Instead
7.4#1 in tax planning software$30 one-timeFree planWeb
VisitInstead vs TaxCalc
What both publish
| Fact | Instead | TaxCalc |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California, United States | Wokingham, England, UK |
| Integrations | Google Drive, OneDrive, and Box are listed as live integrations with two-way sync, version tracking, and automatic folder mapping. | Accounts Production imports year-end trial balances from Xero, QuickBooks or FreeAgent and can export journals and adjustments back. |
| Product | Instead describes itself as an AI agent for tax research, planning, preparation, filing, and defense. | TaxCalc is a UK accounting software platform covering compliance, client management, tax and practice operations. |
| Security certification | The maker's careers page states that Instead is SOC 2 Type II certified. | TaxCalc says it achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification in 2025. |
| Support | Terms state that standard support may use in-product help, websites, chat, email, video, phone and online communities. | The company says every licence includes unlimited UK-based support from accountancy-trained specialists by phone and email, Monday to Friday. |
Instead plans
- Instead PlatformFree
- Instead Agent$30, paid once
TaxCalc plans
- TaxCalc 2026 Individual 6£42 a year
- Engager Practice Management — up to 5 clients£9 a month
- Self Assessment tax software£42, paid once
- Accounts Production 12£164 a year
- Individual 12£187 a year
Pick Instead if…
Instead is presented for CPA firms, tax preparers, corporate tax teams, family offices, businesses, and high net worth individuals. It may suit teams that need support across the listed return types and want to review work before filing.
Pick TaxCalc if…
TaxCalc may suit UK accountancy practices, in-house finance teams, sole traders and individuals preparing returns or statutory accounts. Its product range includes support for self-employment and investment income.