If you’re a sole trader, you’re probably juggling a million things at once. From chasing invoices to sorting receipts and wondering if you’ve claimed that allowable expense from last month, it adds up. But here’s the good news: the right accounting app can take loads of that stress off your plate. So today, we’re diving into the best accounting apps for sole traders, what features to look for, and how to keep things simple and stress-free.
What to Look for in Accounting Apps
Before you download the first app that pops up, here are a few must-haves:
HMRC compliance: It should be Making Tax Digital (MTD) ready.
Ease of use: You want something simple, clean, and mobile-friendly.
Invoicing tools: Customisable invoices and payment tracking are a must.
Bank feeds: Automatically pulling in transactions saves hours.
Reporting: Get a quick view of your profits, tax owed, and expenses.
Support and integrations: Especially if you use other tools like Stripe or PayPal.
Also, consider if the app can grow with you. You might be a sole trader now, but who knows? You might hire a team or go limited one day, so it’s smart to pick an app that can scale.
Why Going Digital Is Now Essential
HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative is transforming how sole traders file their taxes. This means that digital record-keeping and online tax submissions are no longer just “nice to have” – they’re becoming a legal requirement.
With deadlines for MTD for Income Tax on the horizon, the right app helps you stay compliant without breaking a sweat. It’s one less thing to worry about during your busy year, and it ensures you’re always ahead of the game when it comes to tax returns and record-keeping.
Our Favourite Accounting Apps
At Simplex, we always recommend Xero for our sole trader clients – and here’s why:
Super simple to use, even if you hate numbers
Beautiful mobile app for invoices and receipts on the go
MTD-compliant and regularly updated
Works beautifully with bank feeds and partner apps
Great support and resources
You can even customise your dashboard to show what matters most to you, whether that’s overdue invoices, cash in the bank, or upcoming bills.
Plus, because we’re Xero-certified accountants, we can help you get the most out of it (and even handle the setup).
A Few Handy Xero Partner Apps Worth Knowing
If you’re already using Xero or planning to, here are a few apps that work seamlessly with it:
Dext: Snap receipts and let it do the data entry for you
GoCardless: Collect payments from clients automatically
Hubdoc: Great for document storage and tracking bills
Pleo: Makes expense tracking easy if you’re making regular business purchases
BrightPay: Handles pensions and payslips without fuss.
These add-ons can save even more time and keep your records super tidy. And if you’re not sure which ones are worth it for your business, just ask us!
Real-Life Benefits: How Accounting Apps Save Time and Money
Let’s look at what happens when you get your app stack sorted:
You stop losing receipts and start snapping them on the go
You ditch the late-night invoice marathons
You can see if a client has paid, and nudge them if not
You know exactly how much to set aside for tax
You reduce your accountancy bill (yep, better records = less work for us!)
It’s all about making your business run smoother, with less faff.
What Other Sole Traders Are Saying
We’ve helped loads of sole traders switch to digital accounting, and the feedback is always the same: “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” Whether it’s the ease of seeing who’s paid, or the peace of mind knowing your books are in order, the benefits speak for themselves.
Some clients tell us they now spend just 10 minutes a week on their books. That’s more time for family, clients, or just a proper break at the end of the day.
How to Get Started (Without the Overwhelm)
If it all still feels a bit techy or “too much,” don’t worry. Here’s a quick plan:
Chat with an accountant (like us at Simplex!)
Pick a tool that fits how you work
Take an hour to get set up – you’ll thank yourself later
We help loads of sole traders get started with Xero and can offer tips on apps, set up bank feeds, and show you the ropes.
And if you want us to just sort it all out for you? We can do that too.
You Deserve Simpler Finances
You didn’t go self-employed to spend your evenings stressing over spreadsheets. With the right accounting app, you can save hours each week, stay tax-ready all year, and focus on what you do best.
Need help choosing or setting up your app? Book in a call with us, we love helping sole traders make smart, stress-free money moves.
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