Zeelity or an accountant? The full comparison
Published 1 October 2026 · Ler em português
There are three ways to handle TVDE paperwork: do it all yourself, pay an accountant, or use Zeelity. This page puts the three side by side, including what Zeelity does not do.
| Yourself | Accountant | Zeelity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per month | €0 | €35 to €150 | €16.90 |
| Registering activity at Finanças | You do it | Usually yes | We do it for you |
| Receipts to the fleet | You issue each one | Varies by provider | Issued in your name, on time |
| Quarterly Social Security declaration | You file it | Usually yes | Prepared and filed |
| Payment references to the State | You handle it | Varies | Issued; you pay the State directly |
| Annual IRS return (Modelo 3) | You file it | Usually yes | Prepared and filed, you review first |
| Warnings before deadlines | No | Varies | Yes, before every deadline |
| Article 53 thresholds watched | You count | Varies | Yes, through the year |
| Certified accountant responsible | No | Yes | Yes |
| Documents in one place | You organise | Varies | All in the app |
| 15-minute consultation | No | Varies | Every month, included |
| Normal VAT regime if you cross it | You handle it | Usually yes | Yes, on a higher plan |
| Backlog of receipts from past years | You handle it | Varies | Case by case |
"Varies" means exactly that: accountants work differently and charge differently. Ask yours what is included before comparing on price alone.
What costs extra
Better said before you sign than after. The fast lane for the Chave Móvel Digital is a separate service, costs €59 including VAT, is paid once in the app, and is available in the Lisboa and Porto areas. It is not part of the subscription.
A backlog of receipts from previous years is looked at case by case. If you cross into the normal VAT regime, you move to a higher plan.
The money never passes through us
Worth being plain about: Zeelity issues the official payment references and you pay the State. Your taxes and contributions never sit in an account of ours.
When an accountant is still the better choice
If you have a company, employees, organised accounts, or a tax situation that is not just driving, you need a proper accountant and we are not a substitute for one. Zeelity is for the self-employed driver whose tax life is receipts, quarterly declarations and an annual return.
How much does an accountant cost for a TVDE driver?
Accounting for drivers typically costs between 35 and 150 euros a month, depending on the provider and what is included. There is no official fee scale.
Does Zeelity file the annual IRS return?
Yes. The annual IRS return (Modelo 3) is prepared and filed, and you see it with our review before it is submitted.
Does Zeelity hold my tax money?
No. We issue the official payment references and you pay the State directly.
Receipts issued in your name and on time, quarterly declarations filed, the annual return prepared and filed, deadlines watched, and a 15-minute consultation every month. From 16.90 euros a month.
Contact usThis page compares services in general terms. What an accountant includes varies by provider, so always confirm directly with whoever you are considering.