123 Sheets vs Affordable MTD
Both are bridging tools for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
Affordable MTD is the cheaper starting point at from £19.99/yr (VAT included) versus from £23.70/yr for 123 Sheets — but the cheapest plan only wins if it covers the income types you actually have.
| 123 Sheets | Affordable MTD | |
|---|---|---|
| True annual cost from | from £23.70/yr | from £19.99/yr |
| Self-employment | Yes | Yes |
| Property / rent | Yes | Yes |
| Keeps your spreadsheet | Yes | Yes |
| Accountant access | Yes | No |
| Type | bridging | bridging |
| HMRC status | Recognised | Recognised |
| Price verified | 2026-10-26 | 2026-11-06 |
123 Sheets
Bridging software. If you already live in a spreadsheet, you keep it and 123 Sheets just submits the quarterly updates — one of the cheapest ways to comply.
- Spreadsheet diehards
- People who want a very low price
Affordable MTD
Bridging software that does one job: quarterly updates and the final declaration for self-employment and UK property, typed in or imported from a spreadsheet. Free until April 2027, then one of the lowest prices of any paid tool here.
- People who keep their own digital records and want a very low price
- Sole traders and landlords who just need to file
Not sure either is right? Use the finder to get a recommendation ranked by what it will actually cost you.
Prices are each tool's cheapest plan, VAT included, last verified 6 November 2026 (catalogue reconciled 26 October 2026). Links are affiliate links and never affect ranking. Not affiliated with HMRC; not tax advice.