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Do I need Xero or QuickBooks as a tradesperson?

The short answer

Not always. Many trades only use Xero or QuickBooks because their job app doesn't keep the books. InstaQuote's Accounts plan keeps them: expenses, receipts, mileage, bank matching, VAT return figures and a tax estimate. It can't file VAT returns to HMRC yet, so a VAT-registered trade still files through their accountant or filing software.

A lot of trades pay for two apps: one for quotes and jobs, and Xero or QuickBooks for the money. The two have to be kept in step, and that's another monthly bill.

If your job app keeps proper records, you may not need the second one. InstaQuote's Accounts plan logs every invoice and expense, matches your bank statement, works out VAT and CIS, and shows what to put aside for tax.

The honest limit: InstaQuote doesn't send VAT returns to HMRC yet. If you're VAT registered, your accountant or bridging software files it by importing InstaQuote's VAT export file.

Plenty of accountants are happy to work from exports. InstaQuote exports your records for your accountant, and you can download everything in one file any time.

Not ready to sign up? Take the price list instead.

Your trade's starter price list, free. No card, no spam.

Every common job in your trade, its unit and a realistic starting price, on one page you can print or keep on your phone. They are starting points to adjust, not a rate card.

We use your address to send the list and, if you ticked the box, the odd tip. Nothing else, and we never sell it. Privacy.

Related questions

Will my accountant work with InstaQuote?

Most accountants work from exports and figures they can check. InstaQuote gives them spreadsheets of your income, expenses, VAT and CIS. Ask yours what they prefer before you switch.

Do I need Making Tax Digital software?

If you're VAT registered, yes, for VAT. For Income Tax, sole traders come in from April 2026 over £50,000 and April 2027 over £30,000. InstaQuote keeps the digital records; you or your accountant send the updates.

Type it or photo it. Then let it run the rest.

InstaQuote turns the job typed in or a photo into a branded quote, then handles the deposit, invoice, chasing, VAT and CIS for you. Free 7-day trial, no card to start.

Start free, no card

7 days free · No card to start · Cancel any time · Then from £49/month

More answers

How do I quote a job fast?How can I automate invoicing as a tradesperson?How does the VAT reverse charge work for construction?How do I take a deposit before starting a job?