A source-backed comparison of current no-cost routes, who qualifies, and the limits that matter before you trust a product with your quarterly filing.
The short version
Free does not always mean the same thing. It can mean an ongoing plan, a bank-account benefit, a time-limited offer, or one free part of the MTD filing cycle. The comparison below makes those conditions visible and links to both the provider and its HMRC record.
How products qualify for this comparison
We include a product only when it appears under HMRC's Free version filter and its provider describes a current no-cost route beyond an ordinary trial. Conditional and time-limited offers remain eligible, but their conditions are shown in the comparison.
Facts checked HMRC says products in its finder have passed the recognition process, but HMRC does not recommend any product or accept responsibility for whether it meets your needs. Provider pricing and limits can change, so check the linked pages before you sign up.
The order is alphabetical. We do not award a winner, and inclusion is not an endorsement. Products whose provider page described only a paid plan or ordinary trial at the review date were not included.
Current free MTD software options
These are the provider's published terms, summarised in plain English. Use the two source links on every entry to verify the current position for yourself.
Abridge
Bridging
Free route
A no-cost plan for submitting a Final Declaration from a spreadsheet.
Who qualifies
Individuals with one income source who file quarterly updates through another product.
Important limits
The free plan does not include quarterly updates.
It covers one income source. Full quarterly and year-end coverage is paid.
Free bridging and free accounting software solve different jobs
Choose the route that matches how you keep records
Bridging software
Connects records you already keep, often in a spreadsheet, to HMRC. It suits people who want to preserve an existing record-keeping process rather than move into a bookkeeping package.
Full accounting software
Creates and stores the digital records as well as filing them. It may include invoicing, bank feeds, receipt capture and reports, but the free plan can restrict those features.
HMRC allows more than one product, but you can use only one product for each separate submission. If you combine products, make sure they work together and collectively cover quarterly updates, your tax return and every relevant income source.
What to check before choosing
Income sources: self-employment, UK property and foreign property are not supported equally by every free plan.
Whole-year coverage: confirm whether both quarterly updates and the Final Declaration or tax return are included.
Qualifying conditions: look for bank-account requirements, transaction caps, client limits and offer end dates.
Your record-keeping route: decide whether you want to keep a spreadsheet or move the records into a full accounting product.
Agent access: if an accountant files for you, confirm that the free plan supports the way you work together.
Where aligned.tax fits
aligned.tax is HMRC-recognised bridging software for people who keep spreadsheet records. Excel, Google Sheets, Apple Numbers and LibreOffice Calc can all save or export records as an Excel workbook for upload. Smart Map suggests how columns correspond to HMRC fields, you review the mapping, and then submit the quarterly update through HMRC's MTD API.
Filing your own MTD Income Tax quarterly updates is free without a per-submission charge or time limit. Practice use is free until April 2027, after which published per-client pricing applies. See the pricing page for the complete terms.
Yes. Some products have an ongoing free plan, while others restrict the free route by income source, number of businesses, bank account, filing task or end date. Check both the provider terms and your required HMRC features before choosing.
Does HMRC recommend software on its list?
No. HMRC says every listed product has passed its recognition process, but it does not recommend any product or provider. Recognition is evidence of compatibility, not an endorsement or a promise that the software fits your circumstances.
What is the difference between bridging and full accounting software?
Bridging software connects records you already keep, such as a spreadsheet, to HMRC. Full accounting software is where you create and maintain the records as well as file. Some products support both approaches.
Can a free product cover only part of Making Tax Digital?
Yes. A free plan might cover quarterly updates but not the Final Declaration, or the Final Declaration but not quarterly updates. HMRC allows more than one product, but the products must work together and collectively cover your obligations.
How often is this comparison checked?
We review the HMRC record and provider terms together. Every entry below was checked on 19 July 2026. Pricing and product limits can change, so follow the source links before signing up.
Keep your spreadsheet for MTD
Export your spreadsheet as an Excel workbook, map it with aligned.tax, review the figures and submit your MTD Income Tax quarterly update to HMRC.
