123 Sheets vs AffordableMTD
Both are bridging (keep your spreadsheet) tools for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
AffordableMTD 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 | AffordableMTD | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (keep your spreadsheet) | bridging (keep your spreadsheet) |
| HMRC status | Recognised | Recognised |
| Price verified | 2026-06-24 | 2026-06-24 |
123 Sheets
Bridging software. If you already live in a spreadsheet, you keep it and 123 Sheets just submits the quarterly updates — by far the cheapest way to comply.
- Spreadsheet diehards
- People who want the lowest possible price
AffordableMTD
Bare-bones, very cheap MTD filer. Free for the first year, then under £20 — hard to beat on price if you don't need bookkeeping features.
- Lowest possible cost
- People 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 the cheapest plan that covers a typical sole trader or landlord, VAT included, last verified 24 June 2026 (catalogue reconciled 24 June 2026). Links are affiliate links and never affect ranking. Not affiliated with HMRC; not tax advice.