In today’s digital-first economy, keeping your books in order isn’t just good practice it’s a necessity. Whether you’re performing on stage, managing rental properties, or running a beauty salon, HMRC expects accurate records, and your business thrives best with financial clarity.
With Making Tax Digital (MTD) continuing to roll out in the UK, it’s never been more important to use the right tools to manage your finances. Here’s a look at the top digital bookkeeping tools every entertainer, property realtor, and health & beauty professional should consider using in 2025.
1. QuickBooks Online
Best for: Freelancers, salon owners, and solo entertainers
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QuickBooks is one of the most popular cloud-based bookkeeping platforms in the UK. It’s HMRC recognised for MTD and makes tracking income, expenses, and VAT a breeze.
Key Features:
- Link your bank accounts for real-time transaction updates
- Create and send invoices on the go
- Track mileage, receipts, and payments
- Easy VAT submissions for MTD
Why it works for you:
Great for creatives and mobile professionals who need flexibility and want to stay compliant without hassle.
2. Xero
Best for: Growing beauty businesses and property professionals with staff
Xero is a powerful tool for small to medium-sized businesses and is widely used by accountants across the UK.
Key Features:
- Automated bank reconciliation
- Payroll integration (ideal for salon or agency staff)
- Track property-related expenses and capital improvements
- Inventory tracking for product sales
Why it works for you:
Xero suits multi-income stream businesses like landlords who also do short-term lets or salons with retail product lines.
3. Dext (formerly Receipt Bank)
Best for: Busy entrepreneurs drowning in receipts
Dext helps digitise and categorise receipts automatically, saving you hours of admin and making it easier to claim allowable expenses.
Key Features:
- Snap and store receipts via mobile
- Extracts VAT and expense data automatically
- Syncs with Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, and more
- Great for managing paper-heavy businesses
Why it works for you:
Perfect for entertainers on tour or beauty pros who regularly stock up on supplies and need to keep compliant records.
4. Landlord Vision / Hammock
Best for: Property realtors, landlords, and letting agents
These tools are specifically designed for UK property investors and managers offering a tailored approach to rental income, expenses, and tax reporting.
Key Features (Landlord Vision):
- Track rental income, repairs, and capital expenditure
- Handle tenant records and rent reminders
- Generate property tax reports and portfolio summaries
Key Features (Hammock):
- Links directly with your rental bank account
- Auto-categorises transactions
- Calculates mortgage interest and cash flow
- Generates tax reports aligned with HMRC’s SA105 form
Why it works for you:
Avoid generalised software confusion these are purpose-built for the real estate world.
5. FreeAgent
Best for: Freelancers and self-employed creatives
If you’re a solo musician, content creator, makeup artist or yoga instructor, FreeAgent gives you all-in-one simplicity with HMRC-ready features.
Key Features:
- Simplified dashboard with real-time tax estimates
- Self Assessment & VAT filing directly to HMRC
- Time tracking and project billing
- Built-in invoice templates
Why it works for you:
Gives sole traders and side hustlers a user-friendly way to stay on top of their finances without needing to be a numbers expert.
6. Notion or Trello (For Financial Organisation)
Best for: Creatives and small business owners who like visual organisation
While not accounting software, Notion and Trello are fantastic for managing your financial admin such as organising receipts, tracking invoices, or planning tax submissions.
Key Uses:
- Create monthly income/expense checklists
- Log cash payments manually
- Plan out tax deadlines or bookkeeping tasks
- Store digital links to invoices and receipts
Why it works for you:
If you’re juggling gigs, treatments, or viewings this keeps your to-do list tight and tidy.
7. Your Accountant’s Portal
Best for: Anyone working with a bookkeeper or accountant
Most accountants now offer client portals that integrate with cloud bookkeeping software. These portals can:
- Collect documents securely
- Share real-time reports
- Submit returns and tax forms
- Keep communication tidy and trackable
Why it works for you:
Collaboration is key. The right tools allow your accountant to do their job while you focus on what you do best.
Whether you’re showcasing your talent on stage, managing rental properties, or running a wellness studio, the right digital tools will save time, reduce stress, and keep you compliant in 2025.
No more shoeboxes full of receipts or scrambling at tax time. With cloud accounting and sector-specific platforms, you can take control of your finances and focus on growing your business with confidence.