Loyalty is hard earned, and it takes a lot for bookkeeping tools to make our recommended list. But FreeAgent, our favourite bookkeeping software, has well and truly won us over. And we thought it’s about time to proclaim why we’re so confident it’ll change your self-employed life…
Read on for five reasons why we think you should adopt FreeAgent if you’re a freelancer or contractor:
1. The interface is a thing of beauty
Business tools should be quick and capable, but they might as well look the part too. A clear, visual platform is going to make complex data far easier to absorb. FreeAgent shows this in spades, colouring the ‘overdue’, ‘due’ and ‘paid’ portions of your income stream in distinctive shades. There’s a feature bar at the top of the digital frame which, along with calculated figures, makes checking your finances more accessible.
2. You can snap and organise your receipts
Receipt collection is always a drag on our patience. We’re incredibly glad that FreeAgent erases paper handling altogether, letting you photograph any evidence that’s relevant to your expenses and upload it to the system. What’s more, you’re able to separate business expenditure on any grounds you like, filing those tax relief prospects in an order that makes sense to you.
3. There’s an immediate link to HMRC
Physical tax submissions are going the way of the dodo bird. FreeAgent, anticipating this switch to online bookkeeping, has an in-built channel to HMRC – when the deadline approaches, just get your Self Assessment winging along to their database with a few clicks of the mouse/phone screen. It really couldn’t be more convenient, as you know nothing is at risk of postal misplacement, and there’s no sending delay.
4. Your cash flow evolves in real-time
Being self-employed isn’t a walk in the park, by any stretch of the imagination. Luckily, FreeAgent software has stretched itself to accommodate your (potentially complex) cash flow. Bank transactions are instantly added to the portrait of your business account, as soon as they’re confirmed. You’ll see where every part of your income is coming from, no matter how knotty the web may seem…
5. Automated invoice reminders are a welcome trait
Freelancers and contractors rely on a timely income stream. If someone forgets to pay you, or actively ignores your small-print, then it’s extremely time-consuming to chase every single one of them up. FreeAgent, on the other hand, rides to your rescue by generating automated invoices, reminding your clientele to cough up the cash. These can recur on any schedule you feel is appropriate.
There’s a hefty batch of benefits we could bolt onto our list, like corporate tax forecasting and a time tracker for your workload. For now, though, see the full shape of FreeAgent with your own eyes, and take a tour through the interface.
We’re users of FreeAgent too, so get in touch on 0161 451 3942 or message info@biaccountancy.com to quiz us on our experiences.
