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 | 2026-07-06 | 2026-07-06 |
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 6 July 2026 (catalogue reconciled 6 July 2026). Links are affiliate links and never affect ranking. Not affiliated with HMRC; not tax advice.