Making Tax Digital software
What you’ll need for the new way of doing Income Tax
From 6 April 2027, sole traders and landlords with turnover above £30,000 must start using Making Tax Digital software such as a bookkeeping or accounting app on your phone or laptop.
There are both free and paid software options
It’s up to you which you’d prefer. You’ll choose from a list of recognised providers. You can even use a combination of different software if that works better for you.
Does HMRC have its own Making Tax Digital software I can use?
No – instead, we’re working closely with lots of different software providers.
This will give you more choice. The software available helps you keep digital records of your self‑employment or property income.
Most products cover everything you need, including sending quarterly updates and submitting tax returns to HMRC, and some can also link to records you already keep in other software.
New to digital record keeping?
Lots of software has a big focus on being easy to use
Some apps highlight errors and send reminders
So you get things right first time and never miss important deadlines
Work on the go?
Features like phone camera receipt scanning could be useful
Choosing which Making Tax Digital software to use
Check HMRC’s guidance – it has a list of all the software options out there.
If you’re a sole trader or landlord with turnover above £30,000, you need to be ready to start using the software from 6 April 2027.
Rest assured, all software listed on GOV.UK is fit for purpose.
Are there software tutorials and resources?
All the different software providers have their own guides. Once you’ve picked software, you should check with them directly. Many have videos, step-by-step walkthroughs and tutorials to help you get started.
Prefer to stick to spreadsheets or software you already use?
That’s ok – you’ll have to use something called ‘bridging software’. This will make sure it works with the new system.
Keep in mind, spreadsheets won’t have the same timesaving, user-friendly features as many all-in-one bookkeeping apps.
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