Free or very low-cost options
These may suit users with simpler needs who mainly want a basic route into digital records and reporting without paying for broader business features.
Software guide
Free vs paid MTD software
Use this page to compare practical trade-offs before choosing whether a free, low-cost, or broader paid option is more suitable.
Paid options
These may suit users who want broader support, easier onboarding, stronger customer support, or a smoother year-end workflow.
What beginners often get wrong
A very cheap product is not always the easiest option if it creates more confusion or more manual work later.
What matters more than labels
The real question is not whether a product is free or paid. It is whether the workflow is clear enough to keep using consistently.
What this means in practice
- • Users with very simple needs may prefer to start with a smaller product if it still covers the functions they need.
- • Users who expect broader needs later may prefer to pay for something that can grow with them.
- • Users should compare support quality, ease of use, and year-end flow rather than price alone.
Useful free and bank-linked starting points
Real places to start looking
These options can be worth investigating if you want to reduce cost or compare a bank-linked route with a standalone software route.
FreeAgent via NatWest, RBS, Ulster Bank or Mettle
FreeAgent can be free with eligible NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Ulster Bank business current accounts. Mettle account holders can also access it free if they make at least one transaction a month.
Best for: Users who want an established accounting product and either already bank with those providers or are happy to compare that route.
Check: Check current bank-account eligibility and any optional paid add-ons before choosing.
Starling
Starling says its MTD for Income Tax software is free, simple, and built into the account for sole traders, with reminders, checklists, timelines, and access through the Accounting tab.
Best for: Sole traders who want a bank-linked route and prefer tax admin inside the same everyday account environment.
Check: Check current account eligibility and feature scope on Starling’s own page before deciding.
Monzo
Monzo has official MTD pages and help content saying its HMRC-recognised tool is for Monzo sole trader customers and available free on any account plan, with access managed through its MTD area.
Best for: Users who already bank with Monzo Business or want to compare a modern app-led route.
Check: Check current rollout, eligibility, and whether the exact feature set matches your needs before choosing.
Clear Books
Clear Books markets a free MTD software option for self-employed sole traders and landlords, including quarterly updates and broader MTD workflow support.
Best for: Users who want a dedicated software option to compare without needing a bank-linked package.
Check: Check the current feature scope carefully, especially around end-of-year functionality, before choosing.