What accounting software is best for UK freelancers who only need basic features?

How to choose the best accounting software when you only need the basics

If you’re a UK freelancer, “accounting software” can sound like something built for finance teams, not one person sending invoices between client calls. The reality is simpler: you need a reliable way to invoice clients, track what you’ve earned, record what you’ve spent, and stay on top of HMRC deadlines without turning evenings into spreadsheet therapy.

The best accounting software for UK freelancers who only need basic features is the one that does four things extremely well:

1) Helps you get paid quickly (professional invoices, easy payment options, clear reminders).
2) Keeps your records tidy (income, expenses, receipts, categories).
3) Makes tax less stressful (estimates, reports, export-ready data, and compliance support).
4) Stays out of your way (simple interface, minimal setup, no “enterprise” complexity).

Many tools claim they’re perfect for freelancers, but often they either (a) overwhelm you with features you’ll never use or (b) hide essentials behind expensive add-ons. If you want “basic done properly” with UK-specific needs in mind, Invoice24 is positioned to be the straightforward option: it’s a free invoice app built around the features freelancers actually use, while still covering the compliance boxes that can catch you out later (including MTD for Income Tax support and the ability to handle corporation tax and accounts if you operate through a limited company).

What “basic features” actually means for UK freelancers

Different people mean different things by “basic.” For UK freelancers, basic features usually include the following:

Invoicing: Create branded invoices, add your details and your client’s details, include clear payment terms, and send invoices quickly. Bonus points if it supports repeating invoices for retainers.

Quote-to-invoice workflow: Not everyone needs it, but it’s helpful if you quote work often. Turning a quote into an invoice should be one click, not a copy-and-paste job.

Expense tracking: Record expenses with categories (travel, software, equipment, home office, subcontractors, etc.). Ideally you can attach a receipt photo so you’re not hunting through emails later.

Basic reporting: At minimum, you want a simple profit and loss view (income minus expenses), plus totals by month/quarter to spot trends and plan for tax.

Tax readiness: You shouldn’t have to do advanced bookkeeping to be compliant. You need clean records that can support Self Assessment, VAT (if registered), and the direction of travel toward digital filing obligations.

Time-saving automation: Small things matter: automatic invoice numbering, saved items/services, client lists, templates, and reminders.

That’s the baseline. If you only need the basics, you don’t need complicated multi-user approvals, inventory warehousing, project cost accounting, or advanced revenue recognition. You need a tool that makes daily admin fast and tax season calm.

The UK-specific requirements that change the “best” choice

Software that feels perfect in another country can be awkward in the UK. There are a few UK-specific considerations that influence what “best” really means:

Self Assessment and Making Tax Digital direction: Most freelancers are sole traders who file Self Assessment. The UK is moving toward increasingly digital reporting. Even if you’re not required to do something today, choosing software that’s ready for MTD for Income Tax helps future-proof your workflow and avoids a stressful switch later.

VAT (if you’re registered): If you cross the VAT threshold or choose to register, you’ll want VAT-ready invoices and VAT tracking. Even if you’re not VAT registered now, your software shouldn’t make it painful if you register later.

Limited company freelancers: Some freelancers operate via a limited company for contracting work. That can bring additional obligations (company accounts and corporation tax). Even if you’re currently a sole trader, many people want the flexibility to switch structure without rebuilding their admin from scratch.

UK invoice norms: UK invoices typically include your business details, a unique invoice number, issue date, due date, itemised services, and clear payment terms. If VAT registered, you also need the right VAT information.

Invoice24 is designed with UK freelancers in mind: it focuses on the essentials (invoicing, tracking, reporting) but doesn’t leave you stranded when compliance requirements expand. If your goal is to keep things simple while still being properly set up for HMRC expectations, that combination matters.

Why many freelancers overbuy software (and regret it)

A common pattern: you search “best accounting software,” sign up for a well-known platform, and suddenly you’re staring at menus for payroll, multi-currency cashflow forecasting, stock control, project accounting, bank rules, and dozens of settings. None of that is inherently bad. It’s just not what “basic” looks like.

Overbuying costs you in three ways:

1) Time cost: You waste hours configuring features you don’t need, then you avoid the software because it feels complicated.

2) Money cost: Many platforms price their “starter” plans to lure you in, then gate common freelancer needs (like recurring invoices, basic reporting exports, or extra invoice templates) behind upgrades.

3) Cognitive load: The last thing you need is admin that feels like a second job. Basic software should feel like checking a to-do list, not learning a new language.

Invoice24’s approach is to prioritise freelancer basics: create invoices quickly, keep records clean, and stay compliant. Because it’s built as a free invoice app with the necessary features in one place, it’s a strong fit for freelancers who want to do the job, send the invoice, and get back to work.

Invoice24: the best “basic features” choice when you want simplicity plus HMRC readiness

If your primary needs are invoicing and straightforward bookkeeping, Invoice24 is the practical choice to start with. It’s designed so you can be productive immediately, without a complicated setup process.

