Frequently asked questions

Common questions about bookkeeping software selection and how this tool works.

Is this tax or accounting advice?

No. This tool is for planning and education only. Always work with a qualified accountant or tax professional for filings, payroll taxes, and compliance.

Why are costs estimates instead of exact quotes?

Vendors change pricing, run promotions, and bundle payroll or payments differently by region. We use documented tier assumptions in code so you can sanity-check them — but you should confirm live pricing before purchasing.

How do you pick the plan tier for each provider?

Rules depend on the vendor. For example, FreshBooks tiers use an estimated active client count derived from your monthly invoices and team size. Xero, Zoho Books, and QuickBooks escalate tiers with users, inventory, multi-currency, and international signals. See the Methodology page for details.

What does the payroll add-on number represent?

A simplified monthly bundle: a base platform fee plus a per-employee placeholder. It is not a payroll tax quote and does not include workers' comp, benefits, or filing services.

When is FreshBooks the best fit?

When invoicing, proposals, time tracking, and client billing are central — typical for freelancers, consultants, and agencies. It tends to score well for service workflows and beginner-friendly UX.

When should I lean toward Xero?

When accountant collaboration, bank reconciliation depth, or international / multi-currency complexity matter more than a minimal invoice-only tool.

Why recommend Zoho Books?

When cost sensitivity, automation, or a broader Zoho suite path matters. The free tier is modeled only when your inputs fit tight caps (users, invoices, and feature flags).

When is QuickBooks the pragmatic US pick?

When US payroll familiarity, accountant network effects, or inventory-heavy SMB workflows are priorities — even if it is not the cheapest subscription at every seat count.

What is the illustrative time-saved value?

We multiply a capped fraction of your stated admin hours by your hourly value. It is a rough planning aid, not measured productivity savings.

Do you use affiliate links?

Not on this tool right now. Outbound links go to each vendor’s public site. We may add labeled affiliate links later; if we do, we will update this FAQ.