Submit VAT Returns to HMRC Directly from Excel or Spreadsheets
#GoFile bridges your existing records to HMRC — no new accounting software needed. Works with Excel, Google Sheets, Xero, QuickBooks and Sage exports.
Updated March 2026
What is VAT bridging software?
VAT bridging software connects spreadsheets or existing accounting software to HMRC so businesses can submit VAT returns under Making Tax Digital rules.
Instead of switching accounting systems, businesses keep their existing records and use bridging software like #GoFile to transmit VAT return data directly to HM Revenue & Customs.
In plain English: you do your books however you like, then #GoFile handles the digital submission to HMRC. That’s it. We also provide free VAT spreadsheet templates and video tutorials to help you get started.
Why VAT bridging software is needed
Since April 2019, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) requires all VAT-registered businesses to keep digital records and submit VAT returns using Making Tax Digital–compatible software.
You can no longer submit VAT returns manually through the HMRC website. There must be a digital link between your records and HMRC.
However, HMRC does not require full accounting software. Spreadsheets satisfy the digital record-keeping requirement – you just need a way to transmit your return. That’s exactly what a VAT bridging tool does.
Who uses VAT bridging software?
Spreadsheet businesses
You keep accounts in Excel, Google Sheets, or Apple Numbers and need a way to submit VAT returns to HMRC digitally.
Legacy software users
Your accounting package (older Sage, TASBooks, etc.) isn’t MTD-compatible but you don’t want to replace it.
Accountants & agents
You file VAT returns for multiple clients using different systems and need a fast, affordable submission tool.
Simple MTD compliance
You don’t need invoicing, payroll, or bookkeeping – just a quick, low-cost way to comply with Making Tax Digital.
How VAT Bridging Software Submits Your VAT Return
Get Ready to File in 3 … 2… 1
Prepare your VAT figures
Calculate your VAT return in Excel, Google Sheets, or your existing accounting software — exactly as you normally do.
Connect #GoFile to HMRC
#GoFile connects you securely to HMRC’s Making Tax Digital system through the official MTD service.
Submit your VAT return to HMRC
Click submit and your VAT return is sent directly to HMRC through Making Tax Digital. You’ll receive instant confirmation.
See how it works
#GoFile VAT Bridging Software
Works with spreadsheets
Excel, Google Sheets, Apple Numbers – prepare your figures however you prefer.
Official HMRC API
Submit VAT returns directly to HMRC through the Making Tax Digital API. Fully compliant.
Works with legacy software
Sage 50, Sage 200, QuickBooks, TASBooks, Money – no need to upgrade or switch.
HMRC recognised
#GoFile is listed on HMRC’s official directory of Making Tax Digital–compatible software.
Setup in minutes
Register, connect to HMRC, and submit your first return – all within minutes, not days.
Cloud-based
Nothing to install. Works on any device with a web browser – Mac, PC, tablet, phone.
VAT bridging software vs accounting software
Accounting platforms like Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks combine bookkeeping, invoicing, and reporting. VAT bridging software is designed for businesses that already keep their records elsewhere and simply need a secure way to submit VAT returns to HMRC.
| Feature | #GoFile (bridging) | Accounting software |
|---|---|---|
| Submit VAT returns to HMRC | ✓ | ✓ |
| Full bookkeeping & invoicing | ✗ | ✓ |
| Setup complexity | Simple | Complex |
| Cost | From £49.99/year | £20–40+/month |
| Works with spreadsheets | ✓ | Limited |
| Works with legacy software | ✓ | ✗ |
| Time to first submission | Minutes | Hours / days |
| Learning curve | None | Significant |
If you don’t need invoicing, payroll, or financial reporting from your VAT filing tool, a bridging solution is the faster, simpler, and cheaper option.
#GoFile vs Sage for VAT filing
Sage is one of the UK’s most widely used accounting platforms. But many Sage users – particularly those on older versions like Sage 50 or Sage Instant – find that their software isn’t compatible with Making Tax Digital.
Rather than upgrading to a newer (and more expensive) version of Sage, thousands of businesses use #GoFile as a VAT bridging tool alongside their existing Sage installation. You continue doing your bookkeeping in Sage, then submit your VAT return through #GoFile.
| Feature | #GoFile | Sage |
|---|---|---|
| Submit VAT returns to HMRC | ✓ | ✓ |
| Full bookkeeping system | ✗ | ✓ |
| Setup complexity | Very simple | Complex |
| Price | £49.99/year | Much higher |
| Works with spreadsheets | ✓ | Limited |
| Works alongside legacy software | ✓ | ✗ |
Best VAT bridging software in the UK
Businesses submitting VAT returns from spreadsheets often use specialised VAT bridging software. These tools connect accounting records to HM Revenue & Customs under Making Tax Digital rules.
| Software | Best for | Type | Spreadsheet import |
|---|---|---|---|
| #GoFile Recommended | Simple HMRC VAT filing for businesses & accountants | Cloud | ✓ |
| Easy MTD VAT | Budget-friendly individual VAT submissions | Desktop (Windows) | ✓ |
| 123 Sheets | Accountants who work primarily in Excel | Excel add-in | ✓ |
VAT bridging software for accountants
Thousands of UK accountants and bookkeepers use #GoFile to submit VAT returns on behalf of their clients. Because #GoFile focuses purely on filing – not bookkeeping – it works alongside whatever software your clients already use.
