Overview

VAT Direct covers VAT calculation and filing, as well as Self Assessment submissions. Its CSV route lets businesses send return data generated by spreadsheets or other systems without replacing their existing accounting software. That makes it a focused fit for teams whose current workflow works for them but needs a way to submit returns.

For users who want to keep records in the same service, the cloud cashbook supports VAT and Self Assessment records and both cash-basis and standard VAT accounting. The free digital-record service, however, is restricted to cash-basis accounts and 500 transactions per period. That is a meaningful ceiling for growing businesses, and the cashbook’s lack of FRC Taxonomy support may rule it out for users who require that standard.

Key features

CSV return submissions: Uploading spreadsheet- or system-generated data provides a way to file without migrating the underlying bookkeeping. This is most useful where a business already has a reliable record system; VAT Direct is not a reason by itself to replace one.
Cashbook and VAT schemes: The cashbook supports Flat Rate, retail and margin schemes, traditional VAT, EC VAT and the Domestic Reverse Charge, and tracks CIS payments. That breadth gives users with varied VAT treatments more room to keep records in one place, though it does not remove the free service’s cash-basis and transaction constraints.
Bank and HMRC information: Open Banking can load statements from multiple bank, cash and credit card accounts into the cashbook. The API provides bank statement and HMRC tax information after a user logs in and obtains an authorisation token. These connections can reduce manual handling for users who want account data and tax information accessible through Exedra.
Security and privacy: VAT Direct says it uses anti-fraud headers and offers optional two-factor authentication by text message or a similar method. Its privacy notice says data is processed in the UK and personal data is not accessed by third parties unless the law allows it. Cirrostratus Exedra Ltd states that it is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority as an account information service provider for payment services.

Pricing

Basic service — 0.00 USD per free. This includes free bridging for VAT and Income Tax Self Assessment, plus digital records for businesses below the VAT threshold, up to 500 transactions per period on a cash basis. It is the clearest fit for smaller businesses that meet those conditions or for spreadsheet users who primarily need a filing route. The free tier gives up standard-basis recordkeeping and higher transaction capacity.

Premium services — custom pricing. These include some Open Banking, Making Tax Digital and other services; contact the provider for details. Businesses whose recordkeeping needs exceed the Basic service’s cash-basis or transaction limits should ask whether a premium service fits before committing.

Platforms

VAT Direct is available on web and through an API. The API is aimed at users seeking bank statement or HMRC tax information programmatically, while the web service provides access to filing and the cashbook.

Who it's for

VAT Direct is best suited to UK businesses that want to preserve spreadsheet or existing-system workflows while submitting VAT returns, or that need a modest cash-basis digital record service. It is less suitable for businesses above the free tier’s transaction cap, users who require FRC Taxonomy support, and operations that need standard VAT accounting within the free digital-record service.

Pros and cons

Pro: CSV submissions let businesses keep their existing accounting setup while adding a route for VAT return filing.
Pro: The cashbook covers several VAT schemes, Self Assessment records and CIS payments, which can suit businesses with more than one recordkeeping need.
Pro: Bank and HMRC information access through Open Banking and an API can bring relevant account and tax information into the Exedra service.
Con: Free digital records require cash-basis accounts and stop at 500 transactions per period, restricting use for larger or higher-volume businesses.
Con: The cashbook does not handle FRC Taxonomies, limiting its fit for users who need that support.
Con: Premium services use custom pricing, so users needing more than the free tier must contact the provider to assess cost.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison of filing and recordkeeping options, see VAT Software.

LOVAT is worth considering for teams seeking a freemium VAT tool with a free trial and Android, iOS, web and API access; its Free plan includes one data-import integration.

VAT Sense is an API-only option for teams that want request-based service, with its Free plan allowing 100 requests per month and Basic allowing 2,000 requests per month.

VATlayer may suit developers needing a VAT API with a defined free allowance: its free tier provides 100 API requests per month for non-commercial use with limited functionality.

Vatstack is another API and web option; its Developer plan offers unlimited quotes and unlimited dummy validations and supplies.

Kintsugi is an API-based alternative whose free plan includes nexus monitoring, exposure and historical liability auditing, and risk assessment.

hellotax may be a better fit for sellers who want a plan organized around transaction volume and integrations: New Seller costs 49.00 EUR per month for 500 transactions yearly and one integration.

Sphere is a paid API and web alternative for teams seeking a plan that includes calculation, monitoring, registration, filing and remittance across fewer than 10 regions, with calculation up to 50,000 transactions.

Stripe Tax is an API-based paid option for teams wanting tax calculations and collections integrated with Stripe Billing, Checkout, Invoicing or Payment Links.

Verdict

Choose VAT Direct if your priority is filing VAT returns without replacing a spreadsheet-led system, or keeping a small volume of cash-basis records online. The CSV workflow and combined filing, cashbook and bank/HMRC information access make it a practical fit within those boundaries. Look elsewhere if you need more than 500 transactions per period on the free tier, standard-basis free records or FRC Taxonomy support.

	IRIS Personal Tax	VAT Direct
Free plan	No	Yes
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	—	Free
Open source	No	No
Platforms	self-hosted, Web, Windows	api, Web
Free plan	—	Yes
VAT calculation	—	Yes
VAT return filing	—	Yes

IRIS Personal Tax vs VAT Direct

IRIS Personal Tax

VAT Direct