Best Accounting Software for Small Businesses

Whether you’re already running a small business or planning to start one in the Emirates, by choosing the best accounting software, you can protect your business from serious legal and tax challenges. To maintain compliant operations in the UAE, you need to calculate VAT correctly, file tax returns timely, and ensure that your financial records are always audit-ready. With the best accounting software for small businesses, you can easily comply with the nation’s complex accounting requirements and standards. 

Keep reading this blog to explore the top 9 accounting softwares for small businesses in 2025 with in-depth details that will help you select the best one depending on your business type. 

Best Tax Software for Small Businesses: Key Features

For small business owners in the UAE, choosing the best accounting and tax software is important, as it helps them avoid mistakes that can lead to penalties and legal issues. Here are some key features that accounting software for small businesses in the Emirates must have: 

• VAT Compliance: It must be able to calculate VAT accurately, generate compliant invoices, and simplify VAT return filing with UAE regulations.
• Automation: Regular tasks like invoice generation, tracking of expenses, and report creation must be automated, helping your employees save time and reduce the risk of manual errors. 
• Easy-to-Use & Secure: Not only must the tax and accounting softwares for small businesses be easy to use and understand, but they also must offer strong features to protect their sensitive financial data from unapproved access and cyber threats. 
• Integration Capabilities: The software can be linked with other business tools, like payment gateways and CRM systems, making it simpler to use even for users without strong accounting knowledge. 
• FTA Accreditation: It is always advisable to choose accounting software that is approved by the FTA and compliant with all accounting and taxation standards. 
• Scalable & Affordable: The best accounting software for small businesses must handle increased transaction volumes without performance issues. Moreover, it must offer a pricing plan that offers helpful features for your business’s needs within your budget preferences. 

Top 9 Best Software for Small Business Accounting in UAE

For small businesses operating in the Emirates, the following 9 accounting softwares are frequently recommended, as they offer reliable features at generous pricing: 

1. Zoho Books

This accounting software for small businesses in the UAE is a great choice, as it is not only affordable but also fully compliant with the Emirates tax and accounting guidelines. The FTA has officially approved this software, as it helps create reports that comply with the nation’s filing format. This affordable option is a prime choice for growing businesses due to its ability to link with other systems, including Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects, payroll systems, and others. Additionally, it integrates smoothly with the local banks, simplifying the invoicing process and expense tracking.

Who Should Use It: This software is an ideal option for small businesses operating in the Emirates, especially freelancers, e-commerce business owners, and any business owner with a team of less than 10 employees. This makes sure a business complies with the local tax laws, and generates accurate VAT returns and tax reports with minimal manual work.  

Pricing: You just need to pay AED 40 per month to access its basic model; however, for professional and premium plans, you need to make investments of nearly AED 90 and AED 159 annually. A 14-day no cost trial is also offered. All plans of Zoho Books include at least one accountant user at no extra cost.

2. QuickBooks Online

Next on the list of best accounting software for small businesses in the UAE is QuickBooks. It is not specifically designed for the local market, but you can make it compliant with requirements with manual setup if you’re aware of all the rules. It can be accessed remotely from any device using internet and offers a wide range of features, including managing expenses, creating invoices, and generating reports. Even if your staff doesn’t have great accounting experience, they can easily use it, as it automates many tasks. Moreover, it can be connected with other apps, local banks, and accounting tools. 

Who Should Use It: It is a good choice for small business owners who are in need of a trusted global tool, already use apps that can be linked with QuickBooks, or have a tax advisor who recommends it.

Pricing: You can access its features with only AED 67 investment per month. However, plans with inventory tracking and multi-currency features are available at pricing plans above AED 100. It offers a 30-day free trial and its Plus plan offers access to five users.

3. Wafeq

This accounting software is made for startup owners and small firms operating in UAE and Saudi markets. It is good in both Arabic and English and comes with many built-in features, helping businesses file VAT returns easily. This bilingual platform is approved by the FTA and considered best for meeting local compliance and Arabic reporting guidelines. The best thing about Wafeq is that it offers access to unlimited users across all its plans. It’s not used primarily outside the Gulf region, so you might need to hire staff with global software experience. 

Who Should Use It: This is one of the best accounting softwares for local businesses in UAE and Saudi Arabia, as it supports Arabic invoices, complies with both the country’s tax laws, and offers excellent tools for payroll and inventory. Moreover, businesses with multiple branches also use this software.

Pricing: You can purchase the starter plan of this accounting software available at only AED 690 annual price. However, for Plus and Premium plans, you need to pay AED 99 and AED 249 monthly, respectively. A 14-day free trial is offered, and all plans allow unlimited users access.

