Income Tax MTD software that bridges straight from Excel.
The Income Tax software that bridges from your Excel spreadsheet to HMRC — submit quarterly updates in minutes.
What is Income Tax MTD Bridging Software?
Income Tax MTD software doesn’t have to mean new accounting software. Bridging software connects your existing Excel or Google Sheets records to HMRC, so you can meet Making Tax Digital requirements without switching.
From April 2026, self-employed individuals and landlords earning over £50,000 must file quarterly Income Tax updates digitally. Bridging software handles the digital submission — you keep working the way you already do.
Think of it as a translator between your records and HMRC’s systems. Nothing changes about how you keep your books.
Who Needs Income Tax Bridging Software?
Spreadsheet Users
Track income and expenses in Excel, Google Sheets, or Apple Numbers? Bridging software submits your figures to HMRC without changing your workflow.
Legacy Software Users
Using older accounting packages or desktop bookkeeping software? Keep them — #GoFile bridges the gap to HMRC for MTD Income Tax.
Accountants & Agents
Filing for multiple clients? #GoFile’s agent mode with volume discounts lets you manage dozens of clients without expensive software.
How Income Tax Bridging Works
File your quarterly update in three simple steps
Prepare Your Figures
Calculate your income and expenses in your existing software or spreadsheet — exactly the way you always have.
Import into #GoFile
Import your totals via CSV, or type them in directly. #GoFile accepts figures from any source — Excel, Google Sheets, or manual entry.
Submit to HMRC
Review your figures and submit your quarterly update to HMRC through the official MTD API. Confirmation received in seconds.
Submit your first Income Tax Quarterly Return in under a minute.
Get Started For FreeFree trial — no card required
What You Can File with #GoFile Bridging
Quarterly Updates
Submit income and expense summaries to HMRC every quarter. Your first deadline under MTD is 7 August 2026.
Final Declaration
File your year-end Income Tax return (replacing the old Self Assessment) directly through #GoFile.
Self-Employment
Report trading income and allowable expenses. Works with any bookkeeping method you already use.
Property Income
Report rental income from one or multiple properties. Works for buy-to-let landlords and property portfolios.
Dividends & Interest
File dividend and savings interest income — completely free. No subscription required for these income types.
Pensions & Other Income
Report pension income, foreign income, capital gains, and other taxable sources — all through a single submission.
Bridging Software vs Full Accounting Software
You don’t need to buy expensive accounting software to comply with MTD for Income Tax. Here’s the difference:
| Bridging Software (#GoFile) | Full Accounting Software | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Submits your figures to HMRC | Full bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll + submission |
| Typical cost | £49.99/year +VAT | £20–£40+/month |
| Keep existing software? | ✓ Yes | ✗ Must switch |
| Works with spreadsheets? | ✓ Excel, Sheets, CSV | ✗ Typically not |
| Learning curve | Minutes | Hours to days |
| Setup time | 5 minutes | Data migration required |
| HMRC recognised? | ✓ | ✓ |
The simple rule: If you already have a way of tracking income and expenses, you don’t need new accounting software. Bridging is the cheaper, simpler way to comply with MTD.
Works With Your Existing Software
#GoFile bridges from any system. Calculate your figures in whatever software you already use, then import into #GoFile for submission.
Excel & Spreadsheets
Export your figures from Excel, Google Sheets, Apple Numbers, or any CSV-compatible spreadsheet.
Sage & QuickBooks
Using Sage 50, Sage 200, QuickBooks Desktop, or any other legacy package? Keep it. #GoFile handles the HMRC submission.
FreshBooks, Xero & More
Export your income and expense totals from FreshBooks, Xero, FreeAgent, Wave, or any cloud accounting tool.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | £0 | Dividends, interest, pensions, and capital gains |
| Individual | £49.99/year +VAT | Self-employment and property income (free for 30 days) |
| Agent/Accountant | From £4.99/client/month | Volume discounts as you grow. Unlimited clients |
No hidden fees. No contracts. Cancel anytime.
Trusted by thousands of UK businesses and accountants
Over 50,000 UK businesses and accountants use #GoFile for Making Tax Digital submissions. We’ve processed more than 375,000 returns and counting.
“I was dreading MTD but #GoFile made it painless. I still use my own spreadsheets for everything — #GoFile just handles the HMRC bit.”
— Rachel S, Shop Owner, Bristol“I’ve used Sage for over 10 years and didn’t want to switch. With #GoFile’s bridging I export my figures, submit in minutes, and carry on as normal. Saved me hundreds compared to upgrading Sage.”
— David Thompson, Electrical Contractor, Birmingham“I manage 40+ clients, most on spreadsheets or older QuickBooks. #GoFile lets me file for all of them at a fraction of the cost of putting everyone on Xero. Bridging was the obvious choice.”
— Mark Taylor, Chartered Accountant, Leeds“I keep all my rental income records in Excel — always have. #GoFile bridges straight to HMRC without me learning a whole new system. Quarterly updates take five minutes.”
— Susan Clarke, Landlord, Edinburgh“Was quoted £35/month for Xero just to comply with MTD. #GoFile does the same HMRC submission with a simple annual plan. No brainer.”
