If you search for «QuickBooks Self-Employed,» you may notice something confusing: the product has been renamed. Intuit now offers QuickBooks Solopreneur as the updated tool for one-person businesses, and it has a help article explaining how existing users can switch over.
So is it worth paying for? In this review, we explain what the tool does, what it costs, where it works well, and where freelancers may be better off with something else.
Disclosure: Some links on this site may be affiliate links. If you sign up through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This never influences our opinions. Prices and features change often, so confirm current details on QuickBooks’ official website. This review is based on publicly available information and is not a hands-on test.
What Is QuickBooks Solopreneur?
QuickBooks Solopreneur is Intuit’s accounting product built for freelancers, independent contractors, consultants, and other one-person businesses. It is the updated version of QuickBooks Self-Employed, with added features such as sending estimates, setting financial goals, and integration with TurboTax.
In simple terms, it helps you:
- Separate business and personal expenses.
- Track income, expenses, and mileage.
- Send invoices and estimates and accept payments.
- Estimate your quarterly taxes.
- Organize records for your annual tax return.
It is designed to be simpler than QuickBooks Online, Intuit’s full small-business accounting platform.
Key Features
Expense and income tracking
Connect your bank and credit card accounts, and transactions import automatically. You then sort each one as business or personal. Over time, this gives you a clear picture of your profit.
Mileage tracking
If you drive for work, mileage can be a significant deduction. The app tracks trips and calculates the deduction using the IRS mileage rate. You can check current rates on the IRS standard mileage rates page.
Invoices, estimates, and payments
You can create and send invoices and estimates, and clients can pay online. Fees may apply to payment processing, so review the terms before using it.
Quarterly tax estimates
The app estimates what you may owe so you can plan your payments. Remember that these are estimates, not tax filings. To understand the bigger picture, read our guide to Self-Employment Tax Explained.
Tax-ready reports
The app organizes your numbers in ways that support a Schedule C, the form most sole proprietors use to report business income and expenses. You can read more about it on the IRS Schedule C page.
Optional business banking
Unlike the old Self-Employed version, Solopreneur can connect with QuickBooks Checking, Intuit’s business bank account for solo owners. It is optional, and you should compare terms and fees before opening one.
Pricing
Third-party reviews commonly list QuickBooks Solopreneur at around $20 per month, with some listing an annual price of about $120 per year. Promotional discounts for new customers are also common.
Because pricing and promotions change, check the official QuickBooks pricing page for the current cost before you subscribe. Most versions offer a free trial.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Built for one-person businesses, so the setup is simple.
- Good mileage tracking, which is valuable for drivers and on-the-road freelancers.
- Tax-focused design with quarterly estimates and Schedule C-style organization.
- Easy to learn, even if you have never done bookkeeping.
- Familiar brand, which many accountants recognize.
Cons
- Limited compared with QuickBooks Online. Reviewers note it lacks the depth of full accounting software, including detailed balance sheet reporting.
- Not a growth path. It has one plan. If your business outgrows it, you will likely need to move to QuickBooks Online, a more expensive product.
- It doesn’t file your taxes for you. You still need tax software or a professional.
- Costs money when free tools such as Wave cover the basics.
- Payment processing fees may apply if you accept online payments.
Who Should Use QuickBooks Solopreneur?
It is a good fit if you:
- Work alone and have no employees.
- Drive for work and want automatic mileage tracking.
- Want simple tax estimates and organized records.
- Prefer a polished, easy-to-use app and don’t mind paying for it.
- Plan to use TurboTax and like the idea of keeping everything in the Intuit ecosystem.
Who Should Look at Other Options?
You may prefer something else if you:
- Have a very tight budget. Free tools may be enough while you start out. See our guide to the best bookkeeping apps for solo business owners.
- Mainly need invoicing. A dedicated tool may serve you better. Compare options in our list of the best invoicing software for freelancers.
- Expect to grow quickly, hire help, or sell products. Starting with a scalable platform may save you a migration later.
- Only need expense tracking. Our roundup of the best apps to track freelance business expenses covers lighter-weight choices.
How It Compares With Alternatives
| Tool | Cost level | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| QuickBooks Solopreneur | Paid, low monthly fee | Solo freelancers who want tax-focused tracking and mileage |
| Wave | Free core plan | Beginners on a tight budget |
| FreshBooks | Paid | Service freelancers who bill by the hour |
| QuickBooks Online | Higher paid tiers | Growing businesses needing full accounting |
Our Verdict: Is It Worth It?
QuickBooks Solopreneur is worth considering if you are a solo freelancer who wants simple, tax-oriented tracking and especially if mileage deductions matter to you. The price is modest, the interface is approachable, and your records stay organized for tax season.
It is probably not worth it if you are just starting out with very few transactions, since free tools can do the job, or if you expect your business to outgrow a single-plan product quickly.
The best approach is to take advantage of the free trial, connect your accounts, and see whether you actually use it for a few weeks. If you do, it is likely worth the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is QuickBooks Self-Employed still available?
Intuit has replaced it with QuickBooks Solopreneur, and has published instructions for switching existing accounts. Check QuickBooks’ official site for the latest status.
Does QuickBooks Solopreneur file my taxes?
No. It helps you organize records and estimate taxes, but you still need to file your return with tax software or a professional.
Can I track mileage automatically?
Yes, the app includes mileage tracking and uses the IRS mileage rate to calculate the deduction.
Is it better than Wave?
It depends. Wave is free and good for basics. QuickBooks Solopreneur adds tax-oriented features and mileage tracking for a monthly fee.
Will I need to upgrade later?
Possibly. Solopreneur has a single plan, so if your business grows and needs more advanced accounting, you may need to move to QuickBooks Online or another platform.
Should I talk to an accountant first?
It’s a smart idea. An accountant can tell you which tool they prefer and what records they need from you.
Final Thoughts
QuickBooks Solopreneur is a solid, easy-to-use option for one-person businesses that care about taxes and mileage. It isn’t the cheapest option or the most powerful, but it hits a useful middle ground.
If you want a deeper checklist for staying organized, our Freelance Tax Checklist for First-Timers is a good next read.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify pricing and features on the provider’s website and consult a qualified professional about your situation.
Last Update: October 5, 2026
Last Update: October 5, 2026