MTD software: spreadsheets, bridging and free options

Short answer: Yes, you can keep using a spreadsheet for MTD for Income Tax if you connect it to HMRC-compatible bridging software. HMRC does not provide its own software; pick a product from the GOV.UK compatible-software list.

Last updated: 15 October 2026 · Last checked against GOV.UK: 15 October 2026 · Markdown version

General information, not tax or financial advice. Check GOV.UK or speak to a qualified adviser about your own situation.

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HMRC does not provide its own software for MTD for Income Tax. You choose a product from the GOV.UK list. There are two main types:

Bookkeeping software holds your records and sends your updates to HMRC.
Bridging software connects to records you keep in spreadsheets and sends the updates. GOV.UK says this explicitly: if you use spreadsheets to record income and expenses, bridging software can connect to them and make your submissions.

How do you choose MTD software?

Does it support your income types: self-employment, UK property, or both?
Can it send quarterly updates and the end-of-year return?
Price: GOV.UK notes free products exist for simple tax affairs, but they may cap transactions.
Does it work with how you keep records today?

If you prefer spreadsheets, keep income and expenses in consistent SA103 categories so the bridging tool can map them cleanly.

GOV.UK sources (checked 15 October 2026):

Related

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to buy accounting software for MTD?

No. You need software that is compatible with MTD for Income Tax. That can be bookkeeping software or bridging software connected to your spreadsheets.

What is bridging software?

Software that connects to records you already keep in spreadsheets or other tools and sends your submissions to HMRC.

Is free MTD software available?

GOV.UK says free products are available for people with simple tax affairs, though they may have limits, such as a cap on transactions.

Where do I find a list of compatible software?

On the GOV.UK page 'Find software that's compatible with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax', which includes a filter tool.

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