEIE. As a high-tax country, the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) is often more advantageous than FEIE for US expats in Germany, since German taxes frequently exceed the US tax on the same income. Key facts: - Local tax rate: 14%–45% progressive + 5.5% solidarity surcharge - Currency: Euro (EUR) - US tax treaty: yes ### US Expat Taxes in Colombia URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/colombia Updated: 2026-08-26 Summary: Colombia: local tax 0%–39% progressive (CNM visa holders may be exempt on foreign income), FEIE available, US tax treaty no. Colombia qualifies for FEIE via the Physical Presence test. Colombia's Digital Nomad Visa (CNM) allows stays of up to 2 years and can be renewed. Under this visa, foreign-sourced income may not be subject to Colombian income tax. Key facts: - Local tax rate: 0%–39% progressive (CNM visa holders may be exempt on foreign income) - Currency: Colombian Peso (COP) - US tax treaty: no ### US Expat Taxes in Spain URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/spain Updated: 2026-08-26 Summary: Spain: local tax 19%–47% progressive (Beckham Law: 24% flat for eligible expats), FEIE available, US tax treaty yes. Spain qualifies for FEIE. Spain's Beckham Law (Special Expat Tax Regime) offers a flat 24% rate on Spanish-sourced income for the first 6 years of residency, but US citizens must still file US returns. Key facts: - Local tax rate: 19%–47% progressive (Beckham Law: 24% flat for eligible expats) - Currency: Euro (EUR) - US tax treaty: yes ### US Expat Taxes in Canada URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/canada Updated: 2026-08-26 Summary: Canada: local tax 15%–33% federal + 4%–21% provincial, FEIE available, US tax treaty yes. Canada qualifies for FEIE. However, Canada's high tax rates often make the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) more advantageous. If Canadian taxes exceed your US tax on the same income, the FTC can completely eliminate your US tax liability. Key facts: - Local tax rate: 15%–33% federal + 4%–21% provincial - Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD) - US tax treaty: yes ### US Expat Taxes in Australia URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/australia Updated: 2026-08-26 Summary: Australia: local tax 0%–47% progressive + 2% Medicare levy, FEIE available, US tax treaty yes. Australia qualifies for FEIE. Australia has high income tax rates (up to 47%), making the Foreign Tax Credit often better than the FEIE for US expats. Australian taxes generally exceed US tax on the same income. Key facts: - Local tax rate: 0%–47% progressive + 2% Medicare levy - Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD) - US tax treaty: yes ### US Expat Taxes in United Kingdom URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/united-kingdom Updated: 2026-08-26 Summary: United Kingdom: local tax 20%–45% progressive + National Insurance, FEIE available, US tax treaty yes. The UK qualifies for FEIE. However, the UK's high income tax rates (up to 45%) mean the Foreign Tax Credit is almost always better than the FEIE for US expats in the UK. Key facts: - Local tax rate: 20%–45% progressive + National Insurance - Currency: British Pound (GBP) - US tax treaty: yes ### US Expat Taxes in Netherlands URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/netherlands Updated: 2026-08-26 Summary: Netherlands: local tax 9.32%–49.5% progressive, FEIE available, US tax treaty yes. The Netherlands qualifies for FEIE. The 30% Ruling (now 27% for some cases) is a special tax benefit for qualifying highly-skilled migrants that can significantly reduce Dutch taxable income, though its interaction with US taxes is complex. Key facts: - Local tax rate: 9.32%–49.5% progressive - Currency: Euro (EUR) - US tax treaty: yes ### US Expat Taxes in Costa Rica URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/costa-rica Updated: 2026-08-26 Summary: Costa Rica: local tax 0%–25% progressive (territorial — usually 0% for foreign-sourced income), FEIE available, US tax treaty no. Costa Rica qualifies for FEIE via the Physical Presence test. Costa Rica's territorial tax system generally only taxes Costa Rica-sourced income, which means foreign-sourced freelance income from US clients is typically not taxed locally. Key facts: - Local tax rate: 0%–25% progressive (territorial — usually 0% for foreign-sourced income) - Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC) - US tax treaty: no ### US Expat Taxes in Panama URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/panama Updated: 2026-08-26 Summary: Panama: local tax 0%–25% (territorial — 0% on foreign-sourced income), FEIE