Tool Review · Updated 2026-04
Crunch
Crunch is the right choice if you want an accountant to handle your MTD ITSA submissions rather than doing it yourself. The managed plans bundle software and human support at a fixed monthly cost that is often cheaper than a traditional accountant.
No commercial relationship — Crunch is featured on editorial merit alone.
Verified April 2026 · Source: GOV.UK
Crunch and MTD ITSA
Crunch occupies a unique position in the MTD ITSA software market: it is both accounting software and a managed accountancy service. On the Pro and Premium plans, a dedicated accountant handles your quarterly MTD ITSA submissions — you do not need to interact with the software at all beyond keeping your records tidy.
MTD ITSA Rollout Phases
- Phase 1 — April 2026 Live ✓ Supported
Income over £50,000
- Phase 2 — April 2027 ✓ Supported
Income over £30,000
- Phase 3 — April 2028 ✓ Supported
Income over £20,000
Phase support verified against GOV.UK software finder . Always confirm with the software provider before your obligation date.
GOV.UK verification: Crunch’s MTD ITSA recognition is listed on the GOV.UK software finder. Status correct as of April 2026.
Verified April 2026 · Source: GOV.UK
No commercial relationship (at launch): Crunch’s affiliate programme status is unconfirmed at MTDStack’s launch date. This review is independent.
When managed accountancy makes sense
If you find accounting software confusing or time-consuming, paying £29.50/month for Crunch Pro — which includes a dedicated account manager who handles your MTD ITSA submissions — may be better value than paying £12–15/month for software you struggle to use correctly.
Traditional accountants often charge £500–1,500 per year for equivalent services. Crunch Pro at £354/year is competitive for that use case.
Screenshot: Crunch MTD ITSA submission
Crunch’s quarterly update interface for MTD ITSA — reviewed April 2026.
Software-only route
If you just want the Crunch software (without managed accountancy), the Free tier covers basic MTD ITSA submissions. It is simpler than Xero but less feature-rich. For pure software, Zoho Books or FreeAgent are stronger recommendations.
MTD ITSA Phase Support
MTD ITSA Rollout Phases
- Phase 1 — April 2026 Live ✓ Supported
Income over £50,000
- Phase 2 — April 2027 ✓ Supported
Income over £30,000
- Phase 3 — April 2028 ✓ Supported
Income over £20,000
Phase support verified against GOV.UK software finder . Always confirm with the software provider before your obligation date.
Crunch is unique in offering both software and managed accountancy. Particularly relevant for sole traders who want a human accountant to handle MTD ITSA submissions on their behalf. Affiliate programme unconfirmed at launch.
Landlord support: Basic property income tracking. Not designed for complex property portfolios.
CIS support: Basic CIS recording available on higher plans. Not a dedicated CIS tool.
Pricing (GBP)
| Plan | Price/mo | Contacts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crunch Free | Free | Get started → | |
| Crunch Pro | £29.5/mo | Get started → | |
| Crunch Premium | £79/mo | Get started → |
Prices shown are monthly and exclude VAT. Crunch is unique in offering managed accountancy at a fixed monthly fee alongside software. Affiliate programme TBC — check before launch.
Last verified: April 2026
What we like
- + HMRC-recognised for all three MTD ITSA phases
- + Unique: accountant-managed MTD ITSA submissions on Pro/Premium plans
- + Fixed monthly fee for managed accountancy — no surprise bills
- + Free software tier available
- + UK-based support team
What we don't like
- − Affiliate programme unconfirmed at launch
- − More expensive than software-only options for those who want to DIY
- − Less feature-rich software than Xero or QuickBooks
- − Not ideal for CIS subcontractors
Who it's best for
- ✓ Sole traders who want a human accountant to handle MTD ITSA for them
- ✓ Users who find accounting software intimidating
- ✓ Those who want fixed-fee accountancy at a predictable monthly cost
Not ideal if
- ✗ Users comfortable with DIY accounting software (Zoho Books is cheaper)
- ✗ CIS subcontractors needing dedicated CIS management
- ✗ Complex businesses needing advanced accounting features