As ever more people consider self-employment (sole trading) or becoming a landlord, Self Assessment software is gaining huge traction. With all the choices available, you may be wondering which is the best Self Assessment software for UK individuals today. If this is you – or if you just want a bit more information about what’s out there – you’re in luck!
In this article, we explore and compare our top 7 Self Assessment software options. Read on as we consider the pros and cons to help you choose the best solution for you.
What is Self Assessment Software?
Self Assessment software refers to the way people manage and file their Income Tax Self Assessment returns with HMRC. Although Self Assessment can be prepared and filed by paper, this is now rare. In fact, digital tax returns have been the norm for quite some time, with paper-based approaches being gradually phased out.
By transitioning to simple and efficient software, HMRC hopes to reduce problems such as human error and low compliance. Since Self Assessment is HMRC’s primary means of collecting tax returns from individuals earning outside of PAYE, there is functionality to submit returns directly through the HMRC website.
However, HMRC also officially recognises and encourages commercial third parties who can provide Self Assessment services for taxpayers. This freedom has allowed the development of a range of online tax solutions, tailored to each individual taxpayer’s needs. The result is that there is an option suited for everyone – you just need to find it!
With the rise in side hustle culture and landlord/rental opportunities, it’s now as important as ever to keep on top of Self Assessment processes. Keep reading for more details and an overview of our top 7 recommended software options.
How Self Assessment Software Simplifies Tax Deadlines
With Self Assessment software, tax deadlines have never been simpler. This is in large part because digital tax returns can be much quicker and more efficient. Since software allows us to submit returns to HMRC instantly, we have more time each year before the deadlines catch up on us.
There is also a range of potential advantages available via Self Assessment software. These benefits (such as step-by-step guidance, simplified user interfaces, automated error-checking, email reminders, and mobile support) can simplify the Self Assessment process as deadlines approach.
Professional bookkeeping software can also help with deadlines as our business finances can be in much better order when the time comes to file Self Assessment. However, such features often come at significant cost to the user (see below).
The 7 Best Self Assessment Software in the UK for 2025
Each year, there are dozens of HMRC-recognised and bespoke software providers to choose from. Let’s dive into 7 options we consider to be among the best Self Assessment software in the UK this year:
1. AbraTax
AbraTax is a fresh, up-and-coming Self Assessment software provider. What really sets AbraTax apart is that Self Assessment returns are currently free, despite all the benefits on offer. This is partly because AbraTax is still in a beta stage, meaning that user feedback is heavily desired. However, although feedback is encouraged, it is already fully functional and GDPR-compliant! AbraTax includes automated error-checking, supports multiple/previous-year returns, and provides step-by-step guidance throughout its tax forms. All supplementary forms are now supported, and you can submit your completed Self Assessment directly to HMRC in 5 simple steps.
Pros: Free service (user feedback encouraged); supplementary forms; user-friendly design
Cons: No live support yet (keeping costs down!)
HMRC recognition: For individuals & agents
2. GoSimpleTax
GoSimpleTax, established 2013, is a provider of paid-for Self Assessment services (online). For one-off Self Assessment returns, prices begin at £105.99 per individual taxpayer, compared with £149.99 for partnerships. This includes support for HMRC supplementary forms, tax calculation, 100+ tax-saving tips and integration with other tax/bookkeeping apps (FreeAgent, FreshBooks, SumUp and Xero). Expert support is available on weekdays from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (also on weekends during January). With a subscription, fees can be reduced to £64.99 per Self Assessment return. Self Assessments are submitted directly to HMRC.
Pros: Support for supplementary pages; integration with external apps; live expert support
Cons: High fees (£105.99+ for one-off return)
HMRC recognition: For individuals & agents
3. QuickBooks
QuickBooks offers a broad range of tax-related services tailored for accountants, sole traders and limited companies. For Self Assessment, the cheapest option (“sole trader”) costs £108 annually (or £10 monthly). More advanced services, incorporating VAT returns and up to 25 users, reach £1242 annually (or £115 monthly). There is a dedicated and comprehensive support system, including guides, webinars, live messages and phone support (available weekdays and weekends). For Self Assessment, users must sign up for an Intuit account, which integrates with wider services. Occasional deals appear (e.g. 90% discount for 12 months).
Pros: Comprehensive user support; integration with other services; occasional discounts
Cons: Expensive (starting from £108 per annual return); requires Intuit account
HMRC recognition: Not officially recognised for Self Assessment
4. TaxCalc
TaxCalc aims to offer “a simple…proposition to businesses and individuals alike”. With roots already stretching back decades, TaxCalc offers a more cost-effective option. Unlike most services, which are browser-based, TaxCalc is an installable program. Individual Self Assessment returns begin from £38 – including automated checks, supplementary forms, wizards/worksheets, forms for prior tax years, and step-by-step guidance. Additional features can be purchased ad hoc, expanding functionality. These include “SA900 Trust tax return” (£52), a dividend database (£7.50), and a tax planning tool (£15). Their support team receives calls from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm (weekdays, excl. bank holidays).
