AffordableMTD vs TaxCalc
Both are bridging tools for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
AffordableMTD is the cheaper starting point at from £19.99/yr (VAT included) versus from £134.40/yr for TaxCalc — but the cheapest plan only wins if it covers the income types you actually have.
| AffordableMTD | TaxCalc | |
|---|---|---|
| True annual cost from | from £19.99/yr | from £134.40/yr |
| Self-employment | Yes | Yes |
| Property / rent | Yes | Yes |
| Keeps your spreadsheet | Yes | Yes |
| Accountant access | No | Yes |
| Type | bridging | bridging |
| HMRC status | Recognised | Recognised |
| Price verified | 2026-06-24 | 2026-06-24 |
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
TaxCalc
A long-established self assessment tool with MTD bridging. Desktop-based, thorough, and trusted by people who already do their own returns.
- People who already file their own self assessment
- Those who prefer desktop software
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 24 June 2026 (catalogue reconciled 24 June 2026). Links are affiliate links and never affect ranking. Not affiliated with HMRC; not tax advice.