QuickBooks review
Full cloud accounting · by Intuit · HMRC-recognised
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.
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
- 2026-08-08
- HMRC status
- Recognised
Plans & true annual cost
| Plan | Self-emp. | Property | Per 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.
Alternatives to consider
Comparable full accounting that many accountants prefer; weigh the true annual costs.
Potentially free for life with a NatWest, RBS, Ulster or Mettle account.
Far cheaper if you keep a spreadsheet and only need to file.
Compare QuickBooks with
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- QuickBooks vs Sage Sole Trader
- QuickBooks vs Self Assessment Direct
- QuickBooks vs MTDsorted
See QuickBooks ranked
Pricing for QuickBooks was last verified on 8 August 2026 against the vendor's page; the catalogue was reconciled 3 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.