What accounting software does a new single-member LLC need?

For a single-member LLC with no employees, something that captures receipts on the day, sorts them into Schedule C categories, matches the bank and exports a tax package. A single-member LLC files exactly like a sole proprietor.

Does an LLC change how I do bookkeeping?

Not for a single-member LLC: it is a disregarded entity and files Schedule C on your personal return. What changes is that you must keep business money separate to protect the LLC.

Should I pick QuickBooks because my accountant uses it?

Ask them what they need from you at tax time. Most want categorised totals and receipts, which any tool that exports a Schedule C package provides.

Just Started an LLC? Which Accounting Option to Pick

The LLC is straightened out, the EIN is in the drawer, and now the accounting question, with fifty opinions online and no way to weigh them. Stop comparing features. Pick by the year you are about to have. There are three cases.

First, the thing that does not change

A single-member LLC is a disregarded entity for tax: you file Schedule C on your own return, exactly like a sole proprietor. The LLC changes your liability, not your bookkeeping. What it does add is a rule: business money and personal money stay separate, or the liability shield is weaker. So open the business account today and never mix.

Case 1: just you, services, no stock, no staff

Consulting, design, trades, coaching, real estate side income. Tens of transactions a month. You need capture on the day, Schedule C categories, bank matching and a tax package. You do not need an accounting suite. ClaryBook is built for this case: a chat on your phone, receipts attached, a Schedule C worksheet in form order at year end.

Case 2: you sell products or have inventory

Now cost of goods sold, stock counts and sales tax enter. Pick an accounting suite (QuickBooks Online, Xero, Zoho Books) and accept the monthly bill; the inventory features are the point. Wave's free tier is a reasonable start if cash is tight and volume is low.

Case 3: you will hire this year

Payroll decides it. Pick the suite your payroll provider integrates with, because payroll errors are the expensive ones.

Text a receipt. It is in your books.

ClaryBook files what you send under the right Schedule C line, keeps a running quarterly estimate, and hands your accountant a tax package with every receipt attached. $30 a month, 30 days free, no card.

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The question to ask your accountant, if you have one

Not "which software do you like" but "what do you need from me in February". The answer is nearly always categorised totals and receipts, and any tool that exports that package is fine with them. If you do not have one yet, you may not need one this year.