VAT MTD vs VATlayer

VAT MTD is a bridging app for submitting spreadsheet-based VAT returns to HMRC under Making Tax Digital. It imports figures from Excel and Numbers, with users mapping the spreadsheet cells for nine VAT totals that must be on one sheet. The maker says the app is recognised by HMRC as a compliant submission method and is suitable for individuals, organisations, and agents. Users can view VAT periods in an HMRC MTD account at no cost, but submitting returns requires a subscription. The maker says the app sends HMRC only the nine return totals and does not read digital records. Its App Store description says financial data is processed on-device without third-party servers and spreadsheet figures are not stored. Login is passed to Safari, so the app cannot see login details. One limitation is that the iOS app does not support Apple Numbers; the website suggests using its Excel spreadsheet instead. Single VAT Number plans include £9.49 a month, £17.99 a month, and £37.99 a year options. Agent plans include £18.99 a month, £35.99 a month, and £95.99 a year options.

VATlayer is a REST-based JSON API for checking EU VAT numbers, finding VAT rates, and calculating VAT-compliant prices. Its validation endpoint can return company information for a VAT number. The rate endpoint identifies a country from a two-letter code, a supplied IP address, or the client IP address. Price calculations can also work backward from an amount that already includes VAT. VAT information covers 28 EU member states and draws on multiple data sources, including European Commission databases. Results are provided in real time, with an average response time around 0.50 seconds. The API reports uptime around 99.9%, though public uptime statistics are not offered. The Free plan allows 100 requests per month for non-commercial use with limited functionality. Paid plans start at $9.99/mo and include commercial use. Usage notices arrive by email and dashboard at 75%, 90%, and 100% of the monthly allowance; overage fees apply after it is reached. Paid customers can access the API using 256-bit HTTPS encryption.