FreeAgent vs Xero for sole traders: which one, and why
Xero Ignite is cheaper on paper but capped at 20 invoices a month. FreeAgent is free if you bank with NatWest. The real cost of each over two years.
Started working for yourself in 2025/26? Register for Self Assessment by Monday 5 October.New to self-employment in 2025/26? Register with HMRC by 5 October. See what to do
Xero Ignite is cheaper on paper but capped at 20 invoices a month. FreeAgent is free if you bank with NatWest. The real cost of each over two years.
Your first Self Assessment in order: tell HMRC by 5 October, file and pay by 31 January, and budget for the payment on account nobody warns you about.
FreeAgent, Xero and QuickBooks compared on what they actually cost after the introductory offer, with the plan limits that catch sole traders out.
MTD for Income Tax started 6 April 2026 for sole traders over £50,000. What quarterly updates involve, who is caught and when, what does not change.