available, US tax treaty no. Panama qualifies for FEIE. Panama has a territorial tax system — income from outside Panama is not subject to Panamanian income tax. This makes Panama one of the most tax-efficient bases for US freelancers with non-Panamanian clients. Key facts: - Local tax rate: 0%–25% (territorial — 0% on foreign-sourced income) - Currency: US Dollar (USD) - US tax treaty: no ### US Expat Taxes in Georgia (Country) URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/georgia Updated: 2026-08-26 Summary: Georgia (Country): local tax 20% flat (Virtual Zone: 0% on foreign-sourced IT services income), FEIE available, US tax treaty no. Georgia (the country) qualifies for FEIE via the Physical Presence test. Georgia has a flat 20% income tax, but Virtual Zone status can allow IT businesses to operate tax-free on income from foreign clients. Key facts: - Local tax rate: 20% flat (Virtual Zone: 0% on foreign-sourced IT services income) - Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL) - US tax treaty: no ### US Expat Taxes in Indonesia URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/indonesia Updated: 2026-08-26 Summary: Indonesia: local tax 5%–35% progressive (foreign-sourced income may be exempt on certain visas), FEIE available, US tax treaty yes. Indonesia qualifies for FEIE. Indonesia introduced a Second Home Visa and Digital Nomad Visa for Bali, allowing stays of up to 5 years. Under certain visa conditions, foreign-sourced income may not be subject to Indonesian income tax. Key facts: - Local tax rate: 5%–35% progressive (foreign-sourced income may be exempt on certain visas) - Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) - US tax treaty: yes ### US Expat Taxes in United Arab Emirates URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/expat-finance/uae Updated: 2026-08-26 Summary: United Arab Emirates: local tax 0% (no personal income tax), FEIE available, US tax treaty no. The UAE qualifies for FEIE. The UAE has no personal income tax, making it one of the most tax-efficient destinations for US expats. However, US citizens still owe US taxes — the FEIE only reduces the US income tax portion. Key facts: - Local tax rate: 0% (no personal income tax) - Currency: UAE Dirham (AED) - US tax treaty: no ## Articles ### Bench Bookkeeping Pricing 2026: $249–$499 Monthly Plans URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/bench-bookkeeping-pricing-2026 Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: Bench costs $299/month for Essential (bookkeeping only, $249/mo billed annually) and $499/month for Premium ($399/mo annually), which adds tax filing. Both include a dedicated bookkeeping team and monthly financial statements. Bench is worth it for freelancers billing $60k–$200k who want zero bookkeeping work; below that, Wave (free) or QuickBooks Self-Employed ($15/mo) cost far less. Key facts: - Essential (monthly): $299/mo - Essential (annual): $249/mo - Premium (monthly): $499/mo - Premium (annual): $399/mo - Tax filing included: Premium only - Cheapest alternative: Wave — free ### FreshBooks Pricing 2026: Is $17/mo Worth It? URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/freshbooks-pricing-2026 Updated: 2026-09-09 Summary: FreshBooks costs $17/month for Lite (up to 5 billable clients), $30/month for Plus (up to 50 clients, proposals, recurring invoices), and $55/month for Premium (unlimited clients). Annual billing saves about 10%, and new customers regularly get 50–60% off the first 4–6 months. Most solo freelancers only need Lite; choose Plus once you invoice more than 5 different clients. Key facts: - Lite: $17/mo — 5 clients - Plus: $30/mo — 50 clients - Premium: $55/mo — unlimited - Free trial: 30 days - Annual discount: ~10% - Free alternative: Wave ### How to Pay Estimated Taxes Online: IRS + Every State (Q3 Due Sept 15) URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/pay-estimated-taxes-online-every-state Updated: 2026-09-02 Summary: The fastest way to pay federal estimated taxes is IRS Direct Pay — a free bank transfer at irs.gov/payments that takes about five minutes and needs no account. The Q3 2026 payment is due September 15, 2026. Most states with an income tax run their own online portal (California uses FTB Web Pay, New York uses Online Services, New Jersey uses the Division of Taxation site) and require a separate state estimated payment on the same schedule. Key facts: - Q3 2026 deadline: September 15, 2026 - Federal (free): IRS Direct Pay - Federal (recurring): EFTPS - Card payments: ~1.8–2% processor fee - State payment: Separate, via your state portal - No state payment: AK, FL, NV, NH, SD, TN, TX, WA, WY ### Quarterly