Many self-employed individuals in Spain struggle to find accounting software that’s both simple and compliant with Spanish tax rules. Quarterly VAT (IVA), personal income tax (IRPF), and correct invoice formatting are non-negotiable. In this guide, we compare top tools for autónomos - renn, Xolo, Cuéntica, Holded, and Quipu - based on price, ease of use, tax features, and real usability.
Why VAT/IRPF compliance matters
Missing IVA or IRPF deadlines can cost hundreds in penalties.
Spain requires:
- Quarterly filings for both VAT (Modelo 303) and IRPF (Modelo 130)
- Proper invoice formatting: date, description, taxable base, IVA, IRPF retention
- Digital compliance: e-invoicing (Facturae) and SII for large taxpayers
And from January 2026, Verifactu compliance will be mandatory for all autónomos. This means all invoices must be created through software connected directly with Agencia Tributaria. Platforms that don’t meet Verifactu standards won’t be allowed for issuing invoices.
Most international platforms don’t support Spanish formats or Verifactu. Stick to tools built for the Spanish market.
1 - renn
Simple, compliant, and free for light users
renn is an AI-powered tax assistant for Spain. It's the only tool with a usable free tier:
- 25 invoices/month at no cost
- Auto-bookkeeping and tax prep - optional
- Tax saving: renn finds more deductible expenses automatically, plus access to a 10% credit not available elsewhere.
- Bilingual by default: EN/ES interface and documents.
- Spain-first compliance: Verifactu-ready, IRPF options, IVA types, etc.
- Focused for freelancers: focused invoicing without the bloat of full accounting ERPs; faster onboarding for non-accountants.
Best suited for freelancers with simple needs who want to avoid complex menus and manual entry.
Pricing
- Free - €0 - Up to 25 invoices/month
- Pro - €15/month - Unlimited invoices
Pros:
- Extremely simple to use, quick setup
- Send invoices directly from WhatsApp
- Verifactu-ready invoicing
- Free tier actually useful
Cons:
- Less suited for multi-employee or international businesses
Best Self-Employed Accounting Software in Spain - 2025
2 - Xolo
More features, accountant included
Xolo targets freelancers across Europe. Offers:
- Invoicing, expenses, VAT handling
- Spanish tax integration
- Accountant support with higher plans
Pricing:
- Lite: €15/mo
- Starter: €49/mo (with tax advisor)
- Global: €59/mo (international setup)
Pros:
- More comprehensive services
- Professional tax advice available
Cons:
- No free plan
- Interface can feel heavier for basic users
3 - Cuéntica
Spanish platform for autónomos and SMEs
Focused on freelancers and small businesses in Spain
- Invoicing, tax filing, record-keeping
Pricing:
- €15/mo; no free version
Pros:
- Tailored to Spanish compliance
- Covers Modelo 303/130 and Verifactu rules
Cons:
- No free plan
- Limited scalability for larger teams
4 - Holded
ERP-style platform with broader scope
Invoicing, accounting, CRM, inventory, project management
Pricing:
- From €15/mo to €100/mo, depending on plan and company size
Pros:
- Full ERP, not just invoicing
- Designed for Spanish compliance (IRPF, IVA, Verifactu)
Cons:
- No free plan
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants
5 - Quipu
Well-rounded with tax advisor support
Quipu is a Spanish platform designed for freelancers and small businesses:
- Verifactu-compatible invoicing
- Expense management and digital receipts
- Access to certified tax advisors
Pricing:
- Basic plans from €17/mo to €60/mo, depending on plan
Pros:
- Includes human support
- Good balance of features for growing businesses
Cons:
- Less intuitive than simpler tools
- Some features locked behind higher tiers
Bottom line
If you're self-employed in Spain and want something simple, Renn is the easiest starting point - Verifactu-ready, intuitive, and free for up to 25 invoices.
If you need more features, advisor support, or inventory/project management, Xolo, Cuéntica, Holded, and Quipu all offer more flexibility.
Nomo works well if you prefer mobile tools that blend banking and bookkeeping.
