Do I have to pay for MTD software?
Last verified 23 October 2026
No, not always. You must use software that works with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, but HMRC says free products are available for people with simple tax affairs. Whether you pay depends on your income sources and how many records you keep.
HMRC does not provide software for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, so you choose a product from a private provider. HMRC's guidance tells you to check whether a product offers pricing that suits your budget. Products without a charge may have limits, such as a cap on transactions, and some only cover certain income sources.
If you are self-employed, gov.uk says software you pay for regularly to renew a licence can be claimed as an allowable expense. Landlords can deduct costs that are wholly and exclusively for renting out property. Check your own position, or ask HMRC if you are not sure.
VoxaMTD's free plan sends MTD quarterly updates for up to two tenancies. Its year-end final declaration is not available yet; it is coming before the first one is due (January 2028). Paid landlord plans are £8.99, £12.99 and £27.99 a month.
Read next
Sources
- GOV.UK: Choose the right software for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
- GOV.UK: Making Tax Digital for Income Tax for sole traders and landlords: step by step
- GOV.UK: Expenses if you're self-employed: Office, property and equipment
- GOV.UK: Work out your rental income when you let property