TaxYearSheetsLast checked by hand against GOV.UK: 10 October 2026. Sources are linked in each section. HMRC updates its guidance, so always check the source before you act.
How it works
GOV.UK describes two types of MTD software: software that creates digital records, and software that connects to your existing records, such as spreadsheets – "sometimes referred to as bridging software".
Whatever you use, your software (or combination of products) must let you:
- create, store and correct digital records of your self-employment and property income and expenses
- send your quarterly updates
- add other income and submit your tax return by 31 January after the tax year
Some bridging products send quarterly updates and the tax return; check before you choose. You can only use one product for each separate submission – a landlord can't use two products to send property updates.
Source: GOV.UK – Choose the right software for MTD for Income Tax.
Digital links: the copy-and-paste rule
If you use more than one product – for example a spreadsheet plus bridging software – they must be digitally linked. GOV.UK gives examples of acceptable links, including linked cells (formulas) in spreadsheets, CSV or XML import and export, and API transfers.
Once a digital record has been sent to HMRC in a quarterly update, you must not move it by hand – no retyping it into another cell or product, and no cut and paste or copy and paste.
If you find a mistake, correct it in the spreadsheet and digitally link it to your bridging software again.
Source: GOV.UK – Create digital records.
Finding bridging software
GOV.UK has a software finder tool that gives a personalised list of compatible products. All software listed has been through HMRC's recognition process; HMRC doesn't recommend any product. Free products exist for simple tax affairs, sometimes with limits such as the number of transactions.
Source: GOV.UK – Choose the right software for MTD for Income Tax (includes the link to the finder tool).
About our spreadsheets
Our record-keeping kits are spreadsheets laid out in HMRC's quarterly update categories, with cumulative update 1–4 totals. They are not HMRC-recognised software and can't send anything to HMRC – you'd use them alongside bridging software of your choice.
Not sure you need MTD yet? Use the free MTD checker.
Questions
Can Excel or Google Sheets send MTD updates to HMRC?
Not on their own. GOV.UK says bridging software can connect to records kept in spreadsheets and make your submissions to HMRC. Use HMRC's software finder to check a product has been through HMRC's recognition process.
Can I copy and paste figures from my spreadsheet into my MTD software?
Not once the record is part of your digital records. GOV.UK says that if you use more than one product you must digitally link them, and you must not copy information by retyping it or by cut and paste or copy and paste.
Does HMRC recommend any MTD software?
No. GOV.UK says all software in its finder tool has been through HMRC's recognition process, but HMRC does not recommend any product or provider.