Last checked October 2026 · by the PaySorted team
At a glance
| PaySorted | Spreadsheet | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | From £14.99 a month | Free or cheap |
| Flexibility | Built for invoices, quotes and jobs | Anything you can build |
| Send from your phone on the job | In under a minute | Awkward on a phone |
| Customer can pay by card | Pay now button | No |
| Reminders when they don't pay | Automatic, stop when paid | You do it |
| Mistakes in totals, VAT or CIS | Worked out for you | One wrong formula |
| Invoice numbering | Automatic | Easy to duplicate |
| Making Tax Digital | Syncs to Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent & Sage | Needs bridging software |
Where a spreadsheet wins
It's free, you can lay it out however you like, and if you're comfortable with formulas it can track almost anything. For a few regular customers who always pay on time, it's hard to beat.
Where PaySorted wins
- Chasing: a spreadsheet can show you who owes you, but it won't remind them. PaySorted does, politely, and stops the moment they pay.
- On the job: send the invoice from the van before you leave, instead of at the kitchen table that night.
- Getting paid: card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or bank, straight from the invoice.
- No formula errors: VAT, CIS and the domestic reverse charge are worked out for you.
- MTD: spreadsheets are allowed for Making Tax Digital only with bridging software. PaySorted records sync to Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent or Sage automatically.
Switching is easy
You can import your customers and unpaid invoices from a spreadsheet (CSV), and PaySorted starts chasing the overdue ones straight away.
The fair verdict
If your spreadsheet works and you never chase anyone, keep it. If you spend evenings typing invoices or chasing payments, try PaySorted free for 30 days and import your list.
Common questions
Can I use a spreadsheet for Making Tax Digital?
Yes, but only with bridging software that sends your figures to HMRC. Digital links are needed between the spreadsheet and the software.
Can I import my spreadsheet into PaySorted?
Yes. Save it as a CSV and import your customers and unpaid invoices. Overdue ones can start being chased straight away.