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 | 2026-08-10 | 2026-08-10 |
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 10 August 2026 (catalogue reconciled 10 August 2026). Links are affiliate links and never affect ranking. Not affiliated with HMRC; not tax advice.