How to choose MTD software

Making Tax Digital means you’ll rely on software to keep records and file. Here’s a practical checklist for choosing well.

Updated July 2026 · A general guide, not personal tax advice.

1. Does it actually file to HMRC?

Some tools only calculate figures; you still type them in elsewhere. Look for software that connects to HMRC and submits your quarterly updates, VAT returns and Final Declaration directly — and check whether it’s on (or working towards) HMRC’s recognised software list.

2. Does it cover your income types?

Make sure it supports what you actually have — self-employment, property, VAT, CIS — and be clear about what it doesn’t. If you also have employment, dividends or capital gains, check how those are handled.

3. Digital links, not re-typing

MTD requires a digital link from your records to the numbers you submit. Good software computes the figures from your data automatically, so nothing is re-keyed by hand.

4. Easy enough to keep up with

Quarterly updates only work if the day-to-day is painless — snapping receipts, categorising income, logging mileage. If it’s a chore, records fall behind and deadlines hurt.

5. Your data, and fair pricing

You should be able to export everything and delete your account at any time, with clear, honest pricing and no lock-in. Security matters too — you’re trusting it with financial data.

How FTrak measures up

FTrak files directly to HMRC under MTD (recognition in progress), covers self-employment, property, VAT and CIS, computes everything from your records, and lets you export or delete your data whenever you like. See features and security.