Instead of VAT Direct
VAT Direct alternatives
VAT Direct handles VAT and Self Assessment returns through the Exedra platform, with VAT calculation and filing alongside a cloud cashbook. It accepts CSV data from spreadsheets or other systems, so businesses can retain their accounting software. The cashbook covers cash-basis and standard VAT accounting, several VAT schemes, and multiple bank, cash and card accounts; its API can provide bank statement and HMRC tax information. A free service is available, but digital records for smaller businesses are limited to 500 transactions per period and require cash-basis accounts.
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VAT Sense
Free plan APIDevelopers needing VAT, GST, and currency data — VAT Sense is an API for validation, rates, conversions, and invoicing, rather than VAT Direct’s filing and cashbook service.
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VATlayer
Free plan APIWebEU VAT validation and price calculations by API — VATlayer provides an EU VAT REST API for validation and price calculations, while VAT Direct adds return filing and records.
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Vatstack
Free plan APIWebDigital-service sellers building VAT workflows — Vatstack focuses on developer VAT solutions before and after payments, including customer-location detection and cloud validation records.
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BTCHub
Paid MacWebWindowsAccountants filing client MTD VAT returns — BTCHub adds Group VAT imports, client dashboards, online agent authorisation, and unlimited UK-based phone support.
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VAT MTD
Free plan iPhoneMacMac and iOS users submitting spreadsheet VAT totals — VAT MTD bridges Excel and Numbers spreadsheets to HMRC on iOS and macOS, sending only the nine VAT totals.
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MTD 4 VAT
Free trial Web - 12
MTD Submission Pro
Free trial Windows - 13
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VATCalc Calculator
Free trial APIWeb - 15
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MTDfVAT
Paid MacWebWindows - 17
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Sphere
Paid APIWeb - 21
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Stripe Tax
Paid API5.1 Visit site - 24
Alternatives vary between tax APIs, automated filing, and spreadsheet bridging. Some add sales tax coverage or VAT validation tools, while others focus on filing returns for clients or linking spreadsheet data to HMRC. Consider whether you need VAT and Self Assessment record-keeping together, or would benefit more from tax calculations, registration, or developer integration. Check supported platforms and price as well as which filing and bookkeeping tasks you would keep or lose when switching.