The short answer: No, hiring an accountant is not mandatory for sole proprietors. It can be helpful, but you can also easily handle your bookkeeping on your own.
In this article, we explain what options you have as a self-employed person just starting out, when an accountant can be helpful, and how you can easily do your own bookkeeping.
Choosing an accountant for a sole proprietorship
Many new self-employed individuals hire an accountant. That makes sense, because an accountant takes a lot of work off your hands: VAT declarations, tax returns, bookkeeping, and advice on important decisions.
But… an accountant costs money. You can easily expect to pay €1,000 to €2,000 per year. For sole proprietors with only a limited income or part-time earnings, that’s often a significant expense.
👉 For corporations, an accountant is highly recommended. After all, double-entry bookkeeping is mandatory for them, which is almost impossible without accounting knowledge.
The situation is different for sole proprietorships: they can easily do their own bookkeeping without an expensive intermediary.
Tip from an accountant
“As a sole proprietor, you can easily do your own bookkeeping. Be sure to use good accounting software.”
How to do your own bookkeeping as a self-employed person?
More and more self-employed people are choosing to handle their own administration. These days, that’s very easy thanks to user-friendly accounting software.
With accounting software, you will be able to:
- create invoices and automatically enter them into your books;
- draw up quotations;
- file all returns in just a few clicks;
- receive notifications for important deadlines;
- get guidance at every step.
Excel can be an option, but it often falls short. A modern accounting package offers much more convenience and reliability. Plus, Dexxter shows you how to file your returns in just a few clicks.
What’s the best accounting software for self-employed professionals?
User-friendly software like Dexxter can help you with your bookkeeping, even if you have no prior accounting experience.
With Dexxter:
- you can easily enter your income and expenses yourself;
- you’ll meet all deadlines;
- you can easily create invoices and quotations that are immediately added to your accounting;
- you can use Peppol (mandatory for all self-employed individuals from 2026);
- your VAT declarations are prepared automatically;
- you receive clear explanations at every step;
- you submit your declarations in just a few clicks.
And the best part? Dexxter costs only a fraction of what an accountant does. While a traditional accounting firm will easily cost you hundreds of euros, with us you pay just a few dozen euros per month.
Still, it can be helpful to have someone to ask questions. That’s why Dexxter has a community where you can ask other self-employed professionals questions. For accounting-related questions, you can contact a certified accountant.
Did you know?
Dexxter offers a free bookkeeping course, so you can get started right away—even without any prior knowledge!
Want advice from an accountant after all? That’s still possible!
You might be thinking: “What if I get stuck? Or have a question?” No problem. Even if you handle your own bookkeeping with Dexxter, you can always turn to a professional.
You can book individual consultation sessions with one of our partners. That way, you get help exactly when you need it, without the high fixed costs of a traditional accountant. This keeps your total costs much lower, while still ensuring you receive accurate guidance.
Examples of situations where you might want to consult an accountant:
- Applying for your VAT number
- Choosing between different VAT schemes
- Guidance with your first tax return
- More complex fiscal questions
- Advice tailored to your personal situation
In summary: Do I, as a self-employed person, need an accountant?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is it mandatory to hire an accountant? | No, it’s not mandatory. |
| Can I do my own bookkeeping? | Yes, it’s easy with Dexxter! |
| What if I need advice? | What if I need advice? You can schedule a one-time appointment with an advisor. |
| What is the price? | Much less than a traditional accountant. Just 180 euros per year! |
| Is there help available to get started? | Yes, Dexxter offers a free bookkeeping course and a community where you can ask questions. |
