TaxCalc vs VitalTax
Both are bridging tools for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
VitalTax is the cheaper starting point at from £36/yr (VAT included) versus from £134.40/yr for TaxCalc — but the cheapest plan only wins if it covers the income types you actually have.
| TaxCalc | VitalTax | |
|---|---|---|
| True annual cost from | from £134.40/yr | from £36/yr |
| Self-employment | Yes | Yes |
| Property / rent | Yes | Yes |
| Keeps your spreadsheet | Yes | Yes |
| Accountant access | Yes | Yes |
| Type | bridging | bridging |
| HMRC status | Recognised | Recognised |
| Price verified | 2026-06-24 | 2026-06-24 |
TaxCalc
A long-established self assessment tool with MTD bridging. Desktop-based, thorough, and trusted by people who already do their own returns.
- People who already file their own self assessment
- Those who prefer desktop software
VitalTax
An add-in that lives inside Excel or Google Sheets. No new app to learn — file straight from the spreadsheet you already use.
- Excel / Google Sheets users
- People who don't want to learn new software
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 24 June 2026 (catalogue reconciled 24 June 2026). Links are affiliate links and never affect ranking. Not affiliated with HMRC; not tax advice.