Bookkeeping, simply explained, is keeping your financial records up to date. It provides insight, overview, and structure. You’ll know what’s coming in, what you’re spending, and what your financial capacity is. This way, you’ll have a clear picture of your business’s financial health and avoid surprises. A solid bookkeeping system also makes it easier to complete your tax return. Saving you time. And time is money, right?
"}},{"accordionList":[{"richBody":{"value":"A good bookkeeping system consists of:
You can approach bookkeeping in three ways:
Keep your records up to date effortlessly. Link your bank account to a bookkeeping program and your income and expenses are tracked automatically. It offers many features and financial insights, and your records are accessible anytime, anywhere.
What do you need for online bookkeeping?
"}},{"accordionList":[{"richBody":{"value":"A bookkeeping package is a program (software) that allows you to manage your accounts. Most bookkeeping programs track your income and expenses. Some packages also offer additional features, such as:
Which bookkeeping package suits you as an entrepreneur depends entirely on your preferences. Take a look at one of the packages below, such as Exact, AFAS, or E-boekhouden.nl, which are linked with ING.
Good to know: All bookkeeping programs we recommend can be easily linked to your business account via Mijn ING Zakelijk. This allows you to do your bookkeeping online straight away.
"},"textLinks":[{"text":"View all online bookkeeping packages","url":"https://www.ing.nl/en/business/digital-banking/simple-bookkeeping/bookkeeping-link#which-accounting-packages-have-an-ING-bank-link"}],"title":"A bookkeeping package"},{"richBody":{"value":"Do you have an online bookkeeping package? Then you can link it to your business account. Such a bank connection is incredibly convenient: your transactions are automatically sent to your bookkeeping package. You no longer need to manually upload a file. Incoming payments are also matched against outstanding invoices. You don’t have to do a thing.
You can easily set up a Bookkeeping Link via Mijn ING Zakelijk.
Are you a new entrepreneur? Then your starter package includes a free bookkeeping connection for 6 months.
"},"textLinks":[{"text":"Link your bookkeeping package","url":"/en/business/digital-banking/simple-bookkeeping/bookkeeping-link"}],"title":"A bookkeeping Link"}],"componentType":"accordion"},{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"text":"Link your bookkeeping package","url":"/zakelijk/digitaal-bankieren/eenvoudig-boekhouden/koppeling-boekhoudpakket"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Not using a package yet? Check out the 15 partners we offer direct bank connections with. Choose the one that suits you best.
"}},{"cards":[{"cardSize":"small","cardType":"service","componentType":"serviceCard","image":{"altTextNL":"Logo: AFAS","extension":"png","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/11a3fe11f54f6f17/original/AFAS-Logo-2023.png","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/e38b8327-5e9f-4718-bf75-b99b123f8a68/AFAS-Logo-2023","type":"image","width":800},"intro":"Read more about bookkeeping with AFAS.","link":{"url":"https://www.afas-sb.nl/portal-afas-kleinzakelijk/ing"},"title":"AFAS"},{"cardSize":"small","cardType":"service","componentType":"serviceCard","image":{"extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/63f703e662caecb6/original/Asperion.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/32433a16-6f88-468f-af03-9396c3ae074f/Asperion","type":"image","width":756},"intro":"Read more about bookkeeping with Asperion.","link":{"url":"https://www.asperion.nl/ondernemers/zzp/"},"title":"Asperion"},{"cardSize":"small","cardType":"service","componentType":"serviceCard","image":{"extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/asset/061de8c3-0ede-4b3e-8241-9668655c1eae/Bizcuit.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/061de8c3-0ede-4b3e-8241-9668655c1eae/Bizcuit","type":"image","width":756},"intro":"Read more about bookkeeping with Bizcuit","link":{"url":"https://bizcuit.nl/ondernemers/"},"title":"Bizcuit"},{"cardSize":"small","cardType":"service","componentType":"serviceCard","image":{"extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/2d2313e21ef7ce79/original/Bjorn-Lunden.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/27f0983d-907e-4b8a-bd03-6d94477ae32d/Bjorn-Lunden","type":"image","width":756},"intro":"Read more about bookkeeping with Bjorn Lunden.","link":{"url":"https://kingsoftware.nl/producten/king-finance/"},"title":"Bjorn Lunden"},{"cardSize":"small","cardType":"service","componentType":"serviceCard","image":{"altTextEN":"Logo: Cash","altTextNL":"Logo: Cash","extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/3fddb93180e15155/original/Logo-Cash-2-1.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/4e66c612-abae-4593-a8bc-331eb2092fd7/Logo-Cash-2-1","type":"image","width":823},"intro":"Read more about bookkeeping with Cash.","link":{"url":"https://www.cash.nl/oplossingen/boekhouden/"},"title":"Cash"},{"cardSize":"small","cardType":"service","componentType":"serviceCard","image":{"altTextNL":"Logo: e-boekhouden","extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/6804d30ec87f42b6/original/Eboekhouden-logo.