As an Etsy seller, keeping track of your business mileage is crucial for tax purposes and to accurately calculate your profits. Fortunately, there are several apps available that make it easier to track your mileage and expenses, so you can focus on growing your business.
One of the best apps for mileage tracking is TripLog, which offers automatic business mileage tracking, bank connection for expense tracking, and categorization, alongside extra functions like route planning. Another great option is Rydoo, which is best suited for tech, construction, and manufacturing businesses. QuickBooks Online is another popular choice for freelancers and independent contractors.
Whether you’re a new Etsy seller or an experienced one, using a mileage tracking app can help you save time and money. With the right app, you can easily track your mileage, expenses, and profits, so you can focus on what you do best – creating and selling your products.
Why Track Your Mileage
As an Etsy seller, tracking your mileage can help you save money on taxes by claiming deductions on your business travel expenses. Here are a few reasons why tracking your mileage is important:
- Tax deductions: You can receive tax deductions from all business travel expenses, including driving to the bank or post office, craft fairs, auctions, estate sales, or flea markets, and the craft store for supplies. Tracking your mileage can help you determine how much you can deduct from your taxes.
- Accurate records: Keeping accurate records of your mileage can help you stay organized and avoid any discrepancies or errors in your tax returns. It can also help you keep track of your business expenses and profits, which can be useful when making financial decisions.
- Better billing: Tracking your mileage can help you bill your clients more efficiently and get paid for your time and expenses. It can also help you determine the true cost of your services and adjust your prices accordingly.
There are many mileage tracking apps available that can help you simplify the process of tracking your mileage. These apps can automatically log your miles, calculate your expenses, generate reports, and even integrate with your accounting software. By using these apps, you can save time and ensure that your records are accurate and up-to-date.
Top Apps to Track Your Mileage
As an Etsy seller, tracking your mileage is crucial for tax purposes. Luckily, there are several apps available that can make this task much easier. Here are some of the top apps to track your mileage:
MileIQ
MileIQ is an app that automatically tracks your mileage using your phone’s GPS. It also allows you to categorize your trips as business or personal and generates reports for tax purposes. The app is available for both iOS and Android and offers a free trial before requiring a subscription.
Everlance
Everlance is another app that automatically tracks your mileage using GPS. It also allows you to track expenses and generate reports for tax purposes. The app is available for both iOS and Android and offers a free trial before requiring a subscription.
TripLog
TripLog is a robust app that not only tracks your mileage but also tracks expenses and generates reports. It offers several features such as automatic tracking, manual tracking, and integration with other apps. The app is available for both iOS and Android and offers a free trial before requiring a subscription.
Stride
Stride is an app that offers mileage tracking as well as other features such as expense tracking and tax deduction calculations. It also offers advice and resources for independent contractors. The app is available for both iOS and Android and is free to use.
QuickBooks Self-Employed
QuickBooks Self-Employed is a comprehensive app that offers mileage tracking, expense tracking, and invoicing features. It also integrates with QuickBooks Online for easy accounting. The app is available for both iOS and Android and offers a free trial before requiring a subscription.
In conclusion, tracking your mileage as an Etsy seller is essential for tax purposes. The apps mentioned above can make this task much easier and efficient. Choose the one that suits your needs and start tracking your mileage today!
Features to Look for in a Mileage Tracking App
When it comes to tracking your mileage as an Etsy seller, choosing the right mileage tracking app is crucial. Here are some features to look for when selecting a mileage tracking app:
Automatic Tracking
An excellent mileage tracking app should have automatic tracking capabilities. This feature enables the app to track your mileage automatically without requiring you to manually input data. The app should be able to detect when you’re driving and start tracking your mileage automatically. This feature saves you time and ensures that you don’t forget to track your mileage.
Manual Entry
In some cases, you may need to enter your mileage manually. For instance, if you forget to start tracking your mileage or if you’re using a different mode of transportation other than your car, you’ll need to enter your mileage manually. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a mileage tracking app that allows manual entry.
GPS Tracking
GPS tracking is another crucial feature to look for in a mileage tracking app. The app should be able to track your mileage accurately using GPS. This feature ensures that your mileage is tracked correctly, and you don’t miss out on any deductions.
Expense Reports
The best mileage tracking apps should allow you to generate expense reports easily. The app should be able to generate reports that show your mileage, expenses, and other relevant information. This feature saves you time and ensures that you have all the information you need to file your taxes.
Integration with Accounting Software
Finally, it’s essential to choose a mileage tracking app that integrates with your accounting software. This feature ensures that your mileage data is automatically transferred to your accounting software, making it easier to manage your finances.
In summary, when choosing a mileage tracking app as an Etsy seller, look for features such as automatic tracking, manual entry, GPS tracking, expense reports, and integration with accounting software. These features will help you track your mileage accurately, save time, and manage your finances more efficiently.
How to Choose the Right App for You
Choosing the right mileage tracking app can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By considering a few key factors, you can narrow down your search and find the best app for your needs.
First, consider your budget. Some apps are free, while others come with a monthly or annual subscription fee. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and look for apps that fit within your budget.
Next, think about the features you need. Do you want an app that automatically tracks your mileage, or do you prefer to enter your trips manually? Do you need an app that integrates with your accounting software, or is that not a priority for you? Make a list of the features you require and look for apps that offer them.
Another important factor to consider is compatibility. Make sure the app you choose is compatible with your device and operating system. If you use multiple devices, look for apps that sync across all of them.
Finally, consider the app’s user interface. Is it easy to use and navigate? Does it have a clean and intuitive design? Look for apps that are user-friendly and won’t cause frustration or confusion.
Overall, by considering your budget, required features, compatibility, and user interface, you can choose the right mileage tracking app for your needs as an Etsy seller.
Factor to Consider | Example |
---|---|
Budget | Free apps: Stride, MileIQ |
Required Features | Automatic tracking: Everlance, Rydoo |
Compatibility | Syncs across devices: Zoho Expense, QuickBooks Online |
User Interface | User-friendly design: Hurdlr, MileageWise |
Conclusion
Tracking your mileage is an essential part of running an Etsy business, and there are many apps available to help you do it. After researching and testing various options, we recommend the following apps:
App | Best For | Price |
---|---|---|
Zoho Expense | All-in-one solution | Free – $9/user/month |
Rydoo | Tech, construction, and manufacturing | $6/user/month |
QuickBooks Online | Freelancers and independent contractors | $7.50/month – $45/month |
Stride | Mileage tracking and tax deductions | Free |
No matter which app you choose, be sure to keep accurate records of your mileage to ensure you are getting the tax deductions you deserve. With the right app, tracking your mileage can be a breeze, leaving you more time to focus on growing your Etsy business.
I hope you found this guide covering how to track your mileage as an Etsy seller, useful! To learn more Etsy tips and tricks, check out the Thrive on Etsy Blog!