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QuickBooks review

Full cloud accounting · by Intuit · HMRC-recognised

from £129.60/yr
true annual cost, VAT incl.

Widely used cloud accounting. The Sole Trader Plus plan covers self-employment and a single rental property if you're not VAT-registered; Simple Start adds VAT.

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Our verdict

QuickBooks is the obvious Xero rival — full cloud accounting with aggressive first-year discounts. The Sole Trader Plus plan is built for non-VAT-registered sole traders and single-property landlords; you only move up to Simple Start if you register for VAT or have multiple income sources. Capable and well-supported, but like Xero it's more than a pure filer needs.

At a glance

Self-employment
Yes
Property / rent
Yes
Keeps your spreadsheet
No
Accountant access
Yes
Price verified
2026-08-10
HMRC status
Recognised

Plans & true annual cost

PlanSelf-emp.PropertyPer year (incl. VAT)
Sole Trader Plus
For sole traders and single-property landlords who aren't VAT-registered. Billed annually.
✓✓
£129.60/yr
£108/yr ex-VAT
Simple Start
Adds VAT returns and multiple income sources.
✓✓
£206.40/yr
£172/yr ex-VAT

Offer: 90% off for the first year during Intuit's current promotion.

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Sole Trader Plus bundles AI-assisted categorisation and MTD submission checks
  • Sole Trader Plus plan is built for non-VAT-registered sole traders and single-property landlords
  • Frequent first-year discounts cut the initial cost sharply (check the first-year figure above)
  • Huge ecosystem and brand familiarity; most accountants support it
  • Mobile app and bank feeds reduce manual data entry

What's not

  • The entry Sole Trader Plus plan is capped — VAT registration or multiple income sources push you to Simple Start
  • Introductory pricing can lull you into forgetting the higher renewal cost
  • Still pricier than a bridging tool if you only need to file

Who it's for

  • Sole traders and single-property landlords on a budget
  • People who want a big app ecosystem

…and who should look elsewhere

  • Multi-property landlords or VAT-registered traders who'll outgrow the Sole Trader Plus plan quickly
  • Spreadsheet users who only want to submit — a bridging tool is far cheaper
  • NatWest, RBS, Ulster or Mettle customers who can get FreeAgent free

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Signing up on the discounted price without checking the renewal cost above
  • Choosing the Sole Trader Plus plan when VAT or a second income source actually requires Simple Start
  • Comparing the ex-VAT headline against a rival's VAT-inclusive price

Frequently asked questions

Is QuickBooks good for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax?
Yes — QuickBooks is HMRC-recognised and its Sole Trader Plus plan is aimed squarely at non-VAT-registered sole traders and single-property landlords under MTD.
What is the cheapest QuickBooks plan for MTD?
The Sole Trader Plus plan; its true annual cost is shown above. Move up to Simple Start only if you're VAT-registered or have multiple income sources.
Does QuickBooks cover property income?
The Sole Trader Plus plan covers a single rental property alongside self-employment; multiple properties or VAT registration generally need Simple Start.
Are the QuickBooks discounts worth it?
The first-year saving is real (see the first-year figure above), but always check what it renews at so the second year isn't a surprise.
Can my accountant use QuickBooks?
Yes — it supports agent access and is widely used in UK practices.

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Pricing for QuickBooks was last verified on 10 August 2026 against the vendor's page; the catalogue was reconciled 10 August 2026. Its cheapest plan's true annual cost is £129.60/year. Links are affiliate links and never affect ranking. Not affiliated with HMRC; not tax advice.

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