For UK businesses, efficient accounting software is vital for maintaining financial health and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. QuickBooks, one of the most popular accounting solutions, offers a range of features designed to simplify bookkeeping, payroll, and tax management. This analysis provides a detailed review of QuickBooks pricing plans, outlining the key features of each option to help you determine which is the best fit for your business.
QuickBooks pricing plans review
QuickBooks provides several pricing tiers, catering to different business sizes and needs. The UK plans generally include Simple Start, Essentials, Plus, and Advanced. Let’s break these down:
1. QuickBooks Simple Start (£12/month)
This entry-level plan is ideal for sole traders, freelancers, or very small businesses. It includes essential tools for tracking income and expenses but is limited to one user.
Key features:
- Track income and expenses
- Send custom invoices and quotes
- Snap and store receipts
- Manage VAT and submit HMRC VAT returns
- Run basic reports
Best for: Sole traders or small businesses with straightforward accounting needs.
2. QuickBooks Essentials (£20/month)
For growing businesses, Essentials offers multi-user access and additional features like managing bills and tracking time.
Key features:
- Includes all Simple Start features
- Manage and pay bills
- Track time for employees or contractors
- Multi-currency support
- Add up to three users
Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses that need to collaborate with multiple users or track time for projects.
3. QuickBooks Plus (£30/month)
QuickBooks Plus is designed for businesses with more complex needs, offering project tracking and comprehensive reporting tools.
Key features:
- Includes all Essentials features
- Track inventory
- Manage projects and job costing
- Generate advanced reports
- Add up to five users
Best for: Medium-sized businesses with inventory to manage or those requiring in-depth financial insights.
4. QuickBooks Advanced (£60/month)
This top-tier plan is suited for larger businesses or those requiring enhanced customisation and support.
Key features:
- Includes all Plus features
- Custom reporting and dashboards
- Enhanced support with a dedicated account manager
- Integration with third-party apps
- Access to Smart Reporting powered by Fathom
Best for: Larger enterprises or businesses needing advanced customisation and dedicated support.
Add-ons and optional features
QuickBooks offers additional services that can be integrated into your subscription:
- Payroll (£4/month + £1 per employee): Manage employee payments, track holiday pay, and ensure compliance with HMRC requirements. See our QuickBooks Payroll review.
- Advanced Payroll (£8/month + £1 per employee): Adds automation and detailed reporting to your payroll process.
- QuickBooks Time (from £5/month): A time-tracking tool to manage projects more effectively.
QuickBooks free trial and discounts
QuickBooks often provides a 30-day free trial, allowing you to test its features before committing. Additionally, new users may receive a 50% discount for the first three months, making it an affordable way to get started.
Review – Why choose QuickBooks?
- Ease of use: Its intuitive interface ensures that even non-accountants can navigate the system effectively.
- Cloud-based: Access your data anywhere, anytime.
- HMRC-compliant: QuickBooks supports Making Tax Digital (MTD), simplifying tax submissions.
QuickBooks review – Final thoughts
QuickBooks offers a versatile range of pricing plans and features, catering to businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a sole trader or managing a large enterprise, there’s a plan to suit your needs. By carefully evaluating the features and costs, you can select the plan that aligns with your business requirements while staying within budget.
For further details or assistance in choosing the right QuickBooks plan, visit the QuickBooks UK website or consult with an accounting professional.
FAQ
QuickBooks allows users to cancel their subscription at any time without incurring additional fees. If you cancel, access to the features will continue until the end of the current billing period.
Yes, QuickBooks integrates with numerous third-party applications, including CRM tools, payment processors, and e-commerce platforms, to streamline your business operations.
QuickBooks provides a range of resources, including tutorials, webinars, and a knowledge base. Higher-tier plans, such as QuickBooks Advanced, may include additional support like a dedicated account manager.
While QuickBooks is a general-purpose accounting software, it offers features like project tracking and inventory management that are adaptable to various industries, such as retail, construction, and professional services.
Yes, QuickBooks has a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to manage invoices, track expenses, and access reports on the go.
QuickBooks Essentials and higher plans support multi-currency transactions, making it a viable option for businesses dealing with international clients or suppliers.
QuickBooks offers various support channels, including live chat, email, and phone support. Premium plans like QuickBooks Advanced may include priority support and a dedicated account manager.
QuickBooks allows some degree of customisation, such as tailoring invoices, setting up user permissions, and creating custom reports, especially in the Advanced plan.
Yes, QuickBooks is fully compliant with UK tax regulations, including Making Tax Digital (MTD), ensuring smooth submission of VAT returns to HMRC.
QuickBooks is primarily cloud-based, but the mobile app offers limited offline functionality, allowing you to work without an internet connection and sync data later.