Our verdict
Being tested. An editor is using Zoho Books hands-on; the verdict and score appear here once they sign it off.
What it does
Zoho Books is online accounting software from Zoho, the company behind Zoho Desk and Zoho CRM. Its UK edition brings in bank transactions, sends invoices, tracks expenses and files to HMRC under Making Tax Digital, for VAT and for Income Tax.
Sole traders and landlords can use it free, including Self Assessment forms, and paid plans for companies are priced per organisation rather than per user.
Why use it
- Free for sole traders and landlords, with Making Tax Digital included.
- It is recognised by HMRC for Making Tax Digital for VAT and Income Tax.
- Bank feeds bring in transactions automatically, for one account on the free plan.
- Paid plans are priced per organisation, not per user.
How it works
- Sign up on Zoho Books’ UK website and choose the free plan or a paid one.
- Connect your business bank account.
- Send invoices and record expenses as you go.
- Check your figures, then file VAT or Income Tax updates to HMRC from Zoho Books.
How hard is it to use?
Intermediate Some set-up, or a little practice, to get good results.
Everyday tasks are simple, but setting up VAT and your accounts takes some learning, which is why we rate it Intermediate.
What it costs
Free plan; paid plans. Free for sole traders and landlords, with a yearly limit on invoices. Paid plans (Standard, Professional and higher) are priced per organisation and raise the limits.
Prices change often, so check Zoho Books’s own site before you pay.
Watch out for
- Check the free plan covers your kind of business: Zoho describes it as for sole traders and landlords.
- Check bank feeds and VAT before you file, because you are responsible for your returns.
Your data
Check Zoho’s privacy policy for where your accounts data is stored.
We haven’t confirmed that Zoho Books can keep your data in the UK, so check where it keeps your data before you share anything private or about other people.