Pie Tax: Explore the Best Taxfix (formerly TaxScouts) Alternatives for 2026 Tax Returns

Charlotte Baroukh

Tax Expert @ Pie

8 min read

While TaxScouts has long been a popular choice for accountant-assisted tax preparation in the UK, freelancers, sole traders, and landlords in 2025 are increasingly seeking alternatives due to rising service fees, variable communication timelines, or changing personal tax requirements. Traditional high-street accountants offer full-service financial management, but they often come with high retainer costs that strain smaller budgets. Meanwhile, digital platforms like GoSimpleTax and TaxCalc cater to independent filers who prefer self-directed software, though they require manual input and offer limited personal advice. To bridge this gap, modern Open Banking platforms like Pie deliver a streamlined digital alternative by combining real-time expense categorisation, automated tax estimates, and direct Self Assessment submission, giving taxpayers an accessible and cost-effective solution without sacrificing accuracy or peace of mind.

Discover the Best Tax Services for 2026

Hosting on Airbnb in the UK triggers explicit Self Assessment tax reporting requirements with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs once gross property earnings exceed the £1,000 tax-free property allowance in a tax year. Hosts letting a furnished spare room within their primary residence can alternatively claim Rent a Room Relief to shelter up to £7,500 of gross rental income tax-free, or £3,750 each for joint property owners.

However, hosts renting out dedicated investment properties or secondary homes must report total rental revenue and pay Income Tax on net profits, deducting allowable expenses or claiming the flat £1,000 allowance. Under digital platform reporting regulations in effect since 2024, Airbnb automatically reports host earning data directly to tax authorities.

Consequently, hosts must register for Self Assessment by 5 October following the relevant tax year and ensure accurate online filings and payments by 31 January to avoid compliance penalties, utilising software platforms like Pie to organise property records and calculate liabilities seamlessly.

Woman reviewing tax return paperwork at her desk while comparing self assessment software options

Discover the Best Tax Services for 2026

Are you looking for the best alternative to Taxfix, formerly known as TaxScouts, for your 2026 tax return? With a range of tax return software available, choosing the right fit for your needs can feel overwhelming. In this article, we compare the leading alternatives to help you make an informed decision.

We'll cover the key factors to weigh up when choosing a tax return service, look closely at the leading alternatives such as Pie, GoSimpleTax, QuickBooks Sole Trader, and TaxCalc, and explore the tools that can streamline your Self Assessment. For extra support, see our how to do a tax return self-employed UK guide.

Finding the Right Alternative: Key Factors to Consider

When choosing an alternative to a service like Taxfix, it's worth weighing up affordability, ease of use, and features suited to your specific situation. Taxfix's current pricing starts from £99 for a Self Assessment return, so it's worth comparing that against the true cost of DIY software once your time is factored in.

Ease of use matters just as much as price. Taxfix aims to remove the stress of filing by pairing you with an accountant, but for many people, self-service software can do the same job for less. If you need extra support along the way, our guide to self-employed tax return help is a good place to start.

Man using the Pie self assessment app on his phone at home

Comparing the Top Alternatives

Pie prioritises ease of use and delivers strong value with a wide feature set.
GoSimpleTax is known for its accessible pricing, starting from £69.99 per tax return.
QuickBooks Sole Trader (the successor to the discontinued QuickBooks Self-Employed) offers comprehensive financial management tools.
TaxCalc takes a traditional desktop approach with advanced features, starting from £38 per tax year for the entry-level Individual package.

Each option has its own strengths, so the right fit depends on how hands-on you want to be, as well as reviewing historical top alternatives to TaxScouts to track how market offerings have evolved.

For a fuller rundown across the market, see our best UK tax software for Self Assessment in 2026.

Competitive Pricing

80% of users find competitive pricing crucial when choosing a tax service. Affordable rates without compromising quality make PIE Tax an excellent choice.

User Satisfaction

90% of Pie Tax App users report high satisfaction with expert assistance and easy-to-use features, highlighting its reliability and effectiveness.

How is Pie different?

Pie is the only app that handles multiple income streams and helpful advice when you need it.

