Our Latest Blog
& Articles

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is the UK Government’s initiative to modernise the tax process. It requires businesses to maintain digital records—using spreadsheets or bookkeeping software—and submit VAT Returns through MTD-compatible software such as MTD Sheets. All data is submitted securely via digital links, and MTD Sheets ensures a smooth, compliant, and hassle-free process.

Yes. If you are VAT-registered, you must comply with MTD, including businesses that registered voluntarily. Exemptions apply only in limited circumstances (for example, age, disability, or where compliance is not reasonably practical).

No. HMRC does not offer free MTD software. MTD Sheets provides your first submission free, and additional filing credits can be purchased from as little as £0.49 each. MTD Sheets is officially recognised by HMRC, giving you peace of mind that your submissions are fully compliant.

Spreadsheets are simple, flexible, and cost-effective. They require no special training and no ongoing subscription fees. MTD Sheets allows you to continue using your existing spreadsheet while staying fully compliant with HMRC’s rules.

No. HMRC has confirmed that spreadsheets are acceptable for MTD as long as they are digitally linked to compatible software like MTD Sheets. They remain a reliable long-term solution for record-keeping and VAT submission.

No strict format is required. MTD Sheets can read your spreadsheet and automatically pick up the relevant cell references. We recommend adding a small summary section for the nine VAT boxes for clarity. Alternatively, you can use one of our free MTD-compliant templates.

No. HMRC only requires the nine VAT box totals for your submission. However, you must retain digital copies of your invoices and receipts for at least six years in case HMRC requests them.

Bridging software connects your spreadsheet or bookkeeping records directly to HMRC. It converts your VAT data into the correct digital format and submits it securely through HMRC’s MTD system. MTD Sheets acts as this bridge—simple, accurate, and fully compliant.

Only your business details and the nine VAT box amounts. Your spreadsheet itself is not uploaded or stored by MTD Sheets, ensuring your data stays private.

MTD Sheets supports Excel, Google Sheets, Apple Numbers, OpenOffice, LibreOffice and more. Simply upload your spreadsheet and we will handle the rest.

Yes. MTD Sheets is fully mobile-compatible, allowing you to submit securely from your smartphone or tablet.

MTD Sheets supports all VAT schemes, including: Flat Rate Scheme (FRS), Cash Accounting, Annual Accounting, Group VAT, Partial Exemption, Capital Goods Scheme, Margin Schemes, Retail Schemes. Just ensure your spreadsheet figures follow the rules for your chosen scheme.

Not at all. MTD Sheets retrieves your VAT history—previous submissions, payments, and liabilities—directly from HMRC, regardless of your previous software. We do recommend downloading past records from your old provider for your own backup.

We offer a 14-day refund policy for any unused submission credits. If our software cannot submit your VAT Return for any reason, the credit used will also be refunded. Please refer to our full Refund Policy for details.