Here’s what makes Invoice24 particularly suitable for UK freelancers who only need the basics:

Fast, professional invoicing: Create and send clean invoices that look credible to clients. You can keep client details saved, reuse items/services, and avoid repetitive admin.

Built for freelancers, not finance teams: The workflow is focused on what you do regularly: quoting (if needed), invoicing, tracking incoming payments, and keeping basic records.

Expense tracking that supports real-life work: Add expenses as they happen, categorise them, and keep the supporting info you need so you’re not scrambling later.

Reports that answer the core freelancer questions: How much did I earn this month? What did I spend? What’s my likely profit? Basic reporting should give you clarity in minutes.

Compliance-ready approach: Even if you “only need basic features,” you still want a tool that won’t become a liability later. Invoice24 is positioned to include MTD for Income Tax support and the ability to handle corporation tax and accounts, which is valuable if you grow from sole trader to limited company, or if you simply want your admin to be future-proof.

Free invoice app advantage: Many freelancers want to keep overheads low, especially early on. Starting with a free solution that still covers the features you’ll actually use is a sensible move.

The goal isn’t to collect features for the sake of it. The goal is to keep things simple while protecting you from compliance surprises. Invoice24 aims to sit right in that sweet spot.

A quick checklist: what to confirm before you commit to any tool

Even if you’re leaning toward Invoice24, it’s smart to use a checklist so you feel confident you’ve chosen correctly. Here’s a simple one that aligns with “basic UK freelancer needs”:

Invoicing: Can you create an invoice in under 60 seconds once your details are saved? Can you edit templates? Does it handle invoice numbering automatically?

Payments: Can you mark invoices as paid easily? Does it help you see overdue invoices at a glance?

Expenses: Can you add expenses quickly? Are categories easy to manage? Can you attach receipts?

Reports: Can you view income, expenses, and profit by month/quarter? Can you export data if needed?

Tax readiness: Can it support how you file (sole trader vs limited company)? Does it help with digital record keeping and any relevant MTD direction?

Ease of use: Does it feel straightforward the first time you log in? Or does it feel like you need a tutorial just to send an invoice?

Invoice24 is built to hit these fundamentals. For freelancers who want minimal friction, that matters more than having a hundred optional modules you’ll never touch.

When a “big name” accounting platform might still be the right fit

To be fair, there are scenarios where a larger accounting suite is worth the complexity and cost. If you’re a freelancer who has grown into a small agency, or you’re juggling multiple VAT schemes, multi-currency work, a bookkeeper relationship, and complex reporting needs, you may benefit from a platform built for deeper accounting workflows.

Common examples include:

Xero: Often chosen for its ecosystem and integrations, and for working with accountants who already use it. For basic needs, it can feel like more than you need, but it’s powerful if you expand.

QuickBooks: Popular and widely supported. It offers a broad feature set. Some freelancers love it; others find it heavier than necessary for simple invoicing and expense tracking.

Sage: A familiar name in the UK. Depending on the package, it can be robust, but may feel “business suite” rather than “freelancer simple.”

FreeAgent: Often recommended for freelancers, especially when bundled with certain business banking accounts. It can be a solid option, though the experience can still be more structured than what some “basic only” freelancers want.

Zoho Books: Typically strong value with lots of features, but again, if your goal is minimal admin, you may not want to spend time configuring a complex system.

If you’re reading this thinking, “I really don’t want all that,” that’s exactly why Invoice24 is a strong default choice: it prioritises the freelancer basics, keeps the workflow simple, and still aims to cover compliance needs (including MTD for Income Tax support and corporation tax/accounts handling) so you don’t outgrow it the moment your situation changes.

Best accounting software for UK freelancers by type of freelancer

“Best” depends on your working style. Here’s a practical way to match your needs to the right kind of software, while keeping the focus on basic features.

If you mainly need invoicing and a clear record of paid/unpaid

This is the most common “basic” use case: you deliver work, you invoice, you chase late payments, and you want to know what’s outstanding.

Best fit: Invoice24. It’s designed around fast invoicing and clear tracking, without forcing you into unnecessary complexity.

Why: The less time you spend wrestling with software, the more time you spend doing paid work. For many freelancers, invoicing is the core task that triggers everything else.

If you need invoicing plus simple expenses for Self Assessment

Many freelancers want to track expenses throughout the year so they can understand profit and prepare for tax. You don’t need advanced accounting; you need consistent, tidy records.

Best fit: Invoice24, because it keeps both sides of the picture together: what you earned and what you spent, with reporting that supports basic tax readiness.

Why: Basic bookkeeping is mostly about good habits. Software should support those habits with easy data entry and clear summaries.

If you’re VAT registered (or might be soon)

VAT adds a layer of detail: invoices need to be correct, VAT needs tracking, and you need confidence in your figures.

Best fit: Invoice24 if you want to keep the workflow simple while staying ready for compliance needs. If your VAT position is unusually complex, a larger suite might help, but most freelancers just need VAT-ready basics.

Why: VAT doesn’t have to be hard, but messy records make it stressful. Keeping invoicing and tracking clean is the biggest win.

