IRIS VAT Filer vs VAT Direct
IRIS VAT Filer
iris.co.ukVAT Direct
vat.directSide by side
| Figure | IRIS VAT Filer | VAT Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · VAT Software | 8.0 (#7) | 8.1 (#6) |
| API access | Yes | The API can provide bank statement information and HMRC tax information; users obtain an authorisation token after logging in. |
| Company | IRIS says accountant David Guest founded the company in 1978 to make tax compliance easier for fellow accountants. | The maker identifies Cirrostratus Exedra Ltd, trading as Cirrostratus, as the data controller and processor, at 78 Alcester Road, Birmingham B13 8BB. |
| Purpose | IRIS VAT Filer is bridging software for submitting VAT figures to HMRC when bookkeeping software does not support a business’s VAT case. | VAT Direct provides software for submitting VAT and Self Assessment returns and obtaining VAT information using the Exedra platform. |
Plans
In their own words
IRIS VAT Filer
IRIS VAT Filer has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
VAT Direct
VAT Direct provides software for submitting VAT and Self Assessment returns and accessing VAT information through the Exedra platform. Users can send VAT return data from spreadsheet-generated CSV files, keeping their existing accounting system for that process. Its online cashbook holds VAT and Self Assessment records and supports cash-basis or standard VAT accounting. Supported schemes include Flat Rate, retail and margin schemes, traditional and EC VAT, and the Domestic Reverse Charge; it also tracks CIS payments. Open Banking can load statements from multiple bank, cash, and credit-card accounts into the cashbook. An API offers bank statement and HMRC tax information after login and authorisation. The free digital-record service is limited to 500 transactions per period and requires cash-basis accounts. The site says data is processed in the UK, includes anti-fraud headers, and offers optional two-factor authentication by text message or a similar method. The cashbook does not currently handle FRC Taxonomies. The basic service is free; users must contact the provider for details about premium services.