MTD Software Reviews for Sole Traders
We review the most popular Making Tax Digital accounting packages used by UK sole traders. Every review is written by our editorial team, independently tested, and updated regularly. We never let affiliate relationships influence our scores.
How we review software
Each review assesses MTD Income Tax compatibility, ease of use, pricing, support quality, and suitability for sole traders specifically. We use a 1–5 rating scale. Scores are our editorial opinion and are not influenced by commercial relationships.
Xero
From £16/month (Ignite plan). No free plan. 30-day free trial.
Smart, cloud-based accounting for growing businesses
Best for: Growing sole traders
- HMRC-recognised MTD software
- Strong mobile app
- Extensive integrations (800+ apps)
QuickBooks
From £10/month (Sole Trader plan). No free plan. 30-day free trial.
Powerful accounting with MTD built in
Best for: Sole traders wanting comprehensive features
- HMRC-recognised
- Feature-rich platform
- Good reporting and dashboards
Sage
Free tier available (Sage Sole Trader). Paid plans from £7/month. No bank account required for free access.
UK-built accounting with a genuinely free tier for sole traders
Best for: Sole traders wanting a free HMRC-recognised option
- Genuinely free HMRC-recognised tier for sole traders
- UK company with UK-based phone and chat support
- No bank account required to access free plan
FreeAgent
From £19/month (sole trader, direct). Free with qualifying NatWest, RBS, Ulster Bank, or Mettle business accounts.
Accounting built specifically for freelancers and sole traders
Best for: Freelancers and sole traders who want all-in-one MTD + Self Assessment
- Purpose-built for freelancers and sole traders
- Free with NatWest, RBS, Ulster Bank, or Mettle business accounts
- Self-assessment filing included in all plans
Which software should I choose?
The right MTD software depends on your income level, how you work, and your budget. As a rough guide:
- FreeAgent— Best for freelancers and NatWest/RBS account holders. Free if you bank with them.
- Xero— Best for growing sole traders who invoice clients and need strong integrations.
- QuickBooks— Best for sole traders who want a feature-rich platform with a Self-Employed plan option.
- Sage— Best for established sole traders who value UK-based phone support.
Not sure? Browse our comparison pages or use our software finder tool.
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