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Accountant vs Software Calculator

A fair, rough comparison of paying an accountant versus doing Making Tax Digital yourself with software — and an honest note on when an accountant is the better call.

Leave blank to use a typical UK range.

Doing it yourself could save £250–£600 a year

Indicative only — for a simple, unrepresented landlord. Complex affairs may still need an accountant.

Accountant (per year)£250–£600
Quarterwise (free tier, 1 property)Free
Indicative annual saving£250–£600

To be fair: an accountant earns their fee when your situation is complicated — incorporation, mixed income, capital gains, non-residence or anything you’re unsure about. For a straightforward landlord keeping tidy records, software does the job for a fraction of the cost. Many people do both — software all year, an accountant for a year-end review.

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Based on 2026/27 UK tax rules · GOV.UK source · This is an estimate, not personal tax advice — always check your own circumstances with HMRC or a qualified accountant.

Which is right for you?

If your tax life is simple — a property or two, employment income, nothing unusual — Making Tax Digital is designed to be something you can do yourself, and software keeps it to minutes a quarter. If it’s complex, a good accountant earns their fee many times over and we’d genuinely point you to one.

Quarterwise is free for your first property and keeps your records and filings in one place. If you do use an accountant, you can export everything for them at any time — see how MTD works alongside an accountant.

Common questions

Do I need an accountant for Making Tax Digital?
Not necessarily. A straightforward landlord with one or a few properties can meet their MTD obligations with software alone. An accountant is worth the fee when your affairs are more complex — incorporation, mixed income sources, capital gains, non-residence, or anything you’re unsure about.
How much does an accountant cost for a landlord?
It varies a lot, but a simple landlord’s annual fee is often in the low hundreds of pounds. Complex portfolios cost more. This tool uses an indicative range you can override with your own figure.
Can I use both?
Many landlords do — software to keep records and file through the year, and an accountant for a year-end review or advice. That often costs less than full year-round representation.

Be ready for Making Tax Digital, the easy way.

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