TaxUpdates vs VitalTax
Both are bridging tools for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
TaxUpdates is the cheaper starting point at £0 (VAT included) versus from £36/yr for VitalTax — but the cheapest plan only wins if it covers the income types you actually have.
| TaxUpdates | VitalTax | |
|---|---|---|
| True annual cost from | £0 | from £36/yr |
| Self-employment | Yes | Yes |
| Property / rent | Yes | Yes |
| Keeps your spreadsheet | Yes | Yes |
| Accountant access | No | Yes |
| Type | bridging | bridging |
| HMRC status | Recognised | Recognised |
| Price verified | 2026-08-10 | 2026-08-10 |
TaxUpdates
Free bridging with unusually broad coverage: quarterly updates, year-end adjustments and the final declaration, for self-employment, UK and foreign property — including multiple businesses.
- Spreadsheet keepers who want free filing end to end
- People with several income sources, including foreign property
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 10 August 2026 (catalogue reconciled 10 August 2026). Links are affiliate links and never affect ranking. Not affiliated with HMRC; not tax advice.