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Self Assessment Direct
Visit Self Assessment Direct websiteView HMRC listing
Our notes
Self Assessment Direct (VAT Direct) from Cirrostratus is a free basic MTD service for VAT and Income Tax that submits from a spreadsheet-generated CSV file or from its own online cashbook. It is aimed at smaller businesses and also supports agents.
Pros
- Basic service free, including 'end of year processes'
- Bridging from CSV files created in Excel or Open Office
- Simple online cashbook with Open Banking import
Cons
- Free basic service limited to 500 transactions per period and cash basis
- May charge businesses above the VAT registration threshold in future
- Website is mostly written about MTD for VAT; little ITSA-specific detail
Price
Prices can change without notice, so confirm with the provider before you buy. Spotted an error? Email us.
- Cheapest MTD-capable plan
- Basic service (free)
- Per month
- Free
- Per year
- Free
- VAT
- n/a
- Notes
- Pricing page: free for smaller businesses (turnover under the VAT threshold), max 500 transactions per period, cash basis. 'We may charge for ITSA and VAT services for businesses which have thresholds higher than the VAT registration threshold ... but at the moment it is free.' Premium services: contact [email protected].
- Agent/accountant pricing
- unknown. Homepage says the server lets accountants, bookkeepers and other agents use the Agents API; no agent price published.
Really free?
- Quarterly updates free
- yes
- Tax return (final declaration) free
- unknown (site says 'end of year processes' are free but does not name the final declaration; site is mostly about MTD for VAT)
- Limits
- Up to 500 transactions per period; accounts on a cash basis; free stated for turnover under the VAT registration threshold (currently also free above it).
- Bank account condition
- None
- Time limit
- None stated
Landlords and spreadsheets
- Excel bridging
- yes (CSV saved from Excel; Excel mapping spreadsheet provided)
- Google Sheets bridging
- unknown
- CSV import
- yes
- Bridging notes
- Submissions take a CSV 'digital link' file mapped with codes; Open Office (.ods) mapping template also provided. Examples on the Digital Links page are for VAT returns.
Checked 17 Oct 2026. Sources:www.vat.direct, www.vat.direct, www.vat.direct
HMRC listing
What the software provider has told HMRC. “In development” means the provider has committed to building it in time for the 2026 to 2027 tax return.
Features
| Free version | Ready now |
|---|---|
| Agent software | Ready now |
| Individual software | Ready now |
| Software that creates digital records | Ready now |
| Bridging software that connects to records | Ready now |
| Standard update period (6 April to 5 April) | Ready now |
| Calendar update period (1 April to 31 March) | Ready now |
| Making Tax Digital for VAT | Ready now |
| HMRC Assist (Submission Feedback) | Ready now |
Business income
| Sole trader | Ready now |
|---|---|
| UK property | Ready now |
| Foreign property | Ready now |
Other income sources and items
| Employment (PAYE) | In development |
|---|---|
| UK dividends | Ready now |
| State Pension income | In development |
| Private pension incomes | In development |
| Partner income from a partnership | Not included |
| Foreign dividends | Ready now |
| Foreign interest | Ready now |
| Private pension contributions | In development |
| Construction Industry Scheme | Ready now |
| Charitable giving | Ready now |
| Capital Gains | In development |
| Student Loan | Ready now |
| Marriage Allowance | Ready now |
| Voluntary Class 2 National Insurance | Ready now |
| High Income Child Benefit Charge | In development |
| UK interest | Ready now |
Accessibility
| Blindness or impaired vision | Not included |
|---|---|
| Deafness or impaired hearing | Not included |
| Motor or physical difficulties | Not included |
| Cognitive impairments | Not included |
Platform
| Software type | Web browser |
|---|---|
| Compatible with | Microsoft Windows Mac OS Linux |
| Mobile App | Android Apple iOS |
| Language | English |