Cleverboek is a free Dutch bookkeeping application for freelancers (zzp'ers) and small-to-medium businesses that automates invoicing, bank transaction matching, and VAT returns.
What is Cleverboek?
Cleverboek is an online accounting program built for the Dutch market, designed for self-employed professionals and small businesses. It takes in bank transactions, scanned receipts, and invoice data, then produces categorized bookkeeping, quarterly VAT returns ready to file, and real-time profit overviews. The application runs as a web app on desktop and mobile and is developed by the Cleverboek team.
Key Features
- Quick invoicing — Send an invoice in about 30 seconds by selecting a client and entering an amount; the system remembers details, includes your logo, automatically sends payment reminders, and adds a payment link powered by Ponto.
- Open Banking bank connection — Link your Dutch business account with one click to ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, bunq, Knab, SNS, ASN, Triodos, Revolut, or N26; transactions arrive automatically and are matched to invoices and receipts.
- One-click VAT returns — Cleverboek calculates your quarterly VAT, prefills the return, and lets you file directly with the Dutch Belastingdienst; reminders go out before the deadline.
- Scan & Herken receipt scanner — Photograph any receipt and the app recognizes the amount, VAT, and supplier, then books it into the correct expense category.
- Bookkeeping bot — A 24/7 background process categorizes transactions, recognizes receipts, and matches invoices, automatically handling up to 87% of your administrative work.
- Mileage and hour registration — Track business kilometers and recorded hours per client or project, and use the data directly when creating invoices.
- Free onboarding service — The team helps you set up your account, link your bank, and send your first invoice at no cost.
Who is it for?
- Freelance professionals: manage invoicing, expense tracking, and VAT filing in one tool without needing accounting knowledge.
- Small business owners: keep bookkeeping current daily through automatic bank imports and receipt scanning.
- Accountants and bookkeepers: access client administrations and collaborate directly, as clients can invite them in any plan.
Use cases
- Deposit and payment tracking: automatically match incoming bank payments to outstanding invoices via the bank connection, reducing manual reconciliation.
- Expense management for mobile workers: photograph receipts on the go with the mobile app, which reads the amount and books it to the right category.
- Quarterly tax filing for sole proprietors: have the VAT return calculated and prefilled, then review and submit it to the Belastingdienst with one click.
How does it work?
After signing up, you create an account and link your bank. The onboarding service guides you through setup, and then the bookkeeping bot processes transactions automatically around the clock. You review the real-time dashboard and start the pre-filled VAT return when ready.
Pricing
Cleverboek uses a freemium model. The free plan includes all features without limits on invoices or bank transactions. The Premium support plan costs €19 per month (excluding VAT) and adds personal chat support from an accounting team. No credit card is required and you can cancel monthly.
FAQ
Is Cleverboek really free?
Yes, the free plan gives you all the software features: unlimited invoicing, unlimited bank transactions, receipt scanning, and VAT returns with one click. There is no trial period and no credit card required.
Can I connect my bank to Cleverboek?
Cleverboek works with ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, SNS, ASN, bunq, Knab, Triodos, Revolut, and N26 via Open Banking. Transactions are imported automatically and matched to your invoices and receipts.
Is my financial data secure?
Cleverboek is AVG-compliant, uses 256-bit encryption, and stores data on servers located in the Netherlands.
Can I give my accountant access to my administration?
Yes, in any plan (free or premium) you can invite your accountant to view and work on your administration.
What does Premium support add?
Premium support costs €19 per month and gives you chat access to a bookkeeping team that can answer questions and help with tasks. The software features themselves are identical to the free plan.
