How to Use Tally for Freelancers

Freelancers need a fast, cheap way to invoice, track time, and get paid. Tally delivers a free tier that covers those basics, and a Pro plan that adds automation and reporting. This guide shows you how to set up Tally step by step, from creating an account to sending your first invoice. Follow each section and you’ll be billing clients in minutes.

Table of Contents

• 1. Create and secure your Tally account
• 2. Build and send professional invoices
• 3. Track work hours with the built‑in timer
• 4. Accept payments via Stripe or PayPal
• 5. Generate reports and export data
• 6. Tally vs. competing tools
• 7. Frequently asked questions

1. Create and secure your Tally account

1.1 Sign up with email or Google

Visit tally.so and click “Sign up”. Choose “Email” or “Google”. Enter your name, a strong password, and confirm your email.

1.2 Enable two‑factor authentication (2FA)

After logging in, go to Settings → Security. Click “Enable 2FA”. Scan the QR code with an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, etc.). Enter the 6‑digit code to finish.

Settings → Security → Enable 2FA
1. Scan QR
2. Verify code
3. Save

1.3 Configure your business profile

Navigate to Settings → Business. Fill in your legal name, address, and tax ID. These fields auto‑populate on every invoice.

2. Build and send professional invoices

2.1 Create a new invoice

Click “New → Invoice”. Choose a client from the dropdown or add a new one. Enter a description, hourly rate, and quantity.

New → Invoice
Client: Acme Corp
Item: Web design
Rate: $45/hr
Hours: 12
Total: $540

2.2 Add line items and discounts

You can add multiple line items. Use the “Discount” field for percentage or fixed‑amount discounts.

2.3 Save as PDF or send via email

When the invoice is ready, click “Save & Send”. Tally generates a PDF and emails it to the client with a personalized note.

Email subject: Invoice #1024 – Web Design
Message: Hi Jane, attached is the invoice for March. Let me know if you have questions.

3. Track work hours with the built‑in timer

3.1 Start a timer from the dashboard

The dashboard shows a “Start Timer” button. Click it, select a client and project, then work as usual.

3.2 Review logged time

All entries appear under “Time Log”. You can edit entries, add notes, or delete mistakes.

Time Log
- 2024‑06‑20 09:00 – 11:30 – UI mockups – 2.5 h
- 2024‑06‑21 14:15 – 15:45 – Client call – 1.5 h

3.3 Export time data

Click “Export CSV” to download a spreadsheet for external reporting or payroll.

4. Accept payments via Stripe or PayPal

4.1 Connect Stripe

Go to Settings → Payments → Stripe. Click “Connect”. Log into your Stripe account and grant access.

4.2 Enable PayPal

Similarly, enable PayPal by entering your PayPal email. Tally will generate a “Pay with PayPal” button on each invoice.

PayPal Email: yourname@paypal.com
Button text: Pay via PayPal

4.3 Fees and payout schedule

Stripe charges 2.9 % + 30¢ per transaction; PayPal is 2.9 % + 30¢ for domestic sales. Funds are deposited to your bank within 2‑3 business days.

5. Generate reports and export data

5.1 Monthly revenue report

Navigate to Reports → Revenue. Choose a month and click “Generate”. The report shows total invoiced, paid, and outstanding amounts.

5.2 Outstanding invoices

The “Aging” report lists unpaid invoices older than 30, 60, and 90 days, helping you chase late payments.

5.3 Export options

All reports can be exported as CSV or PDF. Pro users also get JSON for API integrations.

6. Tally vs. competing tools

Below is a side‑by‑side look at Tally, FreshBooks, and Wave. Numbers reflect the plans most freelancers use.

If you need a native app, FreshBooks wins. For pure cost‑effectiveness and built‑in time tracking, Tally is the clear choice.

7. Frequently asked questions

Is Tally free for freelancers?

Yes. The free tier includes unlimited invoices, basic time tracking, and Stripe/PayPal integrations. The Pro plan costs $12 per month and adds advanced reporting and client portals.

Can I accept credit‑card payments with Tally?

Yes. Tally works with Stripe and PayPal. Credit‑card fees are 2.9 % + 30¢ per transaction, identical to the processors’ standard rates.

How does Tally compare to FreshBooks?

Tally’s free plan offers unlimited invoicing, while FreshBooks starts at $6 per month for a single client and charges extra for time tracking. FreshBooks provides a native mobile app and more built‑in expense tools, but Tally is cheaper and simpler for basic freelance billing.

Is there a mobile app for Tally?

Tally does not have a native app yet. Its responsive web app works on all browsers and offers offline invoice creation, which many freelancers find sufficient.

Can I export my data from Tally?

Yes. You can export invoices, time logs, and reports as CSV or PDF. Pro users also get JSON export for custom workflows.

Using Tally gives freelancers a low‑cost, low‑friction way to invoice, track time, and receive payments. Set up your account, connect a payment processor, and start billing in under ten minutes. The free plan covers most solo‑worker needs, and the Pro plan adds the analytics you need as your business grows.