Save £830 per year vs Quickbooks + Accountant

Return

Refund

We don't charge commission

Fees

Mobile App

MTD

Real Time Tax figure

Bookkeeping

Receipt reconciliation

Open banking integration

Multiple incomes / accounts

Direct HMRC submission

Invoicing

Tax support and advice *

Return checks

We do it for you

Free

£7.50 per month

£59

£126

Quickbooks

(Simple start)

£230

per year

Taxfix

£249

per year

£349 per year

£249

Accountant

£600 avg

per year

FREE

10 Features

Mobile App

MTD

Real Time Tax figure

Bookkeeping

Receipt reconciliation

Open banking integration

Multiple incomes / accounts

Direct HMRC submission

Invoicing

Tax support and advice *

£7.50 per month

Return checks

£59

We do it for you

£126

Quickbooks

£230

per year

7 features

Taxfix

£249

per year

4 features

Accountant

£600

avg per year

5 features

MTD is Free with Pie

Want an accountant to handle the MTD stress? Add it for just £199

Get Started

Person holding a phone displaying the Pie app login screen

Detailed Service Comparison

Compared with Taxfix, Pie offers a different experience. Where Taxfix pairs you with an accountant to handle your return for you, Pie gives you the tools to manage and file your own return, with support along the way. To see exactly how this works in practice, take a look at how Pie works. Pie's pricing is transparent, and its interface is designed to be accessible even for those with limited tax knowledge, features that make it a strong Taxfix alternative for 2026.

QuickBooks Sole Trader: Comprehensive Financial Management

QuickBooks Sole Trader, the product that replaced QuickBooks Self-Employed in 2024, is a solid option for self-employed individuals wanting comprehensive financial management tools, including expense tracking, invoicing, and integration with other QuickBooks products. If you're weighing this up specifically, our dedicated comparison, Pie vs QuickBooks, covers this in more depth.

That said, it's worth checking which specific tax forms are supported under the current plan, since coverage has changed since the product was rebuilt. Some more complex Self Assessment situations may still need additional support, and it's worth browsing our wider list of QuickBooks alternatives if this is a concern, while also navigating CEST employment status tools for remote contractors to protect your self-employed classification.

Person sitting in denim clothing holding a phone showing a tax related question about gains or losses

How the pie app can help you

Master Your Finances

Reduce the time and effort involved in tax return filing, helping users stay organized and compliant with tax regulations for a smoother and stress-free process.

Effortless Self-Assessment

To manage finances effectively, track expenses and receipts meticulously, ensuring accurate records for calculating the tax owed and maintaining compliance with tax regulations.

Simplify Tax Filing

Streamline the self-assessment process to make it more manageable and efficient, ultimately leading to a stress-free tax season and improved financial peace of mind.

QuickBooks Self-Employed: Comprehensive Financial Management

QuickBooks Self-Employed is an excellent solution for small businesses and self-employed individuals looking for comprehensive financial management tools. It provides features like expense tracking, invoicing, tax filing, and integration with other QuickBooks products, which allows for seamless financial management across multiple platforms.

However, QuickBooks Self-Employed does have some limitations. For instance, the base product generates only SA103 forms and does not include other forms such as SA100, SA102, and SA106, which may be necessary for some users.

Despite these limitations, its extensive financial management capabilities may still be advantageous for many users.

GoSimpleTax: Affordable Tax Return Software

GoSimpleTax competes with Taxfix on price, starting from £69.99 per tax return for its Individual plan, with Residency and Partnership tiers available at a higher cost for those with more complex circumstances. It offers a user-friendly interface, automated calculations, and the ability to import data from other software, which can save time if you're switching from a different provider or bringing across figures from the previous tax year.

GoSimpleTax also supports a wider range of forms than some competitors, including SA100, SA102, and SA106, so it's well suited to those with employment income, foreign income, or other circumstances that go beyond a straightforward self-employed return. The software runs checks as you go, flagging potential errors before submission, and it's officially recognised by HMRC for online filing.

TaxCalc: Desktop Software with Advanced Features

TaxCalc offers a traditional desktop software approach, with automated calculations, data import from other tax software, and report generation. Following routine annual increases, its entry-level Individual package now starts at £38 per tax year, up from previous years. Those who need to file a company tax return alongside their personal one will need the Individual & Business edition, which includes CT600 filing and costs significantly more, from around £108 per year.

It requires offline installation and doesn't offer a mobile app, so it may suit those who prefer a conventional, desktop-based solution over an app-first experience like Pie's.

Man and woman in business attire reviewing paperwork together at a desk with a laptop

TaxCalc's step by step SimpleStep mode is designed to guide users through only the sections relevant to their situation, which can help reduce confusion for those less familiar with tax terminology. It also includes a Check and Finish review stage before submission, giving users a chance to catch errors ahead of filing with HMRC.

However, since it's installed locally rather than cloud based, users won't be able to check their tax position on the go or access their return from multiple devices, mirroring how wider economic debates focus on scrutiny over political claims regarding Brexit and tax rises across the UK.

Why Choose Pie

Beyond price and features, it's worth understanding what sets Pie apart as a company built specifically for UK sole traders, freelancers, and landlords. Read more on why Pie to see how it compares on trust, support, and long-term value, not just at tax return time.

