Updated on 6 September 2026
Best free for NatWest/RBSFreeAgent review (2026): MTD Income Tax ready for UK sole traders
Prices and features last verified on 20 September 2026. Sources: FreeAgent website, HMRC MTD software list.
FreeAgent is HMRC-recognised for MTD Income Tax and is free with a NatWest, RBS, Mettle, or Ulster Bank business current account, otherwise £19/month+VAT. Built for UK freelancers, sole traders, and micro limited companies. Rated 4.5/5 for simplicity and all-in-one accounting.FreeAgent launched in 2007, was acquired by the NatWest Group in 2018, and today counts more than 250,000 UK small businesses as users. It has been on HMRC’s recognised-software list for Making Tax Digital (MTD) Income Tax since accreditation began — meaning it can submit quarterly updates and the annual final declaration to HMRC directly. Time tracking, mileage, and payroll are all built in, so there’s no bolt-on shopping.
Who is FreeAgent best for?
UK sole traders & micro limited companies who want a simple all-in-one package
FreeAgent is particularly strong if you are a sole trader with relatively few transactions per month, someone who wants an opinionated interface that “does the right thing” without configuration, or a micro-company director who needs both corporation tax and a year-end accounts view.
Pricing
Free with a NatWest, RBS, Mettle, or Ulster Bank business current account, otherwise from £19/month + VAT. Customers with a NatWest, RBS, Mettle, or Ulster Bank business current account may be eligible for a fully free tier (terms apply); everyone else pays the monthly subscription. Verify the current price before signing up.
MTD Income Tax status
HMRC-recognised for MTD ITSA. Confirm on the official gov.uk MTD software list before signing up.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Free with a NatWest, RBS, Mettle, or Ulster Bank business current account (eligibility applies) — otherwise from £19/month + VAT
- Native UK tax workflows: MTD Income Tax (ITSA) submissions, Self Assessment, and corporation tax support in one dashboard
- Built for UK freelancers — time tracking, mileage, and CIS payment tracking included
Cons
- Fewer third-party integrations and add-on apps than Xero — not ideal for bespoke workflows
- Reporting and chart-of-accounts customisation is more limited than Xero or Sage
- The free tier only applies with specific bank current accounts; everyone else pays the monthly fee
Verdict
FreeAgent is a strong default choice for UK sole traders who want an opinionated, simple package and do not need the wider app ecosystem of Xero or Sage. If you have a NatWest business account it is particularly attractive. Verify the current price and MTD eligibility on the FreeAgent site and the gov.uk recognised-software list before signing up.
Frequently asked questions
Is FreeAgent HMRC-recognised for MTD Income Tax?
Yes. FreeAgent is fully HMRC-recognised for MTD ITSA and can submit quarterly updates and your End of Period Statement directly to HMRC.
Does FreeAgent offer a free trial?
Yes — FreeAgent offers a 30-day free trial. If you have a NatWest, RBS, Mettle, or Ulster Bank business current account, it’s free for as long as you keep the account.
Can I use FreeAgent on my phone?
Yes. FreeAgent has solid iOS and Android apps, so you can log income, expenses, receipts, and mileage on the go.
What happens if I want to switch later?
You can export your data and switch to another HMRC-recognised provider at any time. Your submission history with HMRC stays intact.