Estimated Taxes 2026: Deadlines & Penalties URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/freelancer-quarterly-tax-guide Updated: 2026-09-02 Summary: Self-employed workers must pay estimated taxes four times a year — the next deadline is September 15, 2026 (Q3). Here's exactly when they're due, how to calculate your payment, and what happens if you miss a deadline. ### QuickBooks Tax Bundle Review 2026: Worth $25/mo? URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/quickbooks-self-employed-tax-bundle-guide Updated: 2026-08-26 Summary: The QuickBooks Self-Employed Tax Bundle costs $25/month and includes TurboTax Self-Employed. Here is a complete breakdown of what you get, what it costs, and when it makes sense. ### TurboTax Self-Employed Cost 2026: Is $129 Worth It? URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/is-turbotax-self-employed-worth-it Updated: 2026-08-26 Summary: TurboTax Self-Employed costs $129 for federal + $49 for state in 2026. Is it worth it for freelancers? We compare it to H&R Block Self-Employed ($85), FreeTaxUSA, and the QuickBooks Tax Bundle. ### Best Accounting Software for Freelancers 2026: 7 Tools Tested URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/best-accounting-software-freelancers-2026-guide Updated: 2026-08-13 Summary: For most freelancers in 2026, Wave is the best free option, QuickBooks Self-Employed ($15/mo) is the best for quarterly tax tracking and Schedule C filers, and FreshBooks ($17/mo) is the best for client invoicing. Bench ($299/mo) is the only fully managed option where a real bookkeeper handles everything for you. Key facts: - Best free: Wave ($0/mo) - Best for taxes: QuickBooks SE ($15/mo) - Best for invoicing: FreshBooks ($17/mo) - Best managed: Bench ($299/mo) - Best value bundle: QuickBooks Tax Bundle ($25/mo) - Best all-in-one: Bonsai ($21/mo) ### Best Bank Accounts for Freelancers 2026: Mercury vs Relay vs Wise URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/best-bank-account-freelancers-2026 Updated: 2026-08-13 Summary: Mercury is the best overall free bank account for freelancers in 2026 — no fees, no minimums, integrates with QuickBooks and Wave, and offers a clean UI. Relay is best if you want automatic tax savings buckets. Wise Business is best if you receive payments from international clients in foreign currencies. All three have no monthly fee. Key facts: - Best overall: Mercury (free) - Best for tax savings: Relay (free) - Best for international: Wise Business (free) - Monthly fees: All $0/mo - Requires LLC?: Mercury & Relay: yes; Wise: no - FDIC insured: Yes (all three) ### 1099 vs W-2 2026: Which Actually Pays More? URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/1099-vs-w2-freelancer-guide Updated: 2026-08-05 Summary: Is a 1099 contractor role better than a W-2 job? Here is the real tax math — how much more you owe as a 1099 worker, what the break-even premium is, and which actually pays more. ### Best Freelance Bank Account 2026 (Tested) URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/best-freelance-bank-account-2026 Updated: 2026-08-05 Summary: The best freelance bank account in 2026 has zero monthly fees, integrates with your accounting software, and ideally lets you automate tax savings. Mercury, Relay, and Wise Business each win in different scenarios — here is which one to choose. ### Best Accounting Software for Self-Employed 2026 URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/best-accounting-software-self-employed-2026 Updated: 2026-08-05 Summary: The best accounting software for self-employed workers in 2026 depends on whether you need quarterly tax estimates, invoicing, or full bookkeeping. Here are the top picks — from free Wave to $15/month QuickBooks SE to $299/month Bench. ### Best Bookkeeping Software for Freelancers 2026 URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/bookkeeping-software-for-freelancers-guide Updated: 2026-07-30 Summary: The best bookkeeping software for freelancers keeps your finances organized without an accounting degree. We compare QuickBooks, Wave, FreshBooks, Xero, and Keeper on price, ease of use, and freelancer-specific features. ### Affordable Accounting for Freelancers 2026 URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/affordable-accounting-for-freelancers Updated: 2026-07-30 Summary: You do not need expensive software to keep clean books as a freelancer. The best affordable accounting tools for self-employed workers — including free options — cover everything from invoicing to Schedule C prep. ### Banking for Freelancers 2026: Setup Guide URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/banking-for-freelancers-2026 