Xero
Accounting
Popular cloud accounting with bank feeds and invoicing. In the UK it handles MTD compatible VAT returns.
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For accountants and bookkeepers
Bookkeeping and tax tools for accountants and bookkeepers
For accountants and bookkeepers, bookkeeping and tax usually means keeping client books, receipts and returns organised. We matched 13 tools to this job, and 6 of them list a free plan. They are in our order of fit, and that order is never paid for. In the UK our first picks are Xero and FreeAgent.
The tools, in our order of fit
QuickBooks Online
Accounting
Accounting with bank feeds and AI categorisation. A free plan in the US and MTD compatible software in the UK.
Dext
Bookkeeping
Snap receipts and supplier bills and send the data to your accounts software.
Hubdoc
Document capture
Snap receipts and bills and send them to your accounting software. 30 day free trial.
AutoEntry
Document capture
Extracts data from receipts, invoices and statements to cut data entry.
Karbon
Practice management
Practice management and shared email workflow for accounting firms.
Zoho Books
Accounting
Free plan for solo and micro businesses, with receipt automation on paid plans.
Wave
Accounting
Free Starter plan for invoicing and basic bookkeeping. Pro adds bank transaction import.
FreeAgent
Accounting
Built for UK sole traders and limited companies, including Self Assessment and MTD. Free with some UK bank accounts. UK only
Sage Accounting
Accounting
Cloud bookkeeping, invoicing, VAT and Making Tax Digital for businesses.
Make
Automation
Visual builder for automating admin between apps. Free plan.
Zapier
Automation
Link your apps so routine steps happen automatically. Free plan available.
Notion
AI workspace
Keep notes, checklists and docs in one place, with built in AI to draft and summarise. Free plan.
How to choose
- Connect your business bank account so transactions arrive automatically.
- Photograph receipts as you go rather than at the end of the year.
- In the UK, check Making Tax Digital support for VAT and Income Tax if they apply to you.
- Ask your accountant which software they already use, because shared access is simpler.
Prices at a glance
| Tool | Starting price | Free plan | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xero | Ignite £18/month (excl. VAT) | No | Not listed |
| QuickBooks Online | Simple Start $38/month (intro discount shown) | Yes | Yes |
| Dext | See the official page | No | Yes |
| Hubdoc | $12/month | No | Yes |
| AutoEntry | Bronze $13/month excl. VAT (50 credits) | No | Yes |
| Karbon | Team $59/user/month (billed annually) | No | Not listed |
| Zoho Books | Standard $15/org/month billed annually ($20 monthly) | Yes | Yes |
| Wave | Pro $190/year (billed annually) | Yes | Not listed |
| FreeAgent | From £33/month (limited company) | No | Yes |
| Sage Accounting | See the official page | No | Not listed |
| Make | See the official page | Yes | Not listed |
| Zapier | Professional from $19.99/month | Yes | Yes |
| Notion | Plus $10/member/month | Yes | Not listed |
Starting prices as shown on each official pricing page. Local prices can differ.
Questions people ask
What is the best bookkeeping tool for accountants and bookkeepers?
It depends on how you work. Our first pick is Xero. Popular cloud accounting with bank feeds and invoicing. In the UK it handles MTD compatible VAT returns. QuickBooks Online and Dext are close alternatives.
Is there a free bookkeeping tool for accountants and bookkeepers?
Yes. QuickBooks Online, Zoho Books, Wave, Make and Zapier list a free plan on the official pricing page. Paid plans add more features and higher limits.
How much do bookkeeping and tax tools cost for accountants and bookkeepers?
Xero lists Ignite £18/month (excl. VAT). QuickBooks Online lists Simple Start $38/month (intro discount shown). Dext lists See the official page. Prices can change, so check the official page before you buy.
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Keep exploring
Comparisons
- FreeAgent vs Xero on price, free plans and which to choose
- Xero vs QuickBooks Online on price, free plans and which to choose
Guides
- Best AI tools for accountants and bookkeepers
- Making Tax Digital in the UK and the AI bookkeeping tools that can help
- How to add VAT to a price, and when to register
Free calculators
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