123tax.co.uk

What it is

123Tax is a UK tax SaaS aimed at tradespeople, CIS subcontractors, and self-employed workers. Its core positioning is “tax via WhatsApp.” Users take photos and send receipts, invoices, or expense documents; 123Tax then categorizes and summarizes them, and submits Making Tax Digital (MTD) updates to HMRC before quarterly deadlines.

Key features and integrations

The product’s biggest differentiator is its interaction model: there is no traditional app, portal, or spreadsheet workflow. Receipt collection, confirmations, and summary queries are handled mainly through WhatsApp. The system matches documents to HMRC expense categories, and users can send SUMMARY to view income, expenses, and net profit. It also supports Self Assessment filing, CIS deduction tracking, and CIS tax refund claims. Business+ further covers VAT returns, year-end accounts, and corporation tax filing. For third-party integrations, the site explicitly mentions HMRC OAuth 2.0 authorization and direct connection to HMRC systems for data submission.

Pricing and trial

Pricing is clear: Starter is £19/month, CIS Pro is £29/month, and Business+ is £49/month. Prices exclude VAT, are billed monthly, can be cancelled at any time, and come with no setup fees or hidden charges. The website highlights a free trial with no credit card required, but does not disclose the trial length.

Pros and cons

The main advantage is the very low learning curve, making it suitable for tradespeople who do not want to use accounting software. Monthly pricing is more predictable than traditional accountant fees, and the product shows a strong understanding of CIS and MTD use cases. The limitations are also clear: the terms state that 123Tax is software, not a regulated accounting firm, and it does not provide personalized tax advice. Complex tax situations will still require a professional. On security, the site only discloses secure transmission, MTD compliance, and HMRC OAuth, with limited detail on data residency, encryption, certifications, and related safeguards.

Who it’s for and access from China

123Tax is best suited to self-employed UK tradespeople and CIS subcontractors in construction, plumbing, electrical work, roofing, renovations, and similar fields, especially those who need to prepare for the 2026/2027 MTD thresholds. It offers limited value for Chinese businesses or non-UK tax scenarios. Access from China is not stated in the source material, so it is considered unknown.