Updated: 2026-07-23 Summary: Everything you need to set up the ideal banking system as a freelancer in 2026: best accounts, tax savings automation, international payments, and how to open each account in under 20 minutes. ### Best US Expat Tax Services 2026, Compared (Reviewed) URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/best-expat-tax-services-review-2026 Updated: 2026-07-23 Summary: The best US expat tax services in 2026 are staffed by CPAs who specialize in Americans abroad: FEIE, FTC, FBAR, FATCA. We compared Greenback, BrightTax, and Nomad Tax — here is our honest verdict. ### QuickBooks Self-Employed Cost 2026: $15–$35/mo URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/quickbooks-self-employed-pricing-2026 Updated: 2026-07-16 Summary: QuickBooks Self-Employed costs $15/month base, $25/month Tax Bundle (with TurboTax), or $35/month Live Tax Bundle with CPA access. Here is exactly what you get at each price and which plan freelancers actually need. ### H&R Block Self-Employed 2026: Is $85 Worth It? URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/hrblock-self-employed-pricing-2026 Updated: 2026-07-16 Summary: H&R Block Self-Employed costs $85 for federal + $37 for state — $56 less than TurboTax. Is it just as good for freelancers filing Schedule C? Full 2026 comparison. ### 14 Tax Deductions Freelancers Miss in 2026 URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/freelancer-tax-deductions-missed Updated: 2026-07-09 Summary: From the home office deduction to your health insurance premiums, these commonly overlooked write-offs can add up to thousands of dollars in savings. ### California Freelancer Taxes 2026: Full Guide URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/california-freelancer-taxes-2026 Updated: 2026-07-09 Summary: California has the highest state income tax in the US — up to 13.3% on top of federal taxes. Here is exactly what freelancers and self-employed workers owe in 2026, how to calculate it, and how to minimize your bill. ### Wave Accounting Expense Tracking: The Complete 2026 Guide URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/wave-accounting-expense-tracking-guide Updated: 2026-07-09 Summary: Wave Accounting is free and powerful for expense tracking — if you know how to use it. This guide covers how to set up Wave for maximum tax accuracy, connect your bank, and generate the reports your accountant actually needs. ### TurboTax for Independent Contractors 2026: Is It Worth $129? URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/turbotax-for-independent-contractors Updated: 2026-07-02 Summary: TurboTax Self-Employed costs $129 for federal + $49 for state. We break down exactly what independent contractors get, and whether it beats H&R Block at $85. ### Xero for Freelancers 2026: Is It Worth the Price? URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/xero-for-freelancers-review-2026 Updated: 2026-07-02 Summary: Xero is powerful accounting software but starts at $20/mo. We review whether it's the right fit for freelancers vs cheaper alternatives like Wave and QuickBooks SE. ### Accounting Software for Freelancers 2026 URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/accounting-software-for-freelancers-guide Updated: 2026-06-27 Summary: The best accounting software for freelancers in 2026 handles income tracking, expense categorization, quarterly tax estimates, and invoicing without a steep learning curve. Here is every option ranked. ### Freelance Tax Rate 2026: What You Actually Pay URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/freelance-tax-rates-2026 Updated: 2026-06-25 Summary: Freelancers pay self-employment tax (15.3%) plus federal income tax. Here is exactly how much you owe at every income level in 2026 — with real examples and deductions that reduce your bill. ### Best Accounting Software for Solopreneurs 2026 URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/best-accounting-software-solopreneurs-2026 Updated: 2026-06-25 Summary: Solopreneurs need accounting software that handles invoicing, expense tracking, and quarterly tax estimates without the complexity of enterprise tools. Here are the best picks for 2026. ### Mercury Business Bank Review 2026: Free Banking URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/mercury-business-bank-review-2026 Updated: 2026-06-18 Summary: Mercury offers free business checking with no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and excellent integrations. But it requires an LLC. Here is our complete Mercury review for freelancers in 2026. ### How to File Freelance Taxes 2026: Step by Step URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/how-to-file-freelance-taxes-2026 