Comparisons
Best Accounting Software for Sole Traders: The Paid Rankings
Most 'best accounting software' rankings for sole traders hide affiliate fees. Here is what those lists leave out about MTD 2026 compliance.
8 min read
Comparisons
Side-by-side looks at MTD software and tax apps, with the questions that decide which one fits you.
- 24 articles
Comparisons articles
Comparisons
How Much Does MTD Software Cost? £0 to £348 a Year for Self-Serve Filing
A dated August 2026 price list for Making Tax Digital software, band by band. Self-serve software for the same four quarterly updates and one final declaration costs anywhere from nothing to £348 a year, landlord portfolio platforms run higher again, and paying more does not buy a more complete tax return.
23 min read
Comparisons
We Analysed All 146 MTD Tools on HMRC's Directory: 69% Cannot Finish Your Tax Return
We graded every product on HMRC's Making Tax Digital for Income Tax directory. Most cannot complete a single tax-return item, and the price spread runs about 30x.
26 min read
Comparisons
MTD Software Compared: Honest Reviews for Sole Traders
We tested the leading Making Tax Digital software for sole traders and ranked them honestly. Here is what each one costs, what it gets right, and who should avoid it.
8 min read
Comparisons
Accounting Software for Freelancers UK: Stop Paying for Features You'll Never Use
Most accounting software for freelancers UK is built for accountants, not you. Here's how to spot the bloat, avoid the upsells, and find what actually fits.
8 min read
Comparisons
MTD Software Pricing Comparison 2026: Who Charges What
A no-nonsense MTD software pricing comparison for 2026. See exactly what QuickBooks, Xero, FreeAgent, and TapTax charge sole traders each year.
9 min read
Comparisons
best free accounting app self employed uk, not free
Wave quit the UK. Most free tiers won't file your MTD quarterly updates. We ranked Pandle, Bokio, FreeAgent, QuickBooks and TapTax on what's actually free.
3 min read
Comparisons
Wave Accounting vs FreeAgent: The MTD Dealbreaker
Wave is free but FreeAgent costs £19/month. For UK sole traders facing MTD, that price gap hides a much bigger problem. Here's the real comparison.
8 min read
Comparisons
FreshBooks vs Xero UK: The Sole Trader Verdict
FreshBooks vs Xero UK compared honestly for sole traders. Real pricing, MTD compliance, and whether either is actually worth the monthly fee.
9 min read
Comparisons
Sage vs Xero for Sole Traders: The Real Cost
Sage and Xero both push sole traders onto pricier plans fast. See exactly what each charges, what you actually get, and whether either is worth it before MTD locks you in.
8 min read
Comparisons
Cheapest Accounting Software for Sole Traders: Real Costs
Tired of paying for features you'll never use? We break down the real cost of accounting software for UK sole traders, including hidden fees and MTD traps.
8 min read
Comparisons
MTD Software Hidden Costs UK Sole Traders Miss
Headline prices are only the start. Discover the VAT, annual rises, lock-in fees and bloated feature tiers that make MTD software far costlier
9 min read
Comparisons
FreeAgent vs QuickBooks Self Employed: Stop Paying for Features You'll Never Use
FreeAgent vs QuickBooks Self Employed: a no-nonsense cost and feature breakdown for UK sole traders who just need MTD compliance without the bloat.
7 min read
Comparisons
Best Accounting Software Sole Trader UK 2026: Ranked
Comparing the best accounting software for UK sole traders in 2026. Real costs, MTD compliance, and which tools are built for tradespeople not accountants.
9 min read
Comparisons
QuickBooks vs Xero: True Cost for UK Sole Traders
QuickBooks needs the £28/month Essentials plan for full MTD compliance. Xero's Starter caps invoices. See the real annual costs before you subscribe.
8 min read
Comparisons
Xero vs FreeAgent: True Cost for Sole Traders
A no-marketing cost breakdown of Xero Ignite vs FreeAgent for UK sole traders: real prices, hidden conditions on the free tier, and what MTD compliance actually costs you long-term.
8 min read
Comparisons
TapTax vs QuickBooks for Sole Traders: 2026 Verdict
QuickBooks costs £30+/month for features most sole traders never open. TapTax is built exclusively for MTD ITSA compliance.
9 min read
Comparisons
TapTax vs FreeAgent: Which Wins for Sole Traders?
TapTax vs FreeAgent compared honestly for UK sole traders. Pricing, MTD compliance, ease of use and who each tool is actually built for.
8 min read
Comparisons
TapTax vs Xero: Which One Actually Fits a Sole Trader?
TapTax vs Xero compared honestly for UK sole traders. Pricing, MTD compliance, ease of use, and who each product is actually built for.
8 min read
Comparisons
Cheapest and Simplest MTD Software in 2026: No-Nonsense Options
The cheapest and simplest MTD software for 2026, ranked on prices checked in August 2026. Free options, the £20-a-year outlier, and what the big brands really cost.
22 min read
Comparisons
TapTax vs FreeAgent: Which MTD Tool Suits Sole Traders Better?
TapTax vs FreeAgent for UK sole traders. Compare pricing (£4.99 vs £19/mo), the NatWest deal, mobile experience, AI features.
14 min read
Comparisons
TapTax vs Xero: Which Is Better for Sole Traders?
TapTax vs Xero for UK sole traders on the current Xero plan line, checked August 2026. Pricing, the Ignite invoice cap, HMRC return-item grades and who each one suits.
20 min read
Comparisons
Best MTD Software for Sole Traders in 2026
Compare the best Making Tax Digital software for sole traders in 2026.
12 min read
Comparisons
TapTax vs Xero vs QuickBooks for Sole Traders
TapTax, Xero and QuickBooks compared for UK sole traders on their current plan lines, checked August 2026. Pricing, HMRC return-item grades, mobile experience and scope.
18 min read
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