Best Accounting Apps for SMEs in 2026: Complete Guide for Belgian Businesses

TL;DR

As a Belgian SME, you can get a solid accounting app with VAT filing and bank integration for €20-50 per month. For those wanting to automate their entire workflow: choose an app with AI features and API integrations. The tax authorities accept digital invoices, provided you meet the requirements.

Why an Accounting App is Essential for Your SME

As a solo developer at LUNIDEV, I know how important it is to manage your administration efficiently. I use an accounting app with automatic bank linking myself - it saves me hours of work per month. For Belgian SMEs, a good app is essential: you need to file quarterly returns, calculate VAT correctly, and comply with all fiscal requirements.

The difference between a simple invoicing app and a full-fledged accounting suite? The first creates nice invoices, the second automates your entire financial workflow. Think automatic VAT calculation, integration with your bank account, and pre-prepared tax returns.

Top 5 Accounting Apps for Belgian SMEs in 2026

1. Octopus Accounting

Price: From €35/month

Best for: SMEs who want everything in Dutch

Octopus is 100% Belgian and fully Dutch-speaking. What appeals to me: the AI module automatically recognizes your expenses and categorizes them according to the correct VAT rate. The app integrates with all major Belgian banks and generates your VAT return in one click.

2. Accountable

Price: Free for up to 5 invoices/month, then from €15/month

Best for: Starters and freelancers

Accountable is specifically designed for the Belgian market. The app sends you reminders for tax filings and has a handy mileage tracker for your car. The free version is perfect if you're just starting out, although there is a watermark on your invoices.

3. Exact Online

Price: From €45/month

Best for: Growing SMEs with multiple employees

Exact is a full ERP system. The accounting module is powerful yet remains user-friendly. You can manage your entire inventory with it and there are API integrations available for webshops. Read more about e-commerce automation here.

4. Yuki

Price: From €49/month

Best for: SMEs wanting full digitalization

Yuki works with a unique approach: you send all documents to one central email address and their AI processes them automatically. The app recognizes invoices, receipts, and bank statements. Handy if you have a lot of paper documents.

5. Billit

Price: From €25/month

Best for: Simple invoicing with VAT filing

Billit is Belgian and focuses on simplicity. You create professional invoices in a few clicks and the app automatically calculates the correct VAT amount. The connection with your bank is smooth and you can use it to prepare your tax return.

Important Belgian Specifications to Watch For

VAT Return Integration

Not all apps support the Belgian VAT return in the same way. Look out for:

• Automatic calculation of 6%, 12% and 21% VAT
• Export to Intervat or Tax-on-web
• Correct handling of intra-community transactions

Bank Connections

Most Belgian banks support PSD2 connections. Make sure your app also supports this for your specific bank. KBC, Belfius and ING are the most common.

Legal Requirements

Your invoices must meet Belgian requirements. Think of:

• Sequential invoice numbering (must not be interrupted)
• Mandatory mention of VAT number
• Retention period of 7 years

Tax Benefits and Deductibility

Good news: your accounting software is 100% deductible as a business expense. Even better: if you choose a Belgian app, you may benefit from the digital investment deduction. This means 20% extra deduction on your software investment.

For depreciation: software under €1,000 excl. VAT can be written off in one go. More expensive packages are spread over 3 years.

Automation and Integrations

The power of modern accounting apps lies in the connections. Think of:

Webshop Integration

Do you have a webshop? Choose an app that communicates directly with your platform. Shopify, WooCommerce and other platforms have API integrations with most major accounting packages. More about website automation.

Bank Automation

Automatic import of bank transactions saves time and reduces errors. The better apps recognize recurring transactions and categorize them automatically.

Document Recognition

AI-driven document recognition is a gamechanger. You photograph a receipt and the app automatically reads the amount, date and VAT amount. Saves minutes per transaction.

Safe Choice: What to Look For?

Data Ownership

Read the fine print: who owns your data? At LUNIDEV, I believe in avoiding vendor lock-in. Choose an app where you can export your data in an open format.

Back-ups and Security

Check if the app:

• Makes regular back-ups
• Stores data in the EU (GDPR compliance)
• Offers two-factor authentication

Support in Dutch

For Belgian SMEs, Dutch-language support is crucial. You don't want a language barrier when it comes to your finances.

Conclusion: Which One Fits You?

Choose Accountable if you're just starting out and have few invoices. For growing SMEs, Octopus is a safe choice with full Belgian support. Do you have ambitions to scale? Then Exact Online offers the most expansion possibilities.

Start with a free trial and test the bank connection thoroughly. The right accounting app not only saves you time, but also prevents costly mistakes in your VAT return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a paid accounting app as a small self-employed person?

Not mandatory, but recommended. Excel works up to a point, but an app prevents errors and saves time. The costs (€15-35/month) are deductible.

Can I migrate my existing data?

Most apps offer import tools for Excel or CSV files. Ask in advance which formats are supported. Migrating historical data is usually possible, but requires some preparation.

What if the tax authorities audit me?

All tested apps comply with Belgian legislation. Make sure your invoices are numbered according to the rules and that you keep back-ups. The app generates most required reports automatically.

Is my data safe in the cloud?

Yes, provided you choose a recognized provider. All apps in this overview use encryption and comply with GDPR. However, check where the servers are located - within the EU is safer.

Can I add multiple users?

Yes, but watch the price. Some apps charge per user (€5-15 extra), others include it in the basic package. Ask about this in advance if you want to collaborate with an accountant or employee.

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