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What is MTD bridging software?

By the VoxaMTD team. Last verified 31 October 2026

Bridging software connects to records you already keep, such as a spreadsheet, and sends the figures to HMRC. GOV.UK describes it as software that connects to your records. Some versions can send quarterly updates and submit tax returns.

The spreadsheet counts as your record-keeping software, so it must hold the amount, the date and the category of each income and expense record. You must digitally link it to the bridging software, for example through linked cells or a CSV import.

Once a record has been sent to HMRC in a quarterly update, you must not move it manually. Keep records for at least 5 years after the 31 January submission deadline for the tax year.

The alternative is software that creates your digital records itself, which usually meets all requirements in one product. Which suits you depends on how many properties you have and how comfortable you are maintaining a spreadsheet.

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General information, not tax or legal advice. Rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.