VAT MTD vs Vatstack

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.

Vatstack is a VAT API for businesses selling telecommunications, broadcasting and electronic services to customers around the world. It provides rates for domestic and cross-border sales, updating them when government changes take effect. The API can calculate VAT-inclusive or VAT-exclusive prices, determine customer location from an IP address or billing address, verify VAT numbers for exemption, and adjust rates for some digital products such as ebooks. Real-time VAT and GST checks cover the 27 EU member states, Australia, Norway, Singapore, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. EU and UK checks include a consultation number, and validation records are stored in the cloud and replicated between EU data centers on AWS. Users can import a CSV for bulk checks. Vatstack compiles VAT OSS and EC Sales List reports using European Central Bank exchange rates, and integrates with Stripe to sync invoices, location evidence and tax IDs and to adjust reports after refunds. A free plan is available; paid plans start at $15/mo.