StashlyFreelancer tax guide
QuickBooks Self-Employed alternatives for freelancers
If you went looking for QuickBooks Self-Employed and couldn't sign up, you're not imagining it. Here's what happened — and the real alternatives depending on what you actually need.
First, what happened to QuickBooks Self-Employed
Intuit discontinued QuickBooks Self-Employed for new customers in March 2024 and replaced it with QuickBooks Solopreneur. Existing subscribers can keep using it, but new signups are pointed to Solopreneur or other Intuit products — which is why you can't find a QBSE signup page anymore.
Your options in 2026
The right pick depends on whether you want a full accounting app or just a clear answer to "what do I owe?"
1. QuickBooks Solopreneur (the official replacement)
Intuit's direct successor to QBSE. It's a monthly subscription app with bank connection, transaction categorization, and Schedule C filing that hands off to TurboTax. A good fit if you want automation and an all-in-one path from bookkeeping to filing — and you're comfortable with a recurring bill and an account.
2. Other subscription apps
Tools like Keeper and various bookkeeping apps also target freelancers, typically on a monthly or annual plan. They lean on automatic bank sync and, in some cases, expense-finding features. Again: ongoing subscription, online account.
3. A simple, one-time spreadsheet
If what you really want is to know how much to set aside for taxes and what's safe to pay yourself — without a monthly bill, a login, or your finances on someone's server — a spreadsheet does the job. You own the file, there's nothing to cancel, and your numbers stay on your computer.
Subscription app vs. one-time spreadsheet
| Subscription app | Stashly (spreadsheet) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Monthly / yearly, ongoing | $14, one time |
| Account & login | Required | None |
| Your data | On their servers | Stays on your computer |
| Bank sync & auto-categorize | Yes | No — you log entries (about a minute a week) |
| Files your return | Some do | No — it preps a clean summary for you or your accountant |
| Tax set-aside by quarter | Varies | Built in, with due dates |
Honest take: if you want automatic bank sync and to file straight from the tool, an app may suit you better. If you want the tax-set-aside math done reliably for a one-time price with no strings, that's exactly the gap a spreadsheet fills.
Want the simple, no-subscription route?
Stashly tracks your income and expenses and shows what to set aside each quarter — plus what's safe to pay yourself. One file you own, in Excel & Google Sheets, for $14 once. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Get Stashly — $14How to choose
Ask yourself one question: do I want software that runs my books, or do I want to know my tax number? If it's the first, Solopreneur or a bookkeeping app earns its subscription. If it's the second — which is most freelancers — a one-time spreadsheet gets you there faster and cheaper.
Stashly is a self-help planning tool, not a CPA, accountant, or tax advisor, and does not provide tax, legal, or financial advice. Product names and features of QuickBooks and other tools belong to their respective owners and are described for general comparison; details can change, so confirm current specifics on each provider's site. Confirm your tax obligations with a qualified professional.