Questions & Answers

In the know about TallyHo

TallyHo is a lightweight time tracking app built for freelancers, contractors, and sole traders.

On this page, you'll find answers to the most common questions about using TallyHo, pricing, invoicing, and how it compares to other time tracking tools.

Getting Started

How do I organise my work in TallyHo?

TallyHo uses a simple hierarchy: Clients → Projects → Project Phases (optional) → Individual Tasks

Example structure:

  • Client: "Apple Inc."
  • Project: "Website Redesign"
  • Project Phase: "Homepage" (optional for deeper organization)
  • Task: "Created hero section mockups - 2.5 hours"

Each task requires:

  • Client & Project: Where the work belongs
  • Duration or Expense: Either time worked (e.g., 90 minutes) or money spent (e.g., $200 for stock photos)
  • End Time: When you finished the task
  • Description: What you actually did (optional but recommended)
Screenshot of a typical logged task in TallyHo showing client, project, duration, end time, and description
Who is TallyHo designed for?

Solo freelancers, contractors, and sole traders who want simple, elegant time tracking without technical complexity.

Perfect for creatives, consultants, and independent professionals who need to track billable hours but don't want to spend time managing complex software.

TallyHo isn't designed for: Teams, agencies needing 1000+ app integrations, or people who require built-in invoicing and extensive project management features.
How does time tracking work without timers?

While some people love timers, I think there's a better way. Instead of managing running clocks, you log time after completing work.

Smart time-gap detection helps you stay accurate. If your last task ended at 2:00 PM and you're logging a new task at 3:30 PM, TallyHo will automatically suggest 90 minutes as the duration.

This approach works well for people who prefer staying focused on their work rather than managing timers, while ensuring no time gets lost between tasks.

How does the smart time-gap detection work?

When you log a new task, TallyHo automatically looks at when your previous task ended and calculates the time gap.

Example: Your last task ended at 2:00 PM and you're logging a new task at 3:30 PM. TallyHo will automatically suggest 90 minutes (1.5 hours) as the duration for your new task.

This intelligent detection ensures no billable time falls through the cracks between tasks, while still giving you full control to adjust the suggested time if needed.

Perfect for when you get absorbed in work and forget to track time until later - TallyHo helps reconstruct your day accurately.

Can I import data from other time tracking tools?

Right now, I haven't built automated import tools for other time tracking applications.

However, getting started is designed to be incredibly fast - you can begin tracking immediately and create clients/projects on-the-fly as you work. Most users find they're fully set up within their first few time entries.

If you have extensive historical data you need to migrate, get in touch and I can explore options for helping with your specific situation.

Can I use Keyboard Shortcuts in TallyHo?

Yes! TallyHo includes keyboard shortcuts to help you work efficiently:

T or 1
Go to Tasks
P or 2
Go to Projects
I or 3
Go to Invoice
S or 4
Go to Insights
Q
Open Quick Add
In addition to keyboard shortcuts, double-clicking on individual tasks opens it up for editing.

Core Features

How are clients, projects, and tasks organised?

Simple hierarchy: Clients → Projects → Project Phases (optional) → Individual Tasks

Create everything on-the-fly as you work. Type "2h Apple Website Homepage design" and TallyHo will automatically organise it under the Apple client and Website project.

Rate hierarchy: Set rates at the user level (your default), client level, or project level. TallyHo automatically applies the most specific rate available.

Can I set different rates for different types of work?

Yes, through the smart rate hierarchy system.

Set your default rate at the user level, then override it for specific clients or individual projects. TallyHo automatically applies the most specific rate available:

Example: Your default rate is $75/hour, but you charge Client A $100/hour, and for Client A's "Rush Project" you charge $125/hour.

This flexible system lets you handle different skill levels, client relationships, or project complexities without complicated time tracking rules.

Can I track expenses alongside time?

Yes. Add reimbursable expenses (client lunches, travel, stock photos) alongside your time entries. Everything appears together when you generate timesheets for invoicing.

How detailed can I get with expense tracking?

Add expenses directly to your time entries with full details: amount, description, and whether they're reimbursable.

Common examples: Client lunches, travel costs, stock photos, software subscriptions, or materials purchased for specific projects.

Expenses appear alongside your time when generating timesheets, so everything needed for invoicing is in one place.

Like time tracking, expense entry is designed to be quick and natural - add them as you work or log them later with your time.