Why accountants choose #GoFile
- Unlimited clients – manage every company from a single login
- Bulk pricing – from just £4.99 +VAT per client per month (volume discounts available)
- Works with any software – Sage, QuickBooks, Xero, spreadsheets, or anything else your clients use
- No migration – clients keep their existing records; you just submit through #GoFile
- Fast submissions – file a VAT return in under a minute per client
#GoFile also supports Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, so accountants can handle both VAT and Income Tax submissions from one platform.
Start Filing for ClientsDo I need accounting software to file VAT?
No. Many businesses keep their accounts in spreadsheets or legacy software and use VAT bridging software like #GoFile to submit their returns to HMRC.
Making Tax Digital requires a digital link between your records and HMRC – but it does not require full accounting software. A bridging tool satisfies the MTD requirement by transmitting your 9-box VAT return figures digitally.
If you already track your figures in Excel, Google Sheets, or older bookkeeping software, you can continue doing exactly that. Simply enter or import your VAT figures into #GoFile and submit.
#GoFile also supports Making Tax Digital for Income Tax – so if you need to file Self Assessment returns digitally too, you can do everything from one place. Learn about Income Tax MTD ›
VAT bridging software pricing
VAT bridging software is significantly cheaper than full accounting platforms because it focuses on one thing: submitting your VAT return to HMRC.
| Software type | Typical annual cost |
|---|---|
| #GoFile – individuals & companies | £49.99 +VAT /year |
| #GoFile – agents & accountants | From £4.99 +VAT /client /month |
| Full accounting software (Sage, Xero, etc.) | £240–£480+ /year |
Free plan available — file your first VAT return in minutes. View full pricing ›
Trusted by thousands of UK businesses and accountants
Over 50,000 UK businesses and accountants use #GoFile for Making Tax Digital VAT submissions. We’ve processed more than 375,000 VAT returns and over £12 billion in VAT.
“Incredibly quick, efficient and cheap way for MTD VAT submissions!”
— Chris Wright, Sole Trader, Manchester“Really easy to use; had my VAT return filed in no time at all.”
— MissD, Small Business Owner, London“Fantastic support and such an easy way to submit VAT Returns.”
— Simon Cordingley, Accountant, Birmingham99% of our reviews are 4 or 5 stars.
Read our reviews on TrustpilotVAT Bridging Software – Frequently Asked Questions
What is VAT bridging software?
VAT bridging software connects spreadsheets or existing accounting software to HMRC so businesses can submit VAT returns under Making Tax Digital rules. Instead of switching accounting systems, you use a bridging tool to transmit your VAT return data directly to HMRC through the official MTD API.
Do I need VAT bridging software for Making Tax Digital?
If you keep records in spreadsheets or use accounting software that isn’t MTD-compatible, you need either VAT bridging software or new MTD-compatible accounting software to submit returns digitally. Bridging software is the simpler and cheaper option for most businesses.
Can I submit VAT returns from Excel?
Yes. Prepare your VAT figures in Excel (or Google Sheets, Apple Numbers, or any spreadsheet), then enter them into #GoFile and submit directly to HMRC. #GoFile acts as the digital bridge between your spreadsheet and HMRC’s Making Tax Digital system.
Is VAT bridging software HMRC approved?
Yes. #GoFile is officially recognised by HMRC as compatible Making Tax Digital software. It connects to HMRC through the official MTD API to submit VAT returns securely and compliantly.
What is the cheapest VAT bridging software in the UK?
#GoFile is one of the most affordable VAT bridging tools in the UK, at £49.99 +VAT per year for individuals and companies. Agents and accountants benefit from bulk pricing starting at £4.99 +VAT per client per month. See full pricing.
Does #GoFile work with Sage, QuickBooks, and Xero?
Yes. #GoFile works alongside all versions of Sage (Sage 50, Sage 200, Sage Instant), QuickBooks, Xero, TASBooks, Money, and many other packages. You continue using your existing software for bookkeeping and submit your VAT return through #GoFile.
Do I need accounting software to file VAT?
No. HMRC requires a digital link between your records and their system, but they do not mandate full accounting software. A VAT bridging tool like #GoFile is a fully compliant and HMRC-recognised way to submit your VAT returns. Many businesses file successfully using just spreadsheets and #GoFile.
Is VAT bridging software the same as MTD software?
VAT bridging software is a type of MTD software. It specifically focuses on creating the digital link between your existing records and HMRC, rather than providing full bookkeeping and accounting features. It’s the simplest category of MTD-compatible software.
Is there free VAT bridging software?
#GoFile offers a free trial with full feature access, including HMRC integration. You can test everything – including submitting returns – before paying. When ready, plans start at £49.99 +VAT per year.
Can I use VAT bridging software with Google Sheets?
Yes. #GoFile works with any spreadsheet tool, including Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, and Apple Numbers. Prepare your VAT figures in your preferred spreadsheet, then enter and submit through #GoFile.
What VAT bridging software do accountants use?
Thousands of UK accountants use #GoFile to submit VAT returns for their clients. It supports unlimited companies from a single login, works with whatever software clients use, and offers bulk pricing from £4.99 per client per month. Learn about accountant features.
Learn more about submitting VAT returns online
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›Pricing
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