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/f349a8c8-9947-4bf8-85b1-00f09a4ea490/Eboekhouden-logo","type":"image","width":160},"intro":"Read more about bookkeeping with e-boekhouden.","link":{"url":"https://www.e-boekhouden.nl/p/eenvoudig-online-boekhouden"},"title":"e-boekhouden.nl"},{"cardSize":"small","cardType":"service","componentType":"serviceCard","image":{"altTextNL":"Logo: Exact","extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/8450fdec140e19c/original/Exact-logo.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/b17aa5f0-24c6-4961-b5b0-1cea463b3e7e/Exact-logo","type":"image","width":160},"intro":"Read more about bookkeeping with Exact.","link":{"url":"https://www.exact.com/nl/producten/boekhouden/ing?utm_campaign=ING_Partnerpagina_CTA:goodie&utm_source=ING&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_content=CTA-goodie"},"title":"Exact Online"},{"cardSize":"small","cardType":"service","componentType":"serviceCard","image":{"extension":"png","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/2ad9fc00e3cda03f/original/bhp_boekhoud-gemak-multivers_tcm162-234349.png","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/2e282808-536c-41ff-8844-d8e318c4ffa7/bhp_boekhoud-gemak-multivers_tcm162-234349","type":"image","width":72},"intro":"Read more about bookkeeping with Multivers.","link":{"url":"https://online.multivers.nl/Home.aspx"},"title":"Gemak & Multivers"},{"cardSize":"small","cardType":"service","componentType":"serviceCard","image":{"extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/7420ff2b81f52f57/original/Informer-logo.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/98b16bbc-ec54-4490-ba31-8f9bcde32477/Informer-logo","type":"image","width":756},"intro":"Read more about bookkeeping with Informer.","link":{"url":"https://www.informer.nl/boekhoudprogramma"},"title":"Informer"},{"cardSize":"small","cardType":"service","componentType":"serviceCard","image":{"extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/6b97ea0c9797340a/original/Kleisteen.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/6180b893-3bee-49b3-b4a4-7013210b7086/Kleisteen","type":"image","width":756},"intro":"Read more about bookkeeping with Kleisteen.","link":{"url":"https://www.kleisteen.nl/kleisteen-boekhouden/"},"title":"Kleisteen"},{"cardSize":"small","cardType":"service","componentType":"serviceCard","image":{"altTextNL":"Logo: Moneybird","extension":"png","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/867c764eb78549f/original/bhp_moneybird_tcm162-234343.png","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/4af0dba0-b467-433b-b3a5-eabc2f896aeb/bhp_moneybird_tcm162-234343","type":"image","width":72},"intro":"Read more about bookkeeping with Moneybird.","link":{"url":"https://www.moneybird.nl/"},"title":"Moneybird"},{"cardSize":"small","cardType":"service","componentType":"serviceCard","image":{"altTextNL":"Logo: Exact","extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/8450fdec140e19c/original/Exact-logo.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/b17aa5f0-24c6-4961-b5b0-1cea463b3e7e/Exact-logo","type":"image","width":160},"intro":"Read more about bookkeeping with Exact Reeleezee.","link":{"url":"https://www.exact.com/nl/software/exact-reeleezee"},"title":"Exact Reeleezee"},{"cardSize":"small","cardType":"service","componentType":"serviceCard","image":{"altTextNL":"Logo: Snelstart","extension":"png","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/2aeee11c46a8648c/original/bhp_snelstart_tcm162-234345.png","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/16940b6d-c671-45e3-b66b-4f9f1666e74c/bhp_snelstart_tcm162-234345","type":"image","width":72},"intro":"Read more about bookkeeping with Snelstart.","link":{"url":"https://www.snelstart.nl/"},"title":"Snelstart"},{"cardSize":"small","cardType":"service","componentType":"serviceCard","image":{"altTextEN":"Logo: Twinfield","altTextNL":"Logo: Twinfield","extension":"png","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/6e29d7fb372ee6a3/original/Twinfield-logo.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/0c223982-bc38-4703-8a8f-68043b34407b/Twinfield-logo","type":"image","width":350},"intro":"Read more about bookkeeping with Twinfield.","link":{"url":"https://www.wolterskluwer.com/nl-nl/solutions/twinfield-accounting"},"title":"Twinfield"},{"cardSize":"small","cardType":"service","componentType":"serviceCard","image":{"altTextNL":"Logo: Visma","extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/42c0d1fb2a6cb93f/original/visma-small_tcm162-234347.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/ae16eccc-b857-4d2f-abe6-c0b59a336b1f/visma-small_tcm162-234347","type":"image","width":1598},"intro":"Read more about bookkeeping with Visma.","link":{"url":"https://register.ebanking.vismasoftware.nl/home"},"title":"Visma"},{"cardSize":"small","cardType":"service","componentType":"serviceCard","image":{"extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/2bcd94c3d0629c73/original/Yuki.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/4806b4b6-fc30-46fe-a93f-fd1597f3d336/Yuki","type":"image","width":756},"intro":"Read more about bookkeeping with Yuki.","link":{"url":"https://www.yukisoftware.com/nl-nl/"},"title":"Yuki"}],"componentType":"cards"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Choosing a bookkeeping package? Then it’s a good idea to list your requirements. There are many providers, and each package is slightly different. Choose one that suits you and your organisation. How? This handy checklist for selecting your bookkeeping package will help you get started.
