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MTD replaces annual tax returns with digital records and quarterly reporting for self-employed drivers and hauliers. If your gross income crosses HMRC thresholds, you must comply or face a points-based penalty system. Set up MTD software early and keep records up to date to stay compliant and avoid fines.

QuickBooks puts Intuit Intelligence and agentic AI inside every plan but has no free tier. FreeAgent is free for NatWest, RBS, Ulster, and Mettle customers with no AI agents, just solid automation.

FreeAgent and Sage are the only two major UK MTD for Income Tax products with a permanent free tier, but the conditions could not be more different. FreeAgent is fully free with every feature unlocked, but only if you bank with NatWest, RBS, Ulster Bank, or Mettle. Sage Sole Trader Free has no banking condition, but caps you at 5 invoices and 25 AI-categorised transactions a month. The decision is not which is cheaper. They are both £0. The decision is which conditional free tier matches your situation.

Hammock was first to MTD recognition, but it doesn't fit every UK landlord. No sole trader income, no agent filing, no free tier, cash basis only. We compare 7 HMRC-recognised alternatives for 2026: RentalBux, PaTMa, Landlord Vision, Landlord Studio, FreeAgent, Coconut, and Untied.

QuickBooks and Sage both offer entry-tier MTD products for sole traders above the £50k threshold: QuickBooks Sole Trader at £5+VAT/month (then £10), Sage Sole Trader Free (£0, basic), or Sage Sole Trader at £7+VAT/month. This guide covers which is genuinely cheapest, the trade-offs, and the questions sole traders are asking in May 2026.

Xero and FreeAgent are both HMRC-recognised for MTD ITSA; the real decision is pricing. Xero Simple is £7+VAT/month for anyone, while FreeAgent is free with a NatWest, RBS, Ulster, or Mettle business account. This guide covers that choice with pricing profiles, a filing walkthrough, and frequently asked questions.