Best Self-Employed Tax Tools UK 2026/27 (Free + Paid, Compared)

Updated September 2026 · Independent comparison, not sponsored

The best self-employed tax tools for 2026/27 fall into two groups. For free, no-signup tax planning, tracking, and set-aside guidance, PayToolkit and HMRC's own portal cover it at no cost. For actually filing your Self Assessment return, the leading paid options are GoSimpleTax, FreeAgent, ANNA, TaxCalc, SelfTax, and Sage. Most self-employed people end up using one from each group — a free tool to plan and track through the year, and filing software (or HMRC's portal) when the return is due.

	PayToolkit	GoSimpleTax	FreeAgent	HMRC Free Portal
Free	✓	Paid (from ~£54/yr)	Free with certain banks	✓
No signup required to try	✓	✗	✗	✗
Files Self Assessment return	✗	✓	✓	✓
Tax set-aside guidance	✓	Limited	✓	✗
Expense tracking	✓	✓	✓	✗
Live tax dashboard	✓	Limited	✓	✗
2026/27 rates	✓	✓	✓	✓

If you need to actually submit your Self Assessment return, you'll need software like GoSimpleTax or FreeAgent, or HMRC's own free portal — PayToolkit doesn't file returns. Where PayToolkit fits is everything before filing: understanding what you owe, tracking expenses through the year, and knowing what to set aside, all without a subscription.

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Self Assessment filing software, compared

If PayToolkit has helped you plan and track through the year, here's where to file when the deadline arrives. These six are the most commonly recommended UK Self Assessment filing tools:

GoSimpleTax — from ~£54.99/yr. Best if you want real-time tax calculation as you enter figures, with HMRC-recognised submission built in.

FreeAgent — free with certain business bank accounts (e.g. NatWest, Mettle), otherwise paid. Best if you want full bookkeeping alongside tax filing.

ANNA — business banking + bookkeeping + tax combined, with free first-year Self Assessment filing on paid plans. Best if you want banking and tax in one app.

TaxCalc — from ~£38/return. HMRC-recognised with guided, form-based submission. Best for a straightforward, no-frills filing experience.

SelfTax — from ~£11.99/return. The cheapest paid option, with minimal extra features. Best if you just need a return filed cheaply.

Taxfix — around £169 one-off. An accountant prepares and files your return for you. Best if you'd rather hand the whole thing to a professional.

Sage — free basic tier, paid plans from ~£7–18+VAT/month. Best if you'll grow into needing full accounting software, not just annual filing.

PayToolkit doesn't file returns and isn't affiliated with any of the tools above — this list is here so you have a clear next step once you've used PayToolkit to plan and track.

FAQ

Can I file my tax return with PayToolkit?

No. PayToolkit helps you calculate, track, and plan for your tax bill, but you'll still need to file your Self Assessment through HMRC's portal or filing software like GoSimpleTax or FreeAgent.

Is HMRC's own portal enough on its own?

For straightforward affairs, yes — HMRC's free portal handles most Self Assessment returns well. Tools like PayToolkit are useful alongside it for planning throughout the year rather than only at filing time.

What's the best free tool for self-employed tax in the UK?

For free tax planning, expense tracking, and set-aside guidance with no sign-up required, PayToolkit and HMRC's own portal are the main free options. Neither charges a subscription; HMRC's portal also files your return, while PayToolkit focuses on the planning and tracking that happens before filing.

Do I need both a planning tool and filing software?

Not strictly, but most self-employed people find it easier: a free planning tool like PayToolkit keeps you on top of what to set aside throughout the year, then filing software (or HMRC's free portal) handles the actual submission when your return is due.

Methodology: Comparisons are based on each provider's own published pricing and feature pages as of September 2026. We link out to alternatives fairly and do not accept payment for placement in this comparison. If something here looks out of date, let us know.