Pros: Simple & intuitive process; optional add-ons; supports previous tax years
Cons: No weekend phone support; paid-for basic service (although competitive pricing)
HMRC recognition: For individuals & agents
5. Xero UK
Xero is a large-scale tax service provider for accountants, bookkeepers and small businesses alike. Xero’s services can help you keep track of business finances and prepare for Self Assessment. Prices start from £16 per month for basic services (incl. VAT returns). Depending on your chosen plan, Xero can also provide automated administrative tools (such as invoice reminders) and produce detailed analyses for your business data – amongst other benefits. Unlimited online support is offered 24/7 by their team. However, Xero does not currently support Self Assessment returns; this must be done separately via HMRC Gateway.
Pros: Comprehensive bookkeeping/admin software; 24/7 support; occasional discounts
Cons: No Self Assessment returns; many features require costly upgrade
HMRC recognition: For agents only
6. Sage UK
Sage is an established accounting, bookkeeping, and tax-related service provider. It offers a secure place to record/track invoices, payments, expenses, etc., in preparation for Self Assessment. Features include “snap and scan” of receipts, auto-categorisation of expenses, multiple bank accounts, and 10GB storage. When it’s time to file a Self Assessment return, Sage generates a completed SA103 form for you, from which you can copy and paste data into the HMRC portal. Self Assessment management starts from £7 monthly (excl. VAT). There is a support centre with phonelines (open weekdays) and online chat (every day, excl. holidays).
Pros: Integrated bookkeeping software; AI-powered automation; generous features & support
Cons: Cannot submit to HMRC; uncompetitive pricing
HMRC recognition: For agents only
7. untied
untied is branded as a revolutionary app-based platform for managing/submitting your Self Assessment. Prices begin from £64.99 per year (browser-only version), rising to £129.99 (app-based version with full functionality). Features available include multiple linked bank accounts, automated (and manual) transaction input, data exportation, payment requests, and upcoming support for MTD. Perhaps uniquely, untied works alongside tax charities to enable reduced user fees for those who require financial assistance. There is also a newsletter for tax tips, as well as tax-related webinars. No telephone support line was found, although FAQs and online messaging are available.
Pros: Dedicated app; potential fee reductions (via tax charities); informal, user-friendly ethos
Cons: High standard-price fees; no telephone support found
HMRC recognition: For individuals & agents
What to Look for in Self Assessment Software
There are many different features associated with Self Assessment software. Some of the key desirable elements to weigh up are:
- Ease of use (vs. complex functionality)
- User guidance & customer support
- Pricing (or whether services are free)
- Ability to submit returns directly to HMRC
- HMRC recognition (for use by either individuals or agents)
- Data security (GDPR compliance)
- Additional benefits (e.g. integrated bookkeeping)
Ultimately, many of the desired features can boil down to: time & money.
If your business is growing rapidly, you might wish to look for professional bookkeeping tools with additional perks and features to save time – despite the higher cost. These tools sometimes include Self Assessment returns as part of the subscription/annual fee.
On the other hand, one way to keep costs down might be to search for the most cost-effective bookkeeping system for your needs, then submit your return via a low-cost or free Self Assessment returns provider.
It might even be possible to get the best of both worlds: certain providers (such as AbraTax) can offer no-fuss, user-friendly Self Assessment software which is also completely free. In return for saving both time and money, you could submit some user feedback as a “thank you” – or simply return again next year!
How to Choose the Best Self Assessment Software for You
We recommend that you begin by comparing what’s out there. Start with our top 7 list above, detailing (in our opinion) some of the best Self Assessment software options in the UK for individuals and agents.
Once you are aware of the differences between services, and the key things to look out for, it really is a question of personal taste. What is right for your business today, and as it grows? Do you need it to file Self Assessment directly with HMRC, or simply to manage your business in preparation for Self Assessment later?
If your aim is simply to file a quick and easy Self Assessment return, without any complicated software or additional bookkeeping, then AbraTax is likely a safe choice for you. When Making Tax Digital for Income Tax begins, AbraTax will also be MTD-compliant, so it is a safe bet in the long run.
For larger enterprises, requiring complex bookkeeping, you might want to look into professional bookkeeping services. However, AbraTax can still be a handy option since many bookkeeping providers cannot submit returns directly to HMRC. Simply export your data (e.g. via a SA103 form) and use it to file via AbraTax for free.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, there’s a lot of tax software out there. The good news is that there is definitely software out there for you! The key is to match up software features with your needs and budget. If cost is no object, then you might consider a more costly and comprehensive bookkeeping option – or even hire an accountant!
For a free, easy-to-use option, AbraTax is hard to beat. In fact, we believe it to be among the best Self Assessment software in the UK today. Whatever you choose, make sure that it empowers you to file Self Assessment confidently and on time.