Accounting and taxes for self-employed estheticians, nail techs, lash techs, and more.
Easy Accounting for Self-Employed Beauty Pros
Simple tips for estheticians, nail techs, lash techs & waxers
If you’ve just started working for yourself as a waxer, esthetician, nail tech, or lash artist, one of the most helpful things you can do for your future self is to set up a simple system for handling your money.
I know—it’s not the most exciting part of being in the beauty business. But trust me, a little bit of planning now will save you major stress down the road.
You’re Self-Employed—Now What?
When you’re self-employed, you don’t have a boss taking taxes off your paycheck or sending you a T4 at the end of the year. You’re the boss now. That means you’re in charge of your income, expenses, and taxes.
You don’t need to overthink it. But you do need a plan.
Disclaimer:
This web page is intended solely for information purposes, and no individual or another third party may rely upon it as tax or legal advice or use it for any other purpose. The content does not provide tax advice to any taxpayer and does not take into account any specific taxpayer’s facts and circumstances. Readers are encouraged to consult with professional advisors for advice concerning specific matters before deciding or taking a position on any tax return.
Start Smart with FreshBooks
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to set up, budget-friendly, and made for small service businesses, FreshBooks is your best bet. It’s designed for people who don’t have an accounting background but still want to keep their finances clear and organized.
Here’s why I recommend it:
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It’s super user-friendly
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You can access it from your phone or laptop
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It automatically tracks income and expenses
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It keeps everything in one place for tax time
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You can upload receipts and send invoices if needed
Even if you’re just seeing a few clients a week, this is a great time to build the habit. You likely have more time now than you will when you’re fully booked. Start small. Stay consistent.
👉 Click here to try FreshBooks
- Pros:
- Intuitive and easy to navigate.
- Excellent for invoicing and time tracking.
- Cloud-based, accessible from anywhere.
- Cons:
- Limited features for advanced accounting needs.
- Higher cost compared to some alternatives.
FreshBooks & Your Taxes
FreshBooks, primarily known for its invoicing and expense tracking features, also offers functionalities that can assist with tax preparation, especially for small business owners and self-employed professionals like those in the beauty industry. Here's a brief overview of how FreshBooks can help with taxes:
- Expense Tracking: Categorize and track business expenses for tax deductions.
- Income Tracking: Manage invoices to automatically track earnings.
- Tax Reports: Generate profit and loss statements for tax filing.
- Receipt Management: Capture and store receipts for tax documentation.
- GST/HST Tracking: Handle GST/HST for Canadian users, simplifying tax rate application on invoices.
- Accountant Collaboration: Share financial data with accountants for easier tax preparation.
Want to DIY It? Etsy Has Templates
If you’re more of a do-it-yourself kind of person, Etsy is a great place to look for beauty business templates. You’ll find everything from income trackers to printable tax organizers.
Templates are great if you prefer pen and paper or simple spreadsheets. Just know they require a little more effort to update and manage regularly.
They’re definitely doable—but they do rely on you to keep them current.
When to Hire an Accountant
Not everyone wants to handle the financial side—and that’s totally okay. If you’re not into tracking numbers or you’re feeling overwhelmed, hiring a professional is a smart option.
A good accountant can:
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Help you file your taxes
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Make sure you claim the right deductions
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Answer your questions about self-employment
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Help you plan ahead if your business grows
Some beauty pros choose to start with FreshBooks or templates in the beginning, then bring in an accountant once they’re busier or making more income.
There’s no wrong way to do it—just the way that works best for you.
Final Thoughts
You’re not just a beauty expert—you’re a business owner now. Taking the time to set up simple, clear systems for your money will give you confidence, peace of mind, and room to grow.
Whether you choose FreshBooks, printable templates, or professional help, what matters most is that you start now—while things are still manageable.
You’ve got this 💛
Blog posts worth reading:
Cutting costs for home-based salons and spas
How to boost holiday sales in your salon or spa
FreshBooks Blog: This Tax Season Find Your Strength in Numbers with FreshBooks
