Side by side
Inform Direct vs TaxCalc
Both stand on company secretarial software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Inform Direct brings company records, filings, share administration and document generation into a browser-based service. Check the entity coverage and transaction charges against your needs before using it.
Visit Inform DirectChoose TaxCalc if you need UK tax returns or statutory accounts, with direct filing and practice tools across Linux, macOS and Windows. Individuals can start with Self Assessment software from £42, while practices can choose client and accounts plans. Look elsewhere if you need state filing or mobile access beyond the web.
Visit TaxCalcThe facts
| Inform Direct | TaxCalc | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Web | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | See the plans |
| Plans published | 11 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | TaxCalc |
| Website | informdirect.co.uk | taxcalc.com |
| On company secretarial software | #2 of 27 | #6 of 27 |
Inform Direct: what it does well
- Electronic Companies House filings
- Maintains statutory registers and deadline reminders
- Generates more than 400 company documents
- Permissions can be set by company and function
- Free plan covers up to 10 companies
What to know first
- Does not support overseas-incorporated companies
- Free plan charges separately for transactions
- Pay as You Go excludes VAT
- Some transactions incur Companies House fees
TaxCalc: what it does well
- Prepares personal, partnership, trust and company tax returns.
- SimpleStep guides Self Assessment completion, with HMRC-style forms as an option.
- Real-time calculations and a pre-submission Check & Finish review.
- Accounts Production connects with Xero, QuickBooks and FreeAgent for trial balances.
- Tax products submit to HMRC; Accounts Production files with Companies House.
What to know first
- There is no free plan.
- State filing is not supported.
- Mobile access is web-only.
- Integrations differ across products.
Alternatives to Inform Direct Alternatives to TaxCalc The whole list