Free does exist. The conditions are what matter.
The checked database now contains standalone free software, spreadsheet-capable free routes and software bundled with business accounts. A £0 subscription is only the start of the comparison.
| Route | Standard subscription | Type | Main condition or catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sage Sole Trader Free | £0 | Standalone software | Non-VAT users; free-plan feature limits apply |
| Pie Tax app | £0 | Standalone app | DIY software is free; paid tax support is separate |
| Clear Books MTD Income Tax Free | £0 | Standalone software | Some automation, including bank-feed features, is paid |
| Pandle Free | £0 | Standalone software | Bank feeds and some automation are Pro features |
| My Tax Digital Free | £0 | Accounting or spreadsheet bridging | Browser-first product; check advanced accounting needs separately |
| Tide Free + MTD | £0 monthly account fee | Business account bundle | Transaction and ATM fees can apply; free route does not cover VAT |
| Starling + Accounting Essentials | £0 software subscription | Business account bundle | End-of-year declaration availability needs rechecking; VAT is paid |
| Monzo Business Lite + MTD | £0 monthly account fee | Business account bundle | No VAT filing or accountant collaboration in the free MTD route |
| Mettle + FreeAgent | £0 software subscription | Business account bundle | At least one Mettle transaction a month is needed to keep FreeAgent free |
| FreeAgent with eligible NatWest / RBS / Ulster Bank account | £0 software subscription | Existing-bank benefit | Bank eligibility and account fees are separate |
| ANNA Free + MTD filing | £0 plan | Account / connected-bank route | Usage charges and optional accounting automation can add cost |
Provider pages checked 22nd September 2026. “Free” here means no recurring software subscription at the checked level. It does not mean every account transaction, optional feature or related service is free.
Our rule for the word “free”
We separate software subscription cost from account charges, transaction fees, optional bookkeeping automation and VAT features. The finder can therefore show a £0 route without pretending that every possible use of the provider is cost-free.
Why a free route may not rank first
A £0 product can still be the wrong fit. Someone who needs VAT in the same product, broader accounting, accountant collaboration or a particular multi-income setup may be better served by another route. Cost is one ranking input, not the whole recommendation.