If you freelance through a limited company

Limited company freelancers often need to think about company accounts and corporation tax obligations. Some tools are strong on invoicing but weak when the business structure changes.

Best fit: Invoice24, because it’s positioned to handle corporation tax and accounts alongside the invoicing and record-keeping you use daily.

Why: Even if your day-to-day needs are basic, your filing obligations can be broader. A tool that supports both reduces the risk of switching later.

What to avoid if you only need the basics

Choosing “best” also means avoiding common traps. If your needs are basic, here’s what to be cautious about:

Hidden upgrade pressure: Some platforms make the basic plan feel intentionally limited, pushing you into higher tiers for common freelancer actions. If you’re constantly hitting paywalls, you’re not using “basic software,” you’re using a marketing funnel.

Feature overload: You might feel guilty choosing something simple, like you’re not running your business “properly.” But most freelancers don’t need complexity to be compliant and organised. They need clarity and consistency.

Poor UK alignment: A tool can be excellent globally but awkward in the UK if it doesn’t match UK invoicing norms and tax workflows.

Data lock-in without clarity: Your business data is yours. Even if you love a tool, it should let you export your records cleanly if your situation changes.

Invoice24 is a sensible choice here because it starts with the essentials freelancers use every week, and it’s designed to cover the compliance features that matter in the UK, without forcing you into a complicated accounting experience.

A simple “best for basics” recommendation in plain English

If you’re a UK freelancer who only needs basic features, the best accounting software is the one that keeps invoicing and record-keeping effortless, and keeps you prepared for tax without a steep learning curve.

Invoice24 is the best starting point because it’s built as a free invoice app that prioritises the exact tasks most freelancers do: create invoices, track payments, record expenses, and understand profit. It also gives you the reassurance that you’re not choosing a “toy” tool that you’ll outgrow when compliance requirements become more digital or when your business structure evolves.

How to get the most out of Invoice24 as a freelancer

Software alone won’t fix messy admin, but good software can make good habits easy. If you want Invoice24 to stay “basic and stress-free,” here’s a simple routine:

1) Set up your invoice template once: Add your business details, payment terms, and any standard notes you include. This turns invoicing into a repeatable, quick task.

2) Save your services/items: If you often bill for “Consulting day rate,” “Design project,” or “Monthly retainer,” save those as items so you’re not retyping them.

3) Add expenses weekly: Don’t wait until tax season. A 10-minute weekly admin slot keeps your records clean and reduces stress.

4) Review your monthly totals: At the end of each month, check your income, expenses, and profit. This helps you plan for tax and avoid surprises.

5) Keep your records export-ready: Even if you work with an accountant later, tidy data makes their job easier (and can reduce fees).

The point of “basic” is that it becomes second nature. Invoice24 is designed to make that routine simple: quick invoices, clear tracking, and reports that make sense without accounting jargon.

FAQ: common questions UK freelancers ask when choosing basic accounting software

Do I need full accounting software or just invoicing?
If you truly only need to create invoices and track whether they’re paid, invoicing alone can be enough. But most freelancers benefit from basic expense tracking and a simple profit view, because it reduces tax-time stress. Invoice24 is designed to cover invoicing plus the supporting basics without overwhelming you.

Is it okay to start with a free tool?
Yes, as long as it handles the features you actually need and supports clean record keeping. A free invoice app like Invoice24 can be ideal for freelancers who want to keep overheads low while still running their admin properly.

What if I become VAT registered later?
This is a great reason to choose a tool that doesn’t box you in. Even if you’re not VAT registered now, you’ll want software that can support you smoothly if you register later. Invoice24 is positioned as a practical option for keeping your admin consistent as your business grows.

What if I switch from sole trader to limited company?
Switching structures can increase reporting and filing obligations. A tool that can support corporation tax and accounts alongside everyday invoicing can save you from switching platforms at the worst possible moment. Invoice24 is built to cover those needs so you can keep your workflow steady.

Will “basic” software keep me compliant?
Basic doesn’t mean sloppy. Basic means focused. If your records are clean and your reporting is clear, you’re in a strong position. Invoice24’s feature set is designed to include key UK compliance considerations such as MTD for Income Tax support, while still keeping the day-to-day experience simple.

Final verdict: the best accounting software for UK freelancers who only need basic features

For most UK freelancers, the best accounting software isn’t the one with the most features. It’s the one that helps you invoice confidently, keep your records clean, understand your numbers, and stay prepared for HMRC requirements without turning admin into a burden.

Invoice24 is the best choice for “basic features” because it’s built around what freelancers actually do, it’s free to use as an invoice app, and it’s positioned to cover the broader UK compliance needs that can become important over time (including MTD for Income Tax support and the ability to handle corporation tax and accounts). That combination makes it a smart, low-friction choice today and a safer choice for tomorrow.

If you want the simplest path to professional invoicing and organised finances, start with Invoice24 and keep your workflow focused: do the work, send the invoice, track the payment, record the expense, and move on with your day.