It provides a 14-day free trial and gives you full end-to-end accounting, sales tracking, VAT, and filing. Zoho uses a pay-as-you-go scalable model that can accommodate everyone from individuals to large enterprises. Modern bookkeeping software is a lot more scalable and functional, than if say, you’re just trying to use some spreadsheets. With online options, you don’t need, for example, Mac accounting software in the UK. Small business owners may find that it’s worth paying for a more comprehensive accounting software plan to access additional features needed to manage and grow their business finances. Choose from a free version or paid package with more features and functions.

While it doesn’t provide the modern cloud/web-based access that is all the rage, it is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. If you are familiar with other accounting software UK businesses can use, then Kashflow is familiar and shouldn’t be much trouble setting up. Beginners will find it more challenging, however, and customer support is not the best. Nonetheless, there’s no denying its comprehensive range of features that can get the job done well.

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These plans include additional advanced features, levels of support, user limits and customisations. Zoho Books has six plans that support businesses of all sizes, making it the most scalable accounting software provider on our list. Sole traders can start out using Zoho Books’ free plan as they build their client base, get used to business taxes and gather enough financial data to make calculated business decisions.

• Discover their pricing, pros, cons, and top features, and decide which is right for your business.
• However, if you decide to buy, bear in mind that the prices shown usually don’t include VAT.
• Not only is FreshBooks a solid choice of small business accounting software, but it also brings some unique features to the table.
• There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.
• Compare this with your list of online accounting software that has the features you need.
• For most UK businesses, we recommend either QuickBooks Online, Xero or Sage 50 as the ideal accounting solution.

Therefore, these businesses risk basing vital business decisions on incorrect data. From April 2026, all businesses with an annual income profit and loss 101 of £50,000 or more will be required to comply. And then the following April (2027), those with an income of over £30,000 will join them.

Bookkeeping capability

Every plan comes with a free trial before committing to payment as well. Check out our handy table to see how different accounting software options work with some popular integrations. The accounting software in this table is ordered by monthly fee, left to right. For more detailed plan breakdowns, check out our comparisons of starter plans for sole traders and the self employed or of second and third tier plans for small business and SMEs further down the page.

What types of businesses should use free accounting software?

Making Tax Digital means all VAT-registered businesses (regardless of their turnover) need to use compatible software to submit their VAT returns. Zoho Books is best for small businesses that are already using other Zoho products and want to ‌integrate their accounting software for a seamless experience. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The payments we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site.

Why we chose FreshBooks as best for ease of use

Zoho Books forms just one small part of a much greater business concern based in India that offers all manner of solutions for anyone and everyone. With its clean and simple cloud-based interface the latest incarnation of Zoho Books makes a great cost-effective option if you’re a freelancer, sole trader or someone running a small business. While there’s cloud-based convenience there are also variations on the theme, depending on what kind of business accounting needs you have. Small and medium-sized businesses will find it comes bristling with lots of features and there’s also 50% off for 3 months.

Our UK accounting software comparison reveals no one piece of software excels over the other. In fact, the best allow collaboration between businesses and their accountants. If you’re looking for the no strings attached best free accounting software UK users can snap up right now, then GnuCash should be highly considered.

These services are targeted at US/Canadian customers, with the payroll service being exclusive to those customers. This focus means that, for UK small businesses, Wave Accounting has some significant deficiencies. With the current cost of living crisis driving an increase in overhead costs for small businesses, opting for free accounting software is sometimes a smart way to save.

If you run into issues, detailed web help and video tutorials are easily accessible, with the offer of free unlimited 24/7 telephone and email support helping make any recent adopter comfortable. You can also access FreeAgent free if you make at least one transaction with a Mettle bank account each month. The essential guide to set up a company in Ireland, including how to register, choose a legal business structure, costs and much more. When it comes to getting paid, Wise Business gives you local account details in 9 major currencies. This means you can get paid like a local in your client’s currency, without unnecessary extra costs.