Recommended tools
Tools that help freelancers and self-employed individuals track expenses, log mileage, capture receipts, and file taxes. These are optional helpers — not requirements for claiming deductions.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you use them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only list tools relevant to expense tracking and tax filing.
Accounting & expense tracking
Keeping organized records throughout the year makes it significantly easier to identify deductible expenses and support claims if reviewed.
FreshBooks — Invoicing and expense tracking for freelancers
Simple invoicing, expense categorization, receipt capture, and time tracking — designed for self-employed individuals and small service businesses.
QuickBooks — Full-featured accounting for small businesses
Comprehensive accounting software with expense tracking, payroll, invoicing, and tax-ready reports. Best for businesses with more complex accounting needs.
Wave — Free accounting and receipt tracking for small businesses
Free accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning for freelancers and very small businesses. No subscription fee for core features.
Xero — Accounting with strong reporting and integrations
Cloud accounting with expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and detailed financial reporting. Popular with businesses that need strong third-party integrations.
Mileage & receipt tracking
Vehicle mileage requires contemporaneous records — logs made at or near the time of each trip. Mileage apps automate this using GPS and generate IRS-ready reports at year end.
MileIQ — Automatic mileage tracking for business driving
Runs in the background, automatically logs every drive, and lets you swipe to classify trips as business or personal. Generates IRS-ready mileage reports.
Everlance — Mileage and expense tracking for freelancers and contractors
Combines automatic mileage logging with expense tracking and receipt capture — useful for gig workers and contractors who need both in one app.
Hurdlr — Mileage tracking with income and expense insights
Tracks mileage, income streams, and expenses in one place — designed for freelancers and gig workers who want a real-time view of their deductible costs.
Tax filing
Once expenses are organized and documented, tax filing software guides you through applying deductions correctly on Schedule C and other forms.
TurboTax Self-Employed — Guided tax filing for freelancers and small businesses
Walks through every Schedule C expense category, handles home office (Form 8829), mileage, Section 179 equipment, and self-employed health insurance deduction automatically.
H&R Block — Online and in-person tax filing
Online self-filing for self-employed individuals, with the option to hand off to a tax professional in person or virtually if your situation is more complex.
Not sure which deductions apply to you? See the full Expense Deductibility Guide.