MTDsorted vs Self Assessment Direct
Both are full cloud accounting tools for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
Self Assessment Direct is the cheaper starting point at £0 (VAT included) versus from £72/yr for MTDsorted — but the cheapest plan only wins if it covers the income types you actually have.
| MTDsorted | Self Assessment Direct | |
|---|---|---|
| True annual cost from | from £72/yr | £0 |
| Self-employment | Yes | Yes |
| Property / rent | Yes | Yes |
| Keeps your spreadsheet | No | No |
| Accountant access | No | Yes |
| Type | full cloud accounting | full cloud accounting |
| HMRC status | Recognised | Recognised |
| Price verified | 2026-07-06 | 2026-07-06 |
MTDsorted
Simple UK accounting best known for free MTD VAT filing. Income Tax quarterly submissions sit on the cheap paid plans, with bank feeds, invoicing and both in-app records and spreadsheet bridging.
- People who want cheap software with real bookkeeping
- VAT-registered sole traders (the VAT side is free)
Self Assessment Direct
A genuinely free, HMRC-recognised tool from Cirrostratus (the VAT Direct platform): a simple cloud cashbook plus spreadsheet bridging that files MTD for Income Tax for sole traders and landlords — including foreign property — at no cost.
- Anyone who wants to file for £0
- Sole traders and landlords, including those with foreign property
Not sure either is right? Use the finder to get a recommendation ranked by what it will actually cost you.
Prices are each tool's cheapest plan, VAT included, last verified 6 July 2026 (catalogue reconciled 6 July 2026). Links are affiliate links and never affect ranking. Not affiliated with HMRC; not tax advice.