"},"title":"Which bookkeeping package suits me?"},{"accordionList":[{"richBody":{"value":"Just starting out or have few transactions? Then your records may not be too complex, and Excel could be a good option. Use our free Excel template to keep your bookkeeping in order.
Tip: If manual tracking becomes too much work, consider switching to an online package with a Bookkeeping Link. Then your administration is always up-to-date.
"},"textLinks":[{"text":"Download template 'Free bookkeeping in Excel'","url":"https://www.boekhoudeninexcel.nl/excel-boekhouden/ref/ING/?furl=0369_srvc_MIZ_zzp_algzzzp_TP"}]},{"accordionList":[{"richBody":{"value":"Would you like to download the free ‘Bookkeeping in Excel’ template? If so, you’ll be leaving the ING website and redirected to the website of our partner, 'Boekhouden in Excel'. Our privacy statement will no longer apply. Please read how 'Boekhouden in Excel' handles your personal data on their website.
Tax returns, payroll, or other tasks you find challenging? It might be wise (or simply convenient) to hire a bookkeeper.
Decide what you want to handle yourself and what you’ll delegate.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Frequently asked questions"},{"accordionList":[{"richBody":{"value":"Simple bookkeeping explained means keeping your business finances up to date. It gives you insight, clarity, and structure. You know what’s coming in, what you’re spending, and what your financial space is. And importantly, you meet the requirement from the Tax Authority to retain your records for 7 years.
"},"title":"What does bookkeeping involve?"},{"richBody":{"value":"Your financial administration is part of running a business and bookkeeping is a key element of that. The Tax Authority expects you to manage things properly. But bookkeeping doesn’t have to be difficult. Here’s what you gain from simple bookkeeping:
Bookkeeping is important for three reasons:
Your administration and bookkeeping must meet certain requirements. These have been set by the Tax Authority and relate to the contents of your records. The following items must be included in your administration:
You are required by the Tax Authority to retain your bookkeeping records for 7 to 10 years.
7 years is the retention period for the core data of your administration, such as:
10 years applies to data concerning real estate and rights related to real estate.
We already mentioned your bank statements and time tracking. Also consider your travel expenses, mileage records, VAT returns and sales tax. You’ll also want to keep track of your general ledger, receipts, debtors and creditors records, and your purchase and sales administration. And don’t forget, you’re required by the Tax Authority to retain your bookkeeping records for 7 years.
"},"title":"What records must I keep as a self-employed person?"},{"richBody":{"value":"Many self-employed prefer to do their bookkeeping online. To do this, they choose a bookkeeping program that can be easily linked to their business (self-employed) account. This ensures their records are always up to date.
"},"title":"Which bookkeeping program is best for self-employed?"},{"richBody":{"value":"Including time tracking in your (Excel) bookkeeping can lead to significant tax benefits. The condition is that you must have worked at least 1225 hours on your own business and/or for clients and customers. Keep track of it daily so you know exactly what you did and when.
"},"title":"Do I need to track my hours?"}],"componentType":"accordion"},{"componentType":"linkList","iconTitle":{"icon":{"extension":"png","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/b3ad527d82eaff3/original/Feedback-Light_Bulb_Outline.png","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/9b2c6ad3-b2ea-4db5-a2ca-1c48b46f01ae/Feedback-Light_Bulb_Outline","type":"image","width":2500},"title":"Also useful for you"},"textLinks":[{"text":"View bookkeeping package connections","url":"/en/business/digital-banking/simple-bookkeeping/bookkeeping-link"},{"text":"Automatically save VAT","url":"/zakelijk/digitaal-bankieren/service/btwsparen"},{"text":"Create invoices","url":"/zakelijk/eigen-bedrijf-starten/factuur"},{"text":"Open a business account","url":"/en/business/payments/business-account"},{"text":"How financially fit is your business?","url":"/zakelijk/financieel-gezond"},{"text":"Bookkeeping programs for self employed","url":"/zakelijk/digitaal-bankieren/eenvoudig-boekhouden/boekhoudprogrammas-voor-zzpers"},{"text":"Learn to do your own bookkeeping","url":"/zakelijk/digitaal-bankieren/eenvoudig-boekhouden/zelf-boekhouden-leren"}]}]},"hasMacro":false,"id":"f21318a5-2efe-4c7b-b15f-b9c606fa0176","localeString":"en-GB","mainHeaderZone":{"backLink":{"textLink":{"text":"Digital Banking","url":"/en/business/digital-banking"}},"componentType":"categoryHeader","coreHeader":{"subtitle":"Good administration is key to success. How do you manage your bookkeeping: online, in Excel or outsourced?","title":"Simple Bookkeeping"}},"publishDate":"2026-06-08T17:38:21.551+02:00"}}