What is MTD bridging software, and is it right for you?

How MTD bridging software works

A spreadsheet-to-HMRC workflow has three parts:

1. Keep digital records. Record each item of self-employment or property income and expense in the spreadsheet or record-keeping tool you already use.
2. Connect the records. Import or upload those records into compatible bridging software. HMRC lists file upload, CSV transfer, linked spreadsheet cells and APIs as valid forms of digital link.
3. Review and submit. Check the figures in the filing software, then send the quarterly update through HMRC's MTD API.

HMRC's digital-record guidanceexplains that records must stay digitally linked once they move between products. Manual re-keying, cut and paste, or copy and paste does not preserve that link.

Who bridging software suits

Bridging software is usually a good fit when:

• your digital records already live in a spreadsheet or another record-keeping tool
• you want to change the filing step without changing how you do all of your bookkeeping
• you are an accountant or bookkeeper reviewing different spreadsheet layouts for several clients
• you are comfortable keeping invoices, receipts and other supporting records outside the filing product

If Excel is your main concern, read the separateMTD bridging software for Excel guide. It focuses on the spreadsheet rules and export steps rather than the broader software decision.

When full accounting software may fit better

Full accounting software may be the better choice if you want one product to create records, connect bank feeds, issue invoices, manage payroll or inventory, produce management reports and handle the full tax-return workflow. Bridging software is narrower: it connects records you already keep to the MTD submission process.

HMRC allows one product or a combination of products, but the complete setup must cover the functions you need. Check whether your chosen combination can create or connect digital records, send quarterly updates, and complete the remaining tax-return steps for all of your income sources.

Compare the categories in the free MTD software guidebefore choosing a workflow.

Files aligned.tax currently accepts

The aligned.tax spreadsheet mapping flow accepts .xlsx workbooks. If your records are in Google Sheets, Apple Numbers, LibreOffice, CSV or legacy XLS, export them to .xlsx before upload.

You can keep your own workbook, or start with a freelandlord bookkeeping spreadsheet orsole trader bookkeeping spreadsheet.

Pricing and HMRC recognition

aligned.tax is free for individuals filing their own quarterly updates. For accountants and bookkeepers, it is free for unlimited clients until April 2027. From the 2027/28 tax year, pricing starts at £1.50 +VAT per active client per month, falls to £1 from the 26th client and £0.75 from the 51st, and the first three clients remain free.

See the pricing page and practice calculator for billing rules and current tiers.

aligned.tax is HMRC-recognised for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. Recognition means the product has passed HMRC's recognition process; it is not an HMRC endorsement. You canverify aligned.tax in HMRC's software finder.