Self Assessment Direct review
Full cloud accounting · by Cirrostratus · HMRC-recognised
A genuinely free, HMRC-recognised tool from Cirrostratus (the VAT Direct platform): a simple cloud cashbook plus spreadsheet bridging that files MTD for Income Tax for sole traders and landlords — including foreign property — at no cost.
Our verdict
Self Assessment Direct (from Cirrostratus, on the VAT Direct platform) is a no-frills, genuinely free route to compliance: a simple cloud cashbook plus spreadsheet bridging, HMRC-recognised for MTD for Income Tax across sole-trader, UK and foreign property income, with agent access for an accountant. It's deliberately basic — a simple online cashbook that just does the job — so don't expect the polish of the paid suites. But if your priority is paying nothing, it's hard to argue with free, especially with the foreign-property support many bigger tools lack.
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
| Plan | Self-emp. | Property | Per year (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
Free Free basic service (freemium) — enough to comply with MTD for Income Tax via a simple cloud cashbook or spreadsheet bridging. Covers sole trader, UK and foreign property. Some premium add-ons are chargeable. | ✓ | ✓ | £0 |
Pros & cons
What's good
- Genuinely free for the basic service, which is enough to comply
- Covers sole-trader, UK and foreign property income
- Works as a simple cloud cashbook or as spreadsheet bridging
- Agent access, so an accountant can help
What's not
- Basic and functional rather than polished
- Some premium add-ons are chargeable
- A small operation, not a big-brand vendor
Who it's for
- Anyone who wants to file for £0
- Sole traders and landlords, including those with foreign property
Frequently asked questions
- Is Self Assessment Direct really free?
- Yes — the basic service is free and sufficient to file MTD for Income Tax. Some premium add-ons are chargeable.
- Is it HMRC-recognised?
- Yes, for MTD for Income Tax — it's listed on HMRC's recognised-software tool.
- Does it cover landlords and foreign property?
- Yes — sole-trader, UK property and foreign property income.
- Do I need a spreadsheet?
- No — you can use its simple cloud cashbook, or bridge from a spreadsheet if you prefer.
Alternatives to consider
Another free tool that also covers foreign property, with bridging and an accounting mode.
Free cloud bookkeeping if you'd prefer a fuller free app (UK property only).
Free plan from a more established provider.
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See Self Assessment Direct ranked
Pricing for Self Assessment Direct 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 free. Links are affiliate links and never affect ranking. Not affiliated with HMRC; not tax advice.