Monthly accounting software subscriptions in NZ keep getting more expensive. If payroll, bank reconciliation and multi-user accounting aren't things you actually use, you're paying hundreds a year for features that just sit there. Here's what it's costing you — and a cheaper way to do the one thing you actually need.
Updated August 2026 · Based on current NZ accounting software pricing
Monthly accounting software subscriptions apply whether you send one invoice or a hundred — and the plans keep climbing:
| Typical plan tier | Price (excl. GST) | Price (incl. GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | ~$35/month | ~$40/month |
| Mid-tier | ~$65/month | ~$75/month |
| Advanced | ~$84/month | ~$97/month |
Even on the cheapest entry-level plan, that's $480+ a year — before you factor in add-ons, extra users, or moving up a tier because you hit a plan limit. Across the range, most NZ accounting software runs $35–$84 a month, or roughly $480–$1,000+ a year.
Full accounting software is a genuinely good tool for businesses that need it. If any of these apply to you, a full accounting platform is the right choice:
If you're just sending invoices and getting paid, a full accounting platform is solving a problem you don't have:
Here's what invoicing actually costs on TradieNotes versus a full accounting software subscription, based on how many invoices you send each month:
| Invoices per month | TradieNotes (yearly) | Accounting software (yearly) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 / month | $120/year ($10/month) | $480+/year |
| 10 / month | $240/year ($20/month) | $480+/year |
| 20 / month | $480/year ($40/month) | $480+/year |
Even at 20 invoices a month, TradieNotes breaks even with the cheapest accounting software plans — and most sole traders and small businesses send far fewer than that. Below 20 a month, you're simply paying less for exactly what you use.
