Do I need accounting software for a small business?
Short answer. If you invoice customers, pay vendors, or file business taxes, yes. Spreadsheets work until roughly the point you have recurring transactions, and mistakes get expensive at tax time.
The fuller picture
The honest threshold: a handful of transactions a month is manageable by hand. Once volume, sales tax, or an outside accountant enters the picture, software pays for itself in fewer errors and faster tax prep. Freelancers usually start with FreshBooks, most small businesses with QuickBooks Online.
General information only. This is not tax, legal, or financial advice for your specific situation.