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TapTax

MTD softwarecompared

TapTax vsthe rest.

Honest, side-by-side comparisons of the MTD software UK sole traders actually consider. Features, pricing and ease of use, with no fluff.

  • MTD-compatible
  • Prices re-checked weekly
  • No affiliate bias
  • Free to read
taptaxMTD-compatible
QuickBooksCompared

Picking MTD software for self-assessment

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax means most sole traders need HMRC-recognised software to file quarterly. The tools below all do that, but they differ wildly on price, complexity and how much accounting knowledge they assume. These comparisons cut through the marketing so you can pick the right fit. TapTax is HMRC-recognised.

For the whole market rather than a head to head, browse the MTD software directory, every product on HMRC’s list graded and filterable, or read what we found when we graded all 144 of them.

All 42 comparisons

Pick a comparison for a detailed breakdown of features, pricing and MTD support.

TapTax head to head

Round-ups and other comparisons

Frequently asked questions

What is the best MTD software for sole traders?

The best MTD software depends on your needs. If you want the cheapest, simplest way to meet Making Tax Digital requirements without learning full accounting software, TapTax is built specifically for sole traders. Heavier tools like QuickBooks, Xero and Sage offer broader bookkeeping features but cost more and have a steeper learning curve.

Is TapTax cheaper than QuickBooks or Xero?

Yes. TapTax has a free plan with no card required, and paid tiers start at £4.99/month. QuickBooks and Xero sole trader plans typically start higher and increase once introductory discounts end. See the individual comparison pages for current pricing.

Do all these tools connect to HMRC for Making Tax Digital?

MTD for Income Tax requires HMRC-recognised software to submit quarterly updates. QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, FreeAgent and most modern tools support this. TapTax is HMRC-recognised. The differences are in price, ease of use, bank connectivity and how much accounting knowledge they assume.

Can I switch from QuickBooks or Xero to TapTax?

Yes. TapTax imports your bank statements by CSV, so you do not need to migrate a full chart of accounts. You start tracking income and expenses straight away and submit your next quarterly update from TapTax.