VAT Direct vs Vatstack

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.

Vatstack is a VAT API for businesses selling telecommunications, broadcasting and electronic services to customers around the world. It provides rates for domestic and cross-border sales, updating them when government changes take effect. The API can calculate VAT-inclusive or VAT-exclusive prices, determine customer location from an IP address or billing address, verify VAT numbers for exemption, and adjust rates for some digital products such as ebooks. Real-time VAT and GST checks cover the 27 EU member states, Australia, Norway, Singapore, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. EU and UK checks include a consultation number, and validation records are stored in the cloud and replicated between EU data centers on AWS. Users can import a CSV for bulk checks. Vatstack compiles VAT OSS and EC Sales List reports using European Central Bank exchange rates, and integrates with Stripe to sync invoices, location evidence and tax IDs and to adjust reports after refunds. A free plan is available; paid plans start at $15/mo.