4. Xero

Next on the list of the best accounting softwares for small businesses in the Emirates is Xero. It is globally used, as it has a user-friendly interface, reporting features, and unlimited user access. Moreover, with a slight manual setup it can be made compliant with UAE’s and cross-border transaction needs. Businesses dealing with clients from diverse countries must explore this option, as it supports multi-currency accounting. 

Who Should Use It: It is best for trade companies and accounting firms with international operations. Its unlimited user access and multiple currency support makes it a great choice.

Pricing: You just need to spend AED 80 for basic plan, while AED 130 and AED 170 for standard and premium plans, respectively. All plans offer unlimited user access and a 30-day free trial.

5. Sage Business Cloud Accounting 

This cloud-based platform is the best choice if you need double-entry accounting and strong reporting features. It has a great reputation as a trusted platform among professional accountants and finance teams. It easily handles every accounting operation, including generation and bank reconciliation. It also allows multiple users access; however, its interface is not easy to understand for non-accountants. Moreover, it doesn’t support bilingual invoices and its customer support is slower.

Who Should Use It: If your team has a professional accountant and you need strong accounting features with secure and compliant VAT handling, this is the best choice.

Pricing: Its basic plan starts at AED 60 monthly, which allows single user access and offers invoicing features. You can purchase its higher plans by investing an amount ranging between AED 90 and AED 120.

6. Tally Prime

This accounting software for small businesses is not cloud-based, which means you can only access it on the desktop. Many small shops and trading firms prefer using it, as they need to install and purchase its license only once. Even without internet, you can use this software. The best part is it supports Arabic invoices, handles VAT rules, and works smoothly offline. Commonly it is used by businesses involved in wholesale and retail sectors. It doesn’t link with many systems and accounting tools, and doesn’t offer automatic data backup.

Who Should Use It: If you’re running a trading business and have an experienced accountant, this software is the best option. Moreover, it offers offline control and you don’t have to pay monthly subscriptions.

Pricing: The version with single-license available at AED 1,800, while multi-user costs AED 5,000 and more. You can also purchase optional annual support and upgrades. If you want to use it for educational purposes, you can use the free version.

7. FreshBooks

Next on the list of the best accounting software for small businesses is FreshBooks, which is specially built for freelancers and small service providers. This cloud-based software doesn’t offer features like tax tools, but is a good choice for project-based works. If you charge clients on an hourly basis, FreshBooks must be your go-to option. Moreover, you can easily set up and use it, even without deep accounting knowledge. It doesn’t support bilingual invoices, VAT returns, and FTA tax filling, but you can access these by simple manual setup. 

Who Should Use It: Commonly it is used by freelancers and agencies that require time tracking, client billing, and professional invoicing, but don’t need advanced accounting and tax filling tools. 

Pricing: You can purchase its lite plan, which offers access to up to 5 clients at AED 55 per month. However, for Plus (50 clients) and premium plans (unlimited clients), you need to pay costs of AED 92 and AED 183 monthly. 

8. Wave

This is completely free accounting software and is mainly used by solo business owners, freelancers, and startup owners. Even though it doesn’t support VAT filing and advanced accounting features, it offers basic accounting tools. You don’t have to pay for a monthly or annual subscription to obtain clear invoicing, professional financial reports, and other basic tools. Other than its user-friendly design, it also helps users to generate invoices in multiple currencies. 

Who Should Use It: If you’re looking for zero-cost accounting software for small businesses in UAE with basic features, this is the best option.

Pricing: Available for free; however, the payroll and online payments features are only accessible in limited countries and can’t be used by UAE-based business owners.

9. Patriot Software Accounting

Last on the list of the top 9 accounting softwares for businesses with small teams is Patriot Software, which is simple to use and available at an affordable price. It is not built specially for UAE-based business owners, but you can use it if you don’t need regional tax automation. From professional invoice creation to expense tracking, you can use it for basic accounting tasks. Its entire interface is in English only and doesn’t support the Arabic language. 

Who Should Use It: This simple accounting software is best for foreign small businesses in the UAE that don’t need advanced VAT filing and inventory management.

Pricing: The basic plan is available at AED 46 per month, and for higher plans you need to pay a monthly cost of AED 92.

Your UAE Partner for Professional Accounting Services

From Zoho Books to Patriot Software, each of these accounting software for small businesses in UAE can help startup owners, freelancers, and solo entrepreneurs in handling their accounting and taxation needs. However, you can secure expert support at affordable price packages with HISAB Taskmaster CAdvisors, the most trusted professional accounting services providers in Dubai. Our team of finance and tax experts helps clients with customized services that all comply with UAE tax and accounting regulations. Make us your trusted partner for reliable accounting services in UAE to make accounting simpler and stress-free. 

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