Hate doing your accounts and tax paperwork?
Most freelancers could do without this side to their business, but what if there was a way to make it easier and simpler?
I recently discovered a very useful UK service called Crunch, who provide an online accounting tool specifically for freelancers. It covers your invoicing, expenses, accounts paperwork and tax calculations, all in one place.
It offers a cost effective and simple way to manage all of this through a secure online application – which means you can access your accounts from any computer on the internet. But unlike other online tools you can still have access to a human being when you want to – a very good idea with accounts, as most of us have questions from time to time!
The main benefits
How does it work?
The best way to find out how it works is to view this great video tour, which explains how easy it is:
What do other freelancers think of it?
At the moment I’ve only used a demo account myself, so to give you an idea of what others think here are the reactions of two creative freelancers:
Jaime Kensley
Graphic designer and artworker
“After hours spent trawling the internet, calling local accountants and asking fellow freelancers I came across Crunch via Google. Having weighed up my options and the ease of the Crunch system I left my details and was immediately called back.
So far, so good. Every time I email my agent with a request, they respond straight away. This helps as there is obviously a lack of face-to-face contact, which you would normally have with an accountant.
I would definitely recommend it to freelancers who are in control of their finances and like to view an immediate catalogue of all the work they have been involved with.”
Adam Roberts
Photographer – adamroberts.net
“My first thought was ‘Yeah yeah another online accounting app designed by accountants that makes no sense to a creative person’. What I found was a simple clean interface that made sense to me. Things were explained in English not obscure accountants jargon.
It’s taken the frustration out of managing the money side of the business, freeing me up to do what I love.”
Summary
In all, there are some very positive things about Crunch which I’m sure will give traditional accountants a run for their money in the freelance market. It will suit and benefit most freelancers and give them a simpler way of running their business. Well worth looking into if you are frustrated by your current system or costs.
If you’re already a user, let us know what you think – please add your feedback in the comments below.
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