FreeAgent Alternatives for MTD for Income Tax (2026)
Looking for a FreeAgent alternative for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax? Why people switch, alternatives from bridging tools to purpose-built MTD apps, and how to choose if you don't bank where FreeAgent is bundled.
The short answer
FreeAgent is a full cloud accounting platform, often free with certain business bank accounts. People look for alternatives when they don't bank where it's bundled, want a desktop or privacy-first app, or only need MTD for Income Tax rather than full accounting. Alternatives include bridging tools, other cloud suites, and purpose-built MTD apps like ThisQuarter.
FreeAgent is a well-regarded cloud accounting platform, and it's often free with certain business bank accounts — which is hard to beat on price. Still, it isn't right for everyone. Here's how to think about alternatives.
Why people look for an alternative
- They don't bank with a provider that bundles FreeAgent free, so they'd be paying for it.
- They prefer a desktop or privacy-first app over cloud.
- They're an accountant wanting a specific multi-client agent workflow.
- They only need MTD for Income Tax, not full accounting.
- They may switch banks and don't want their tax software tied to that.
The alternatives at a glance
| Type | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Bridging software | Keeping your spreadsheet, filing to HMRC | You maintain the spreadsheet |
| Other cloud suites (QuickBooks, Xero, Sage) | Full cloud accounting | Comparable scope; usually paid |
| Purpose-built MTD apps | MTD compliance, simply and privately | Fewer general accounting extras |
How to choose
- Is FreeAgent actually free for you, or would you pay?
- Do you want cloud or a desktop / local-first app?
- Which income sources do you need — self-employment, property, CIS?
- Are you a practice needing multi-client filing?
Where ThisQuarter fits
ThisQuarter is a purpose-built MTD for Income Tax app rather than a full accounting suite. It focuses on digital records, quarterly updates, annual adjustments, the final declaration and CIS, runs as a secure desktop app with data encrypted on your own device, imports from a spreadsheet, and is not tied to any bank — so it stays yours whoever you bank with. The Solo plan's first two quarterly cycles are free.
Key takeaways
- FreeAgent is strong value if it's free with your bank and fits your needs.
- Alternatives: bridging, other cloud suites, purpose-built MTD apps.
- Consider one if you want desktop/privacy, aren't a bundled customer, or need a specific CIS or multi-client workflow.
- A dedicated MTD app isn't tied to a bank and stays focused on compliance.
This article is general information, not tax advice, and mentions of other products are for comparison only. Check HMRC's compatible software list at gov.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Why look for a FreeAgent alternative?
Common reasons are not banking with a provider that bundles FreeAgent for free, wanting a desktop or privacy-first app, needing multi-client support as an accountant, or only needing MTD for Income Tax filing rather than full accounting.
Does FreeAgent do MTD for Income Tax?
FreeAgent is a full accounting platform that supports Making Tax Digital. It's a strong option, especially if you get it free with your bank — the question is whether it fits how you work and what you need.
What are the alternatives?
Bridging software that keeps your spreadsheet; other cloud suites like QuickBooks, Xero or Sage; and purpose-built MTD for Income Tax apps focused on quarterly updates and the final declaration.
I get FreeAgent free with my bank — should I still consider alternatives?
If it fits your needs, a bundled free tool is great value. Consider alternatives if you want a desktop or privacy-first app, need features it lacks for your situation (like a specific CIS or multi-client workflow), or may change banks.
Related reading
Best MTD Bridging Software in 2026: What to Look For
A guide to choosing MTD bridging software in 2026 — how bridging works, who it suits, the features that matter, pricing to expect, and how to keep your spreadsheet while still filing digitally to HMRC.
Best MTD Software for Landlords in 2026: What to Look For
How landlords should choose MTD software in 2026 — handling UK and foreign property, joint ownership, finance-cost relief, multiple properties, and filing quarterly updates and the final declaration to HMRC.
Best MTD Software for Accountants in 2026: What to Look For
How accountancy practices should choose MTD for Income Tax software in 2026 — multi-client workflow, Agent Services Account integration, client authorisations, bulk filing, pricing per client and data security.