QuickBooks is Intuit’s cloud accounting software — the biggest name in the business worldwide, though in the UK it plays second fiddle to Xero among accountants. For freelancers, its pitch is different: the cheapest MTD-ready sole-trader plan among the big names, and the best mobile app of the lot.
Prices below are QuickBooks’ UK list prices excluding VAT, checked in October 2026. New customers are currently offered 90% off for the first six months — budget from the full rate, because the discount always ends.
How much does QuickBooks cost?
| Plan | Price | The short version |
|---|---|---|
| Sole Trader Plus | £10/month + VAT | Self Assessment estimates (figures exported to file via HMRC), mileage tracking; no VAT submission |
| Simple Start | £16/month + VAT | For VAT-registered businesses; MTD VAT filing; one user |
| Essentials | £38/month + VAT | 3 users, multi-currency |
| Plus | £56/month + VAT | 5 users, stock and project tracking |
| Advanced | £123/month + VAT | 25 users, deeper reporting |
All plans usually include a free trial — check Intuit’s current offer (the trial and the 90%-off deal are typically alternatives, not stackable).
Who is QuickBooks for?
- Non-VAT-registered sole traders who want Self Assessment estimates prepared in-app. This is the one thing QuickBooks helps with that Xero doesn’t — your tax figures are estimated and exported in the same place as your books, then filed through HMRC.
- Freelancers who live on their phone. Receipt capture and GPS mileage tracking are the best in class; snapping a receipt beats a shoebox of paper.
- Anyone who wants human support. Phone support (they call you back) and live chat, not just a help centre — useful when a VAT return won’t submit at 6pm.
What are the cheaper or free alternatives?
- Xero Ignite (£18/month + VAT) — costs more, but unlimited users and your accountant probably prefers it. Full review: /directory/xero-review/.
- FreeAgent (£19/month, free with qualifying NatWest, RBS, Ulster Bank or Mettle business accounts) — more UK-native for sole traders; our default pick in the invoicing software comparison.
- Coconut — sole-trader-focused; MTD filing plan at £12.99/month, no free tier (checked October 2026).
- Wave / Zoho Invoice — genuinely free invoicing, but neither is built for UK MTD filing, so don’t rely on them for HMRC submissions.
What are the honest drawbacks?
- Sole Trader Plus can’t file VAT returns. Go VAT-registered and you must jump to Simple Start at £16/month — a 60% rise for one feature. Pick the plan for the business you’ll be in twelve months, not the one you’re in today.
- One user only on the two cheapest plans. Your accountant gets access, but a bookkeeper or business partner doesn’t.
- The price-rise history. QuickBooks Plus went from £34 to £56 during 2026. Check whether your plan has form before you build your workflow around a price that may not hold.
- Auto-reminders need supervision. QuickBooks’ automatic invoice reminders have emailed clients about invoices they’d already paid, per Intuit’s own community support threads (sources in our cautionary guide) — turn them off or configure them deliberately rather than accepting the defaults.
- Support is callback-based. Phone support exists, but they call you back (weekdays 8am–7pm); live chat runs longer hours if you’re stuck in the evening.
Verdict
The best-value big-name option for a non-VAT sole trader who wants Self Assessment estimates prepared in the same app as the books (you still file through HMRC). If you’re VAT-registered, price it against Xero Ignite before committing — the gap is £2 a month, and your accountant’s preference may settle it.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. If the amount is large or the situation is disputed, get proper professional advice. Prices change — check QuickBooks’ current UK pricing before you commit.