Recommended tools
Optional tools that can help freelancers and self-employed people organize expenses, mileage, receipts, bookkeeping, and tax filing. Using a particular app is not a requirement for claiming a deduction; your records and the tax rules for the expense still control.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you use them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Product features, plan names, and availability can change; check the current provider details before purchasing. Last product review: August 18, 2026.
Accounting & expense tracking
Accounting software can help keep transactions, receipts, invoices, and reports organized. Features vary by provider and plan, so choose based on the bookkeeping work you actually need.
FreshBooks — Invoicing and expense tracking
Invoicing, expense tracking, bank imports, accounting reports, and receipt-scanning options for freelancers and small service businesses. Receipt scanning availability depends on plan and country.
QuickBooks — Accounting, expenses, invoicing, and reports
QuickBooks Online combines income and expense tracking, invoicing, bank-connected bookkeeping, and reporting. Features such as payroll or advanced workflows can depend on the selected plan or add-on.
Wave — Free Starter accounting with paid receipt options
Wave's Starter plan includes basic accounting and invoicing. Automatic receipt scanning is not a free Starter feature; it is available through Wave's paid Receipts or Pro options.
Xero — Accounting, bank reconciliation, and invoicing
Xero offers online invoicing, bank connections and reconciliation, expense management, reporting, and app integrations. Included features vary by plan.
Mileage & receipt tracking
Mileage deductions require adequate records of business driving. A mileage app can help create a timely log, but you should still review classifications, keep the business purpose, and retain the report with your tax records.
MileIQ — Automatic mileage tracking and reports
Automatically records drives and lets you classify business and personal trips. Reports can be exported for tax, reimbursement, or recordkeeping use; review the trip details and business purpose before relying on them.
Everlance — Automatic mileage and expense tracking
Tracks mileage automatically and can keep business expenses in the same app. Exportable mileage logs help organize the records you use for tax reporting.
Hurdlr — Mileage, expenses, and income tracking
Combines mileage, expense, and income tracking for freelancers and small business owners, with reporting and tax-estimate tools available in its product.
Tax filing
Tax software can help organize the filing workflow and support Schedule C and related forms. Coverage, forms, expert-help options, and prices vary by product and filing situation.
TurboTax Premium — Filing for self-employed and investors
TurboTax's current Premium online offering supports self-employed filers and guides users through applicable income, deduction, and filing sections. Product tiers and assisted options can change.
H&R Block Self-Employed Online — Business tax filing
H&R Block offers a current Self-Employed Online option for people reporting business income and expenses, along with online and tax-professional filing choices.
Not sure which deductions apply to you? See the full Expense Deductibility Guide.
Last reviewed: August 18, 2026