Compare

StagePay vs QuickBooks & FreeAgentfor performers in the UK.

QuickBooks and FreeAgent are full accounting packages. StagePay is built for the gig itself. They solve different problems, and plenty of performers use one of each.

Updated 16 October 2026

What you need	QuickBooks / FreeAgent	StagePay
Built for	Small businesses and freelancers generally	Performers, live creatives and their managers
Invoice language	Generic products and services	Spots, sets, sessions, usage, deposits, door splits
Bank feeds & reconciliation	Yes	No
Making Tax Digital (Income Tax & VAT)	Yes, HMRC-recognised	No — exports for your accountant or MTD software
Self Assessment return	Can prepare and file	No
Profit per gig after travel	Possible with projects or tracking categories	Built in and free
Invoice from your phone after the show	Mobile apps available	Designed around it
Manager / agent access	Accountant access	Read-only sharing on Pro+, Agency roster for managers
Price	Monthly subscription; FreeAgent can be free with some NatWest, RBS, Ulster or Mettle accounts	Free plan; paid plans add more

Choose QuickBooks or FreeAgent if…

You are VAT-registered, you are in Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, or you want bank feeds and to file your own return from the same place.

Choose StagePay if…

You want invoicing that speaks gig, a clear view of what each booking paid, and an app that works in the green room — with an accountant or other software handling the filing.

Making Tax Digital: the honest bit

Since 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 must keep digital records and send quarterly updates through HMRC-recognised software. The threshold falls to £30,000 in April 2027 and £20,000 in April 2028.

StagePay is not MTD software. If you are in MTD, you will need recognised software — such as QuickBooks or FreeAgent — or an accountant. StagePay Pro’s exports make the hand-over quick.

Using both

A common set-up: StagePay for quoting, invoicing and tracking gigs day to day, and accounting software (or an accountant) for bank reconciliation and filing. Your gigs stay organised in a tool built for them, and your books stay compliant.

If you are under the MTD threshold

If your gross self-employed income is under the threshold and you are not VAT-registered, you can file Self Assessment yourself or through an accountant. Many performers in this position find full accounting software more than they need.

A FEW GOOD QUESTIONS

Know the details.
Then decide.

Straight answers, including where StagePay isn’t the right fit.

Compare StagePay plans

Is StagePay accounting software?

No. StagePay is invoicing, expense and gig profit tracking built for performers. It does not do bank reconciliation or file tax returns.

Is FreeAgent free for sole traders?

FreeAgent is included free with some business bank accounts, including NatWest, RBS, Ulster Bank and Mettle, subject to their conditions. Otherwise it is a monthly subscription. Check FreeAgent’s site for current terms.

Do I need MTD software?

From April 2026 you need it if your qualifying income — self-employment plus property, before expenses — is over £50,000. That falls to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028.

Can I export from StagePay to my accountant?

Yes. StagePay Pro exports an invoice register, expense report, mileage log and profit and loss summary.

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