Free tool
What does VAT filing really cost you a year?
Uses only the figures you enter, plus Swift VAT Pro's published price for one business.
What you actually pay for VAT filing
| Cost | What to count |
|---|---|
| Software subscription | The yearly price, including each extra business, user or feature you need |
| Accountant fees | Any fee charged per VAT return, or for VAT within a wider package |
| Your time | Hours each quarter preparing, checking and filing, at what your time is worth |
| Mistakes | Penalties for late returns or payments, and time spent correcting errors |
What drives software prices
- Type of software: bridging software only files your return, so it costs less. Accounting software includes bookkeeping, invoicing and bank feeds.
- Number of businesses: some products charge per business. Others, built for accountants, cover many businesses in one plan.
- Billing: paying yearly is usually cheaper than paying monthly.
- Limits: free versions often limit businesses, returns or support.
Prices change, so always check each provider's own pricing page. For free options, see free vs paid VAT software.
Swift VAT Pro prices
- One business: £5 a month, or £50 a year. One return every 30 days is included, and an extra return in the same 30 days is £5.
- Up to 20 businesses: £20 a month, or £200 a year, with 3 users.
- Up to 100 businesses: £50 a month, or £500 a year, with 5 users.
- Unlimited businesses: £100 a month, or £1,000 a year, with 10 users.
Every plan has a 7-day free trial with no card needed. See the pricing page.
How to compare like with like
- Write down what you need: filing only, or bookkeeping too.
- Work out the yearly cost of each option for your number of businesses.
- Add the time each option takes you, and any accountant fees it replaces.
- Check what is included: checks before sending, due dates, reminders and support.
File your VAT return for £50 a year
Swift VAT Pro files from your spreadsheet, with every box checked, due dates from HMRC and reminders. One business, paid yearly.
- Connect to HMRC on HMRC's own page with your Government Gateway sign-in. We never see that password.
- See your VAT periods, due dates, amounts owed and payments, read from HMRC.
- Upload your nine box totals as a CSV. Box 3 and Box 5 are worked out and every box is checked.
- Submit and keep HMRC's receipt. Reminder emails arrive before each due date.
No card needed · From £5 a month · Plans for up to 100 businesses · Filing through HMRC's MTD service since 2019
Final thoughts
If your records already work in a spreadsheet, bridging software is usually the lowest total cost. If you want to replace your spreadsheet, accounting software is worth its higher price, and it files your VAT return too. Compare total yearly cost, not the monthly headline.
Disclaimer: This guide gives general information, not advice for your business. Other providers' prices change, so check their websites.
Frequently asked questions
Checked against HMRC's software finder, VAT Notice 700/22 and Swift VAT Pro's current prices. November 2026.
How much does VAT software cost in the UK?
What should I include when comparing VAT software costs?
Is it cheaper to pay for VAT software yearly?
Do I need accounting software for MTD?
How much does VAT software cost for several businesses?
File your VAT return for £50 a year.
Swift VAT Pro files your return to HMRC from the spreadsheet you already keep. From £5 a month.
No card needed · 2,900+ VAT returns filed since 2019