Updated: 2026-06-18 Summary: Filing taxes as a freelancer means Schedule C, Schedule SE, and quarterly estimated payments. This step-by-step guide covers every form, every deduction, and the exact process for filing in 2026. ### How to Track Business Expenses as a Freelancer (2026 Guide) URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/freelancer-expense-tracking-guide Updated: 2026-06-18 Summary: Tracking business expenses consistently is the highest-ROI financial habit for freelancers. Here is the right system, what is deductible, what is not, and which tools make it effortless. ### SEP IRA vs Solo 401(k) 2026: Which Saves More? URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/sep-ira-vs-solo-401k-freelancer Updated: 2026-06-11 Summary: Freelancers have access to two powerful retirement accounts: the SEP IRA and the Solo 401(k). Here is an honest comparison of contribution limits, flexibility, setup complexity, and when each is the better choice. ### Freelance Health Insurance 2026: Your Complete Options Guide URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/freelance-health-insurance-guide Updated: 2026-06-11 Summary: Health insurance is often the #1 concern when going freelance. Here are all your options, what they cost, and exactly how to maximize the self-employed health insurance tax deduction. ### How to Invoice Clients as a Freelancer: Complete 2026 Guide URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/freelancer-invoice-guide Updated: 2026-06-11 Summary: A clear, professional invoice gets you paid faster and protects you legally. Here is exactly how to invoice clients as a freelancer, what to include, when to send, and how to handle late payments. ### LLC vs Sole Proprietorship for Freelancers 2026 URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/llc-vs-sole-proprietor-freelancer Updated: 2026-06-11 Summary: Should you form an LLC or operate as a sole proprietor as a freelancer? Here is the honest comparison — liability protection, taxes, cost, and when each makes sense in 2026. ### How to Open a Freelancer Bank Account (2026 Guide) URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/how-to-open-freelancer-bank-account Updated: 2026-06-04 Summary: Opening a dedicated bank account as a freelancer is the #1 financial move you can make. Here's exactly which account to choose, what documents you need, and how to set it up correctly. ### Banking Tips for Freelancers 2026 URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/banking-tips-freelancers-2026 Updated: 2026-05-25 Summary: The right banking setup can save you hours on bookkeeping and hundreds on fees. Here are the top banking tips every freelancer should follow in 2026. ### H&R Block vs TurboTax Self-Employed 2026 URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/hrblock-vs-turbotax-freelancers-2026 Updated: 2026-05-08 Summary: H&R Block Self-Employed costs $85 (federal + state). TurboTax Self-Employed costs $129 federal plus $49-59 state. Which one is actually better for freelancers filing Schedule C? ### How to Avoid the IRS Underpayment Penalty as a Freelancer URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/avoid-irs-underpayment-penalty Updated: 2026-03-15 Summary: Missing a quarterly tax payment can cost you — even if you pay by April 15. Here is how to stay safe with the IRS safe harbor rule. ### QuickBooks Self-Employed vs Wave: Which Is Better in 2026? URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/quickbooks-vs-wave-2026 Updated: 2026-03-01 Summary: Two of the most popular accounting tools for freelancers, head-to-head. We compare features, pricing, ease of use, and who each tool is best suited for. ### The Digital Nomad Tax Trap: What You Need to Know About FEIE URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/digital-nomad-feie-guide Updated: 2026-02-20 Summary: The FEIE can save expat freelancers thousands, but there are hidden pitfalls — including that it does not reduce your self-employment tax. ### When Should You Elect S-Corp Status? (And When Not To) URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/when-to-elect-s-corp Updated: 2026-01-28 Summary: S-Corp election can save freelancers thousands in self-employment tax — but only above a certain income level. We break down the math and the admin burden. ### Banking for Freelancers with International Clients URL: https://www.freelancepick.com/blog/banking-freelancers-international-clients Updated: 2026-01-15 Summary: Getting paid in foreign currencies? Here are the best multi-currency accounts for freelancers — compared on fees, supported currencies, and ease of use.