Editorial policy
Our readers rely on us to get things right, often when they're worried about a new tax rule. This policy explains how we research, write, check and correct everything on Tax Software Compared.
How do we make sure the rules are accurate?
Every tax rule, date and threshold on our site comes from GOV.UK, and we link to the source page each time. For example, when we say MTD applies from 6 April 2027 if your qualifying income is over £30,000, we link to GOV.UK. We do not invent rules, statistics or deadlines. If HMRC hasn't confirmed something, we say so.
How do we check prices?
We check prices and features on each provider's own website every month. Each page shows the month of the last check. We say whether prices include VAT, and we point out that intro offers change often.
What happens if we get something wrong?
We correct it as quickly as we can. If a mistake changes the meaning of a page, such as a wrong price or deadline, we fix it and update the "last updated" date. If you spot an error, please tell us through our contact page.
Are we independent from advertisers?
Yes. Providers cannot pay for a ranking, a review or a better score, and they cannot see our reviews before publication. We score products with our published scoring rubric. Our affiliate disclosure lists which providers may pay us and which don't.
Who reviews our content?
Pages are written by the Tax Software Compared Editorial Team. Guides that explain tax rules are also checked by a qualified reviewer before publication and when the rules change.
[Named qualified reviewer, e.g. FCCA / ATT: name, credentials, and what they review]
Do we use AI?
We want to be open about this. We use AI tools to help draft and organise some of our content. A member of our team then reviews every page by hand. They check each fact against GOV.UK or the provider's website, check prices against our monthly records, and edit for clarity. AI never decides our rankings or scores.
Is this financial or tax advice?
No. Our content is general information to help you compare software. It is not personal tax, legal or financial advice. We are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and we do not recommend insurance, investment or credit products. For advice on your own situation, speak to a qualified accountant or tax adviser, or contact HMRC.
How do we write?
We write in plain English, with short sentences, and we explain any jargon the first time we use it. We aim to be calm and reassuring, not alarming. We also use examples to make the rules easier to follow. For instance, "Tom, a self-employed decorator earning £32,000 a year before expenses, would join MTD from 6 April 2027." These examples are illustrations, never real customers. You can see this style in our MTD guide for sole traders.