Tax Return Software Comparison 2025: What’s Best for You?

Filing your taxes doesn’t have to be a headache anymore. With the rise of user-friendly tax return software, managing your annual returns is faster, simpler, and more accurate than ever before. Whether you’re self-employed, employed, a landlord, or dealing with a non resident tax return UK, choosing the right software can save you time, money, and stress.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best tax return software options available in 2025. You’ll learn what features matter, how they differ, and which one suits your situation—especially if you're filing as a non-resident or need to submit the NRL1 form.

Why Choosing the Right Tax Return Software Matters

Choosing the right tax return software isn’t just about convenience. It’s about:

• Ensuring accurate calculations

• Submitting on time

• Avoiding costly HMRC penalties

• Making complex returns simpler

For individuals filing a non resident tax return UK, using software that supports forms like NRL1 form and SA109 is crucial. Not all platforms do, and that’s where mistakes and delays happen.

Key Features to Look For

Before jumping into specific software options, here's what you should be looking for:

• HMRC-Recognised Filing: Make sure it's approved for direct submissions.

• NRL1 Form Support: Critical if you're a non-resident landlord.

• SA109 Support: Needed for non-residency declarations.

• User Interface: Simple navigation, even if you're not a tax pro.

• Live Support or Chat: Ideal for getting help with tricky sections.

• Data Import: Can you pull data from last year or from your accounting software?

• Cost: Some are free, others charge a fee—check what's included.

Top Tax Return Software of 2025: A Comparative Review

Let’s look at the best software options available this year:

1. Taxd UK

Taxd UK continues to lead for users looking for a smart, automated, and HMRC-compliant platform. Especially if you're handling a non resident tax return UK, Taxd offers:

• Built-in support for the NRL1 form

• Step-by-step residency check

• SA109 integration

• AI-driven suggestions

• Option to connect with real tax advisors

Best For: Non-residents, expats, landlords

2. GoSimpleTax

A long-standing name, GoSimpleTax offers a clean interface and affordable pricing. It does not currently support the NRL1 form directly but is ideal for straightforward returns.

Pros:

• Easy to use

• Good for UK-resident freelancers and employees

Cons:

• Limited support for non-resident features

Best For: Basic self-assessment users

3. TaxCalc

TaxCalc is robust and popular among accountants, with full-feature options.

Pros:

• Handles complex cases

• Supports SA109 and NRL1 form

Cons:

• More technical interface

• Desktop-based (not cloud-native)

Best For: Professionals, accountants, and tech-savvy users READ MORE - Can a Limited Company Rent a Residential Property in the UK?

4. Andica

Andica has been known for offering deep tax form support and is HMRC-recognised.

Pros:

• Supports a wide range of forms including NRL1 form

• Multi-year filing capability

Cons:

• Less intuitive than newer competitors

• No live chat support

Best For: Detailed tax management, property income, landlords

5. FreeAgent (For Business Owners)

FreeAgent is more suited for small businesses but also offers tax filing features.

Pros:

• Seamless bookkeeping + tax filing

• HMRC-recognised

Cons:

• Not ideal for non resident tax return UK

• Doesn’t support NRL1 form

Best For: Freelancers and small businesses with ongoing UK presence

Tax Return Software for Non-Residents: What to Prioritize

If you’re living abroad but earning UK income—especially from rental property—you’ll likely need to file a non resident tax return UK and complete an NRL1 form.

When comparing tax software, ensure:

• SA109 and NRL1 form are supported

• There are built-in prompts for tax treaties and foreign tax credits

• You can declare income from UK property and claim reliefs

Taxd UK and TaxCalc currently offer the most comprehensive support for these features.

Pros and Cons of Using Tax Software vs Hiring an Accountant

Using Tax Software

Pros:

• Cost-effective

• Instant filing

• DIY control and transparency

Cons:

• Limited if your case is highly complex

• May lack personalised tax planning advice

Hiring an Accountant

Pros:

• Hands-off experience

• Personalised advice

• Full understanding of international rules

Cons:

• More expensive

• Slower turnaround

Best Tip: Use tax return software with live support or hybrid advisory features for the best of both worlds.

How to File a Non Resident Tax Return UK with the Right Software

Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing with the right tools:

1. Confirm your status using the Statutory Residence Test (SRT).

2. Choose a platform that supports SA109 and NRL1 form.

3. Register for Self Assessment if you haven’t already.

4. Gather your UK income documents – rental statements, bank interest, etc.

5. Complete the NRL1 form (for rental income).

6. Fill out SA109 to declare non-residency.

7. Submit online via software or send a paper return (if required).

8. Keep records of everything for at least 5 years.

READ MORE - Beware of HMRC Scam Letters: How to Spot and Avoid Them (Examples)

The Future of Tax Return Software in the UK

The trend is clear: more automation, better AI support, and broader compatibility for complex cases. In the near future, expect tax return software to offer:

• Built-in residency status calculators

• Pre-filled forms based on open banking

• Live chat with HMRC-trained advisors

• Real-time error detection

For now, platforms like Taxd UK and TaxCalc are leading the innovation for non-residents and landlords filing via NRL1 form.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tax return software in 2025 can make your life a lot easier—especially if you're navigating a non resident tax return UK. Whether you're a landlord needing the NRL1 form or someone with income ties to the UK while living abroad, your software should support your needs, not complicate them.

Take your time, evaluate features, and always ensure HMRC compatibility. A few extra minutes now can save you hours of corrections later.

FAQs

1. What is the NRL1 form and who needs it?The NRL1 form is used by non-resident landlords to register with HMRC. It allows rent to be paid without tax deducted at source.

2. Can I file the NRL1 form using tax return software?Only some platforms, like Taxd UK and TaxCalc, support submission or preparation of the NRL1 form. Others may require manual submission.

3. Do I need to file SA109 for a non resident tax return UK?Yes, SA109 is essential to declare your non-residency status when filing your non resident tax return UK.

4. Is free tax return software good enough?For simple tax affairs, yes. But if you're dealing with property, foreign income, or non-residency, choose paid tax return software that covers your specific needs.

5. What happens if I choose the wrong software?You risk delays, incorrect filings, or even penalties. Always ensure your software supports all the required forms for your situation.