Bridging software for Making Tax Digital: keep your spreadsheet, stay compliant

Bridging software is how spreadsheet users meet Making Tax Digital without switching to a full accounting package. Here's what it is, why it's compliant, and what to look for.

For sole traders and landlords who work in spreadsheets · 2026/27 tax year

What is bridging software?

Bridging software is a small tool that sits between your spreadsheet and HMRC. It reads the figures you've already recorded and submits them to HMRC's Making Tax Digital systems for you. It doesn't replace your spreadsheet or make you re-enter anything — it bridges your existing records to HMRC.

The term became common with MTD for VAT and applies equally to MTD for Income Tax: keep the records you understand, add a bridge to file them.

The digital link — why manual typing fails

HMRC requires that the numbers reaching them travel from your digital records by a digital link: a formula, a cell reference, an import, or software passing the data across. What's not allowed is reading a total off one screen and typing it into another — that manual step breaks the digital link and isn't compliant.

Good bridging software preserves the digital link automatically: your figures flow from the records, through a formula-linked summary, to HMRC, untouched by hand at the point of submission.

How bridging works, step by step

1. You keep income and expenses in your spreadsheet, in HMRC's categories.
2. The bridging software reads those figures by digital link — no re-keying.
3. It shows you what will be sent, then submits the quarterly update to HMRC.
4. HMRC returns a receipt, which the software stores.

Is bridging software actually compliant?

Yes — provided it's recognised by HMRC for MTD for Income Tax and preserves the digital link. HMRC publishes a list of recognised software, and bridging tools appear on it alongside full accounting packages. Bridging is an officially supported route, not a workaround.

What to look for in bridging software

• HMRC-recognised for MTD for Income Tax.
• Supports the income types you have — self-employment and/or UK property.
• Keeps a genuine digital link (no manual re-typing at submission).
• Shows you the figures before they're sent, and stores the receipt.
• Priced sensibly — bridging shouldn't cost like a full accounting subscription.

General information about bridging software for Making Tax Digital, not personal tax advice. Rules can change — check GOV.UK or your accountant. See also our guide to MTD on a spreadsheet and the quarterly deadlines.