— Andrew Price, Self-Employed Plumber, Cardiff“As a bookkeeper I was worried MTD would force my clients onto expensive software. #GoFile bridging means they keep their existing systems and I file for them. Everyone’s happy.”
— Karen Mitchell, Bookkeeper, Manchester99% of our reviews are 4 or 5 stars.
Read our reviews on TrustpilotLearn More
MTD Income Tax: The Definitive Guide
Everything you need to know about Making Tax Digital for Income Tax — thresholds, deadlines, and how to file.
›Best MTD Income Tax Software (2026)
Compare the top MTD Income Tax tools — features, pricing, and which one suits your business.
›Choosing MTD-Compatible Software
What to look for in MTD software, how to check HMRC recognition, and why bridging might be right for you.
›Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Income Tax MTD bridging
What is Income Tax MTD bridging software?
Bridging software connects your existing Excel or spreadsheet records to HMRC, so you can file quarterly Income Tax updates under Making Tax Digital.
It acts as a digital bridge between your records and HMRC’s systems. You don’t need to switch accounting software or change how you keep your books.
Do I need bridging software for Making Tax Digital Income Tax?
If you keep records in spreadsheets or use accounting software that isn’t MTD-compatible, you need either bridging software or new accounting software to submit quarterly updates to HMRC.
Bridging software is the simpler and cheaper option — it lets you keep your existing records and just handles the HMRC submission. See our complete MTD guide for more details.
Can I use #GoFile Income Tax MTD software with my Excel spreadsheet?
Yes. You can prepare your income and expense figures in Excel, Google Sheets, Apple Numbers, or any spreadsheet, then import the totals into #GoFile for submission to HMRC.
#GoFile accepts CSV imports as well as manual entry — whichever is easier for you.
How much does Income Tax MTD software cost?
#GoFile charges just £49.99 +VAT per year for self-employment and property income submissions. Dividends, interest, pensions, and capital gains are completely free.
Accountants and agents can file from £4.99 per client per month with volume discounts. See full pricing details.
Does #GoFile work with Sage and QuickBooks for Income Tax?
Yes. If your version of Sage, QuickBooks, or other accounting software doesn’t support MTD for Income Tax directly, #GoFile creates the required digital link.
You calculate your figures in your existing software, then import them into #GoFile for submission to HMRC. Nothing changes about how you keep your records.
When do I need to start using MTD bridging software for Income Tax?
MTD for Income Tax is mandatory from April 2026 for self-employed individuals and landlords earning over £50,000. The first quarterly update must be filed by 7 August 2026.
From April 2027, the threshold drops to £30,000. For the full timeline, see our MTD key dates calendar.
Is #GoFile HMRC-recognised for MTD Income Tax?
Yes. #GoFile is HMRC-recognised MTD-compatible software. It connects to HMRC through the official Making Tax Digital API and is fully compliant for quarterly updates and Final Declarations.
What is the difference between bridging software and full accounting software?
Full accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks Online, FreeAgent) provides bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll, and MTD filing — typically costing £20–£40+ per month.
Bridging software only handles the HMRC submission, letting you keep your existing records. It’s simpler and much cheaper, from just £49.99 +VAT per year with #GoFile.
Do I need accounting software for MTD Income Tax?
No. HMRC requires a digital link between your records and their system, but they do not mandate full accounting software. A bridging tool like #GoFile is a fully compliant and HMRC-recognised way to submit quarterly Income Tax updates.
Many self-employed individuals and landlords file successfully using just spreadsheets and #GoFile.
Can I use Google Sheets for MTD Income Tax?
Yes. You can keep your Income Tax records in Google Sheets, Excel, or Apple Numbers. #GoFile works with any spreadsheet tool — prepare your income and expense figures in your preferred spreadsheet, then import the totals into #GoFile for submission to HMRC.
What Income Tax MTD bridging software do accountants use?
Thousands of UK accountants use #GoFile to submit MTD Income Tax updates for their clients. It supports unlimited clients from a single login, works with whatever software clients use, and offers bulk pricing from £4.99 per client per month with volume discounts.
Is there free MTD Income Tax bridging software?
#GoFile offers a free 30-day trial with full feature access, including HMRC integration. You can test everything before paying. Dividends, interest, pensions, and capital gains can be filed free permanently.
Self-employment and property income submissions are £49.99 +VAT per year after the trial. See full pricing.
What are the MTD Income Tax quarterly update deadlines?
For the 2026/27 tax year, quarterly updates must be filed by:
- 7 August 2026 — Q1 (April–June)
- 7 November 2026 — Q2 (July–September)
- 7 February 2027 — Q3 (October–December)
- 7 May 2027 — Q4 (January–March)
The Final Declaration is due by 31 January 2028. For the full timeline, see our MTD key dates calendar.
Can landlords use bridging software for MTD Income Tax?
Yes. Landlords earning over £50,000 from property income must comply with MTD for Income Tax from April 2026. #GoFile supports property income submissions — report rental income from one or multiple properties using your existing records and submit quarterly updates through #GoFile.
Start filing your MTD Income Tax updates today.
Get Started FreeFree plan available — no card required