Does TallyHo work on mobile?

Yes, as a Progressive Web App (PWA). Add it to your phone's homescreen for an app-like experience.

Perfect for logging time on the go. Learn how: Add to iPhone Homescreen or Add to Android Homescreen

Invoicing & Timesheets

Does TallyHo do invoicing?

No, and that's intentional. Most freelancers already have invoicing sorted with tools like Hnry, Xero, or FreshBooks.

Instead, TallyHo generates timesheets in multiple styles that work with any invoicing system. Copy-paste your timesheet data wherever you need it - no fragile integrations to break.

Read the guide: From Time Tracking to Hnry Invoicing

How do I generate professional timesheets?

The Invoice page shows all uninvoiced work organised by client. Select tasks, choose your timesheet format (Default, Detailed, or Minimal), and copy the formatted timesheet to your clipboard.

Paste directly into any invoicing system - Hnry, Xero, FreshBooks, or even Word documents.

How do I get my timesheets?

TallyHo generates professional timesheets that you can copy directly to your clipboard and paste into any invoicing system - no file downloads needed.

Three formats available: Default (clean and professional), Detailed (includes task descriptions), and Minimal (just hours and totals).

Zapier automation: You can also automate timesheet delivery using Zapier webhooks to send data directly to Xero, QuickBooks, Hnry, or 1000+ other apps. See the complete setup guide.

If there's a specific timesheet format you need that I don't currently support, let me know.

Pricing & Plans

How much does TallyHo cost?

TallyHo starts free and stays free. No credit card required, no trials that expire, no feature restrictions.

Free Forever Plan:

  • 5 clients with 10 projects each (50 projects total)
  • Unlimited time entries and tasks
  • All features included - timesheets, insights, invoicing prep
  • Never expires, no credit card needed

TallyHo Pro ($5/month or $55/year):

  • Unlimited clients and projects
  • Everything in Free, forever
  • Priority email support

Most freelancers find the free plan is all they need. Upgrade only when your client base grows beyond 5 clients.

View detailed comparison on the pricing page.

What happens if I downgrade from Pro to Free?

All your data stays safe. When you downgrade, you keep access to everything you've created, but you'll be limited to the free plan restrictions going forward.

Free plan limits: 5 clients with up to 10 projects each. If you have more clients or projects when you downgrade, you can still view and work with existing data, but won't be able to create new clients or projects until you're back within the limits.

You can always export your complete data before downgrading, and upgrading again restores full functionality immediately.

Comparisons & Alternatives

What's the difference between TallyHo and other time trackers?

Most time tracking tools are built for teams and corporations. TallyHo is built specifically for solo professionals.

  • Minimal setup required: Start tracking immediately, add clients and projects on-the-fly
  • Post-completion logging: Instead of managing timers during work
  • Universal compatibility: Works with any invoicing system via copy-paste. Easy!
  • Freelancer-focused: No team features, no complexity you don't need

Read the comparison: The Best Time Tracking Apps for Freelancers in 2025

Why build a time tracking app specifically for freelancers?

Can't I just use a team time tracker and ignore the features I don't need?

You certainly could, but why compromise? Team tools treat freelancers like they're just 'teams of one' - forcing you to navigate project managers, approval workflows, and collaboration features you'll never touch.

TallyHo champions solo work. Every feature, screen, and interaction is designed around how freelancers actually operate. No ignoring features, no mental overhead, no apologising for working alone.

Technical & Security

Does TallyHo work offline?

No, TallyHo currently requires an internet connection.

While TallyHo is a Progressive Web App (PWA) that you can install on your device for an app-like experience, it needs internet connectivity to save your time entries and sync your data.

This ensures your data is always backed up securely and accessible from any device. Offline-use is on the roadmap, so let me know if it's something you desperately need.

Is my data secure and private?

Your data belongs to you, period. Your information is stored securely and I only access it when you specifically request technical support.

I collect minimal analytics through Matomo to improve the app - things like which features are used and error information. This data is anonymised and contains no personal information from your time tracking.

Your actual work data (clients, projects, tasks, rates) stays private and is never shared or analysed.

Read the full Terms of Service for complete details on data handling.

Ready to give TallyHo a try?

Start Free
TallyHo is updated frequently. Let me know if there's anything amiss here.
Q&A updated: 3 September 2025