What is FreeAgent?
FreeAgent is accounting software used by over 150,000 small businesses, helping them take the weight off organising their admin by providing insights into their finances and streamlining a range of accounting tasks.
The software picked up the Friendliest Software of the Year Award by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers in 2023 for the fourth time.
With an active Mettle account, you can get FreeAgent included, which we touch on later in this article. There are also optional chargeable add-ons available.
Key features of FreeAgent
Receipts and expenses are managed seamlessly, so you can make sure you’re on top of your bookkeeping throughout the year.
You can connect FreeAgent to your bank accounts so your transactions are automatically uploaded. You can then categorise your transactions with a few clicks.
FreeAgent automatically generates VAT returns and they can be sent straight to HMRC.
You can build professional, personalised invoices and set up payment reminders to make sure the invoices are automatically followed up, so you get paid on time.
Simple payment integrations make it easy for your clients to pay you quickly and securely online.
You’ll be reminded when important tax deadlines are coming up, so you never miss a thing.
How to get FreeAgent included with your Mettle account
With your Mettle bank account you get FreeAgent included, and then easily sync all of your transaction and expense history.
It’s easy to claim your FreeAgent account. You can sign up anytime through your Mettle app, but you need to make at least one transaction a month from your Mettle account to be able to use FreeAgent without charge. If you have an existing FreeAgent account, this can be connected too.
For an in-depth guide on how FreeAgent works with Mettle and how to link your account, check out this article.
Your accounting, simplified
The FreeAgent dashboard is easy to navigate and shows you how your business is doing at a glance. You can keep track of your accounts including which invoices are yet to be paid and when tax returns are due.
The tax calculation feature in the Mettle app will also sync with your FreeAgent account to show you how much tax you’re likely to owe. You will need to have an active FreeAgent connection for this to work.
Making Tax Digital
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a government scheme which aims to digitise the UK tax system. Small businesses need to follow the MTD rules to avoid fines or penalties from HMRC.
FreeAgent is MTD-compatible software and allows you to generate digital MTD for VAT returns and submit them directly to HMRC.
Sole traders and limited company directors can also complete and file their Self Assessment returns directly to HMRC. FreeAgent is already compatible with MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment, which is due to come into effect from 6th April 2026.
More information on MTD can be found on the government website.
