Bonsai

Built by Freelancers, for Freelancers

Most accounting software treats freelancers as an afterthought - stripped-down plans with features designed for companies. Bonsai flipped this around. Every feature exists because independent professionals asked for it: contracts with e-signatures, branded proposals, automatic invoicing, and tax estimates that actually help come April.

The Full Client Lifecycle

Here's what sets Bonsai apart. You create a proposal, the client signs it, and it automatically generates a contract. Finish the work, track your hours, and Bonsai creates the invoice. Payment comes in, and it's categorized for taxes. That flow from first contact to tax filing is something no other freelancer tool does this well.

Accounting That Doesn't Scare Creatives

Bonsai's accounting won't satisfy a CPA. But that's not the point. It tracks income and expenses, connects to your bank, categorizes transactions, and estimates quarterly taxes. For a graphic designer or copywriter who just needs to know "am I making money and how much do I owe in taxes?" - it's perfect.

The Limitations

Once you hire employees (not contractors), Bonsai starts to creak. There's no payroll, no inventory, no multi-entity support. The accounting lacks double-entry bookkeeping, so your accountant might push back at tax time. And at $21-79/month, it's not cheap for a brand-new freelancer earning modest income.

Who This Is For

Solo freelancers and small agencies under 5 people. Designers, developers, writers, consultants, photographers - creative professionals who'd rather spend time on client work than chasing invoices and filing paperwork.