Last updated: 9 June 2026
By Stiv · Design, technology and personal finance
If you need to file a Self Assessment tax return in the UK, the TaxFix vs GoSimpleTax question keeps coming up. Both promise to make tax season less painful, yet they work in completely different ways. One hands everything to a qualified accountant. The other gives you smart software and lets you do it yourself. So which one actually deserves your money? We have broken both down side by side to help you decide.
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TaxFix vs GoSimpleTax: The Key Difference
At the core, TaxFix and GoSimpleTax solve the same problem from opposite directions. TaxFix (formerly TaxScouts) pairs you with a UK-accredited accountant who prepares and files your return on your behalf. In contrast, GoSimpleTax gives you HMRC-recognised software so you can complete and submit the return yourself.
Think of it this way: TaxFix is a taxi, while GoSimpleTax is a sat-nav. Both get you to the destination, but the level of effort on your part is very different. As a result, the right choice depends on how hands-on you want to be and how complex your tax affairs are.
How TaxFix Works (The Done-For-You Route)
TaxFix matches you with a real, accredited accountant from their vetted network. You upload your documents, answer a few questions, and then your accountant takes over. They prepare the return, identify eligible expenses and reliefs, and file directly with HMRC on your behalf.
What TaxFix Offers
The service runs on three tiers. Essentials costs £169 as a one-off (or from £119 per year on a subscription). It covers a full accountant-prepared return, expense identification and messaging support. Plus at £249 adds help with HMRC letters, investigation cover, and a consultation call. Platinum at £499 brings year-round accountant access, HMRC agent service and strategic tax-planning calls.
All tiers include an Accuracy Guarantee. If your accountant makes an error, TaxFix refunds you in full and resubmits. Consequently, the risk sits with them rather than with you.
For a deeper look at how the process works step by step, read our full TaxFix review.
Who Should Pick TaxFix?
TaxFix is ideal if you hate admin, have complex tax affairs (rental income, investments, foreign income), or simply want certainty that everything is filed correctly. Likewise, if your time is worth more than the fee, delegation makes financial sense.
How GoSimpleTax Works (The DIY Route)
GoSimpleTax is cloud-based software that mirrors the HMRC Self Assessment forms in a friendlier interface. You enter your income and expenses, and the platform calculates your tax bill in real time. When you are ready, you submit directly to HMRC from within the app.
What GoSimpleTax Offers
Pricing starts at £64.99 per year on a subscription for an Individual return, or £105.99 as a one-off. Residency and Partnership plans cost more. GoSimpleTax also runs periodic discounts (a 20% off promotion ran until 31 March 2026), so check their site for any current offer.
Key features include real-time tax-saving prompts that flag deductions you might miss, a mobile app for snapping receipts year-round, and integrations with Xero, FreshBooks and SumUp. Their UK-based support team includes former HMRC professionals.
Who Should Pick GoSimpleTax?
GoSimpleTax suits people with straightforward tax affairs who want to stay hands-on. If you are comfortable using software, enjoy learning about your tax position, and want to track expenses throughout the year, this is the more affordable option. However, you do the work yourself, so errors are your responsibility.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | TaxFix | GoSimpleTax |
|---|---|---|
| Who files? | Accredited accountant | You (with software guidance) |
| Starting price | From £119/year or £169 one-off | From £64.99/year or £105.99 one-off |
| Best for | Complex affairs, time-poor filers | Simple returns, hands-on filers |
| Error liability | Accountant (Accuracy Guarantee) | You |
| Expense tracking | Accountant identifies deductions | Real-time prompts + receipt scanning |
| MTD ready | Yes (MTD software now live) | Via sister product Coconut |
Making Tax Digital: Why It Matters Now
From April 2026, HMRC's Making Tax Digital for Income Tax rules start rolling out. Self-employed individuals and landlords earning over £50,000 will need to keep digital records and send quarterly updates instead of a single annual return. Those earning between £30,000 and £50,000 follow in April 2027.
Both platforms are preparing for this shift. TaxFix has launched MTD-compatible software with built-in accountant support. GoSimpleTax, meanwhile, directs users to its sister product Coconut for quarterly digital submissions. Therefore, whichever service you choose now, check that your provider covers MTD when it applies to you.
Get 35% Off TaxFix as a New Customer
If you have decided that the accountant-led approach suits you best, our referral link gets you 35% off your first TaxFix purchase. The discount applies automatically at checkout. If a code box appears, use STIVEN266.
Get 35% off TaxFixTerms can change, so always confirm the discount is showing before you pay. Pricing and offers are accurate at the time of writing.
The Verdict: TaxFix vs GoSimpleTax
TaxFix may suit you if you want professional certainty; the trade-off is a higher price. On the other hand, GoSimpleTax is worth considering if your affairs are straightforward and you're comfortable handling the filing yourself, at a lower price point.
Neither option is objectively "better". Instead, it comes down to your confidence level, the complexity of your tax situation, and how much your time is worth. Either way, both are a significant upgrade on wrestling with the HMRC portal alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TaxFix the same as TaxScouts?
Yes. TaxScouts rebranded to TaxFix after joining the Taxfix Group, which is a leading digital tax platform across Europe. The service, team and accountant network remain the same under the new name.
Can GoSimpleTax handle rental income?
Absolutely. GoSimpleTax supports property income, self-employment, capital gains, foreign income and more. Landlords, including non-resident landlords, are among its most common users.
Do I still need an accountant if I use GoSimpleTax?
Not necessarily. Many users file successfully without one. However, if your affairs are complex (multiple income streams, foreign assets, HMRC investigations), an accountant adds an extra layer of protection. That is exactly where TaxFix's model comes in.
Is TaxFix worth the higher cost?
For many people, yes. The peace of mind, time saved and Accuracy Guarantee often outweigh the price difference. With 35% off through our referral link, the Essentials tier works out at roughly £110, which is competitive with many local accountants.
What happens with Making Tax Digital?
MTD for Income Tax starts in April 2026 for earners above £50,000. TaxFix offers MTD-compatible software with accountant support. GoSimpleTax routes MTD users to its sister app, Coconut. Check your income threshold and plan ahead.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Prices, offers and terms can change at any time, so always confirm details with the provider before paying. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in future. Always verify details with HMRC or a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Referral links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
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