Best Accounting Software for Canadian and Australian Freelancers
The best accounting software for Canadian and Australian freelancers, with guidance on GST/HST and GST/BAS. Compare Xero, QuickBooks, Wave and more. Not tax advice.
Freelancers in Canada and Australia share one big headache: software that handles local sales tax (GST/HST in Canada, GST with BAS reporting in Australia). The details differ between the two countries, so the right tool does too. Below are the strongest accounting options for both, based on each vendor's documented features and pricing.
Not professional advice: This article is for general information only and is not tax, legal, or accounting advice. Rules and products change and vary by country and situation. Confirm details with the official source and consult a qualified professional before making decisions.
A note on local taxes
Canadian freelancers deal with GST/HST (which varies by province), while Australian freelancers deal with GST and periodic BAS reporting. Registration thresholds, rates, and deadlines change and differ by country and region, so verify current requirements with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), or a qualified accountant. Software keeps you organized but isn't professional advice.
Last checked: November 1, 2026.
At a glance
| Xero | QuickBooks Online | Wave | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada (GST/HST) | Good | Strong | Strong |
| Australia (GST/BAS) | Strong | Good | Limited |
| Price | Subscription | Subscription | Free |
| Local accountant support | Very high (AU) | High | Moderate |
| Best for | Australian freelancers | Canadian freelancers | Zero budget |
For Australian freelancers: Xero leads
Xero has a very strong presence in Australia, with excellent GST handling, BAS-friendly reporting, and deep support among Australian accountants and bookkeepers. If you want the tool your local accountant most likely uses, Xero is the natural pick.
Pros
- Excellent GST and BAS handling
- Very popular with Australian accountants
- Strong bank reconciliation and reporting
Cons
- Subscription cost
- More than some simple freelancers need
For Canadian freelancers: QuickBooks and Wave
In Canada, QuickBooks Online handles GST/HST well and is widely supported by Canadian accountants, making it a safe, scalable choice. Wave, which has Canadian origins, is a strong free option for freelancers with simpler finances who still need proper sales-tax tracking.
Pros
- QuickBooks: strong GST/HST and reporting
- QuickBooks: broad Canadian accountant support
- Wave: free, with GST/HST tracking
Cons
- QuickBooks: subscription cost
- Wave: lighter features and support
Configuring sales tax correctly
Whichever tool you choose, the value comes from setting up sales tax correctly: the right GST/HST codes for your province (Canada) or correct GST settings and BAS periods (Australia). Take time to configure this against official CRA or ATO guidance, or have an accountant do it once, so your returns and reports are accurate.
Who each tool is best for
- Australian freelancer: Xero, for GST/BAS and local support.
- Canadian freelancer wanting depth: QuickBooks Online.
- Canadian freelancer on a budget: Wave.
Comparing across regions? See our US freelancers guide and UK sole traders guide, and pair any of these with solid invoicing software.
Our verdict
Frequently asked questions
What accounting software is best in Canada?
QuickBooks Online and Wave both have strong Canadian roots and handle GST/HST well. Xero is a capable alternative. The best fit depends on your sales-tax situation, budget, and whether you use an accountant.
What's best for Australian freelancers?
Xero is extremely popular in Australia and handles GST and BAS reporting well, with strong local accountant support. QuickBooks is a solid alternative. Confirm current GST and BAS requirements with the ATO.
Do I need to register for GST?
You generally must register once your turnover passes the relevant threshold, and may register voluntarily below it. Thresholds differ between Canada and Australia and change over time, so verify with the CRA or ATO.
Does the software handle local sales tax automatically?
Good accounting tools can track GST/HST (Canada) and GST (Australia) and help prepare returns or BAS, but you must configure them correctly. Confirm settings against official CRA or ATO guidance.
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