Do I need MTD software?
By the VoxaMTD team. Last verified 31 October 2026
Yes. If you are required to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, your software, or an agent acting for you, must keep digital records, send quarterly updates and submit your tax return. HMRC does not provide this software.
A spreadsheet can hold your records, but you then need bridging software to send them to HMRC, with a digital link between the two. Copying and pasting records after they have been sent in a quarterly update is not allowed.
If your qualifying income is below the threshold you do not need software yet. You can still sign up early to prepare.
HMRC publishes a software finder on GOV.UK. You answer questions about your income sources, any other income on your return and your accounting period, then see a personalised list. The list may not show everything, so check with your provider if a product or income source is missing.
Read next
- What is MTD compatible software? →
- Do You Need to Pay for MTD Software? →
- Free MTD software for landlords →
Sources
- GOV.UK: Choose the right software for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
- GOV.UK: Find software that works with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax