Basetax review
A flexible UK tax service for self-employed filers, from free tracking to managed returns.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Basetax is UK tax and bookkeeping software for individuals, sole traders, landlords and small businesses. It tracks income and expenses, calculates estimated tax in real time, keeps digital records, raises invoices and maps answers to Self Assessment forms. Returns can be submitted directly to HMRC, while eligible self-employed people and landlords can use Making Tax Digital quarterly updates. Its strongest fit is for solo and small operators who want ongoing tax tracking with the option to self-file or involve an accountant.
The Free plan includes income and expense tracking, live estimated tax, digital record keeping and invoicing. Essential costs £12.99 per month and adds quarterly HMRC updates, the year-end final declaration, and deadline and submission reminders. Professional costs £29.99 per month and adds accountant review, accountant-filed returns and tax support. Pay as you file costs £50 per return for an annual Self Assessment submission with SA100–SA109 support. Managed costs £199 per return and includes preparation and filing by a chartered accountant, ICAEW-supervised review and direct adviser access. Prices exclude VAT.
Basetax is cloud-based and available through the web, with bank transaction imports, invoicing, live adviser chat and support through email, chat and phone. The combination of real-time estimates, HMRC submission and optional accountancy support suits self-employed filers who want to manage records throughout the year rather than handle tax only at filing time. The trade-off is its web-only coverage and the added cost of paid plans or managed filing. Occasional filers may prefer Pay as you file, while users wanting continuous tracking can start with Free or choose Essential. Professional or Managed is the better fit for buyers who want accountant involvement rather than a fully self-directed process.
Basetax pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free plan covers tracking, estimates, records and invoicing
- Direct encrypted HMRC submission with SA100–SA109 support
- Optional accountant review, filing and adviser access
- Where it doesn't
- Access is web-only, with no listed mobile platform
- Paid prices exclude VAT
- Monthly plans may cost more than one-off filing for occasional filers
Basetax fact sheet, pricing and score →
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