Man reviewing his tax return options on a desktop computer at his desk

Two women discussing tax advice options while reviewing a laptop together

Evaluating Your Options

Beyond software, Taxfix alternatives vary in the advisory support they offer, from one-off tax advice through chartered accountants to support from tax charities for those on lower incomes. The right choice also depends on how your business is structured, so if you're still deciding, our guide on sole trader or limited company may help before you commit to a filing tool.

Personalized Assistance

Personalized assistance can make a significant difference in your tax experience. The Pie Tax App ensures that you have access to expert tax assistants available on the PIE Tax, helping you navigate any complexities.

Affordable Pricing

The Pie Tax App's affordable pricing structure makes professional tax assistance accessible to a wider audience, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

Summary

In conclusion, Taxfix (formerly TaxScouts) alternatives such as GoSimpleTax, QuickBooks Sole Trader, TaxCalc, and Pie each offer distinct solutions for filing your 2026 tax return. By weighing up factors such as affordability, ease of use, and features tailored to your circumstances, you can make an informed decision and select the tax return software that best suits your needs.

The right solution is out there, so take the time to explore your options, assess your requirements, and find a hassle-free way to file, alongside cross-border resources like accessing international and regional unemployment tax documents online for multi-jurisdiction compliance.Happy filing!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Pie Tax different from Taxfix?

Pie gives you the tools to manage and file your own Self Assessment, with support along the way, rather than handing the whole process to an accountant.

Is the Pie Tax App affordable?

Yes, Pie Self Assessment Software offers competitive pricing without compromising on features or support.

Can I use the Pie Tax for complex tax situations?

Yes. Pie is designed to handle both straightforward and more complex Self Assessment scenarios, with guidance throughout.

How do I get started with the Pie Tax?

Pie is self assessment software you can download straight to your phone. Just follow the easy-to-use interface to begin managing your taxes, with expert assistance readily available for any queries.

What are the main benefits of using the Pie Tax App?

The main benefits include personalised support, a user-friendly interface, and competitive pricing, ensuring a stress-free, efficient tax filing experience.

Pie Tax: Explore the Best Taxfix (formerly TaxScouts) Alternatives for 2026 Tax Returns

Discover the Best Tax Services for 2026

Discover the Best Tax Services for 2026

Finding the Right Alternative: Key Factors to Consider

Comparing the Top Alternatives

Competitive Pricing

User Satisfaction

How is Pie different?

Pie is the only app that handles multiple income streams and helpful advice when you need it.

Save £830 per year vs Quickbooks + Accountant

FREE

£230

£249

£600

MTD is Free with Pie

Detailed Service Comparison

QuickBooks Sole Trader: Comprehensive Financial Management

How the pie app can help you

QuickBooks Self-Employed: Comprehensive Financial Management

GoSimpleTax: Affordable Tax Return Software

TaxCalc: Desktop Software with Advanced Features

Why Choose Pie

Evaluating Your Options

Personalized Assistance

Affordable Pricing

Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Pie Tax different from Taxfix?

Is the Pie Tax App affordable?

Can I use the Pie Tax for complex tax situations?

How do I get started with the Pie Tax?

What are the main benefits of using the Pie Tax App?

Want to get smarter about taxes?

File your Self Assessment - For FREE

The Free Self Assessment App.

HMRC's New Duty to Correct Tax Errors: What It Means for You

Making Tax Digital: £30,000 Earners Must Join From April 2027

Pie Tax and Crowdcube Partner to Help 1.5 Million Investors Claim Their Tax Relief

How to File Your MTD Quarterly Update in the Pie App

HMRC Self Assessment Deadline Is Today: Register Online Now

1 Million Could Miss Today's HMRC Deadline, Even If They Pay Tax

Want regular updates from us?

Tax advice

Self-Employed

Taxpayer information

Filing info

Property

Savings

Investings

Tax refund

Pie Tax: Explore the Best Taxfix (formerly TaxScouts) Alternatives for 2026 Tax Returns

Discover the Best Tax Services for 2026

Discover the Best Tax Services for 2026

Finding the Right Alternative: Key Factors to Consider

Comparing the Top Alternatives

Competitive Pricing

User Satisfaction

How is Pie different?

Pie is the only app that handles multiple income streams and helpful advice when you need it.

Save £830 per year vs Quickbooks + Accountant

FREE

£230

£249

£600

MTD is Free with Pie

Detailed Service Comparison

QuickBooks Sole Trader: Comprehensive Financial Management

How the pie app can help you

QuickBooks Self-Employed: Comprehensive Financial Management

GoSimpleTax: Affordable Tax Return Software

TaxCalc: Desktop Software with Advanced Features

Why Choose Pie

Evaluating Your Options

Personalized Assistance

Affordable Pricing

Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Pie Tax different from Taxfix?

Is the Pie Tax App affordable?

Can I use the Pie Tax for complex tax situations?