Choosing the right software is one of the most important decisions you’ll make before MTD for Income Tax begins in April 2026. Every sole trader and landlord above the qualifying income threshold must submit quarterly updates through HMRC-recognised compatible software.
We’ve compared 12 of the most popular MTD ITSA-compatible options below. Use the filters to narrow by software type or who it’s best suited for, and click any column header to sort. For a broader overview of software requirements, see our compatible software guide.
MTD ITSA Software Comparison
Compare 12 HMRC-recognised software options for Making Tax Digital
| Software ▲ | Type ▲▼ | Best For ▲▼ | Price ▲▼ | MTD VAT ▲▼ | MTD ITSA ▲▼ | Bank Feeds ▲▼ | Receipt Scan ▲▼ | Multi-Income ▲▼ |
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Independence disclosure
This comparison is independent. Jack Ross Chartered Accountants is a Xero Gold Partner — this is the only commercial relationship disclosed. All software listed is recognised by HMRC’s compatible software list. Pricing shown was accurate at the time of publication and may change.
MTD for Income Tax applies from 6 April 2026 for those with qualifying income above £50,000. See our MTD Income Tax guide for the full timeline and requirements, or check the penalties page to understand what happens if updates are submitted late.
How to choose MTD software
The right choice depends on your circumstances. Here are the key questions to consider:
- What income sources do you have? If you have both self-employment and property income, you need software that supports multiple income types. Most cloud options do; some mobile and bridging tools are limited.
- Do you already use a spreadsheet? Bridging software like 123 Sheets or VitalTax lets you keep your existing Excel or Google Sheets workflow and simply submits data to HMRC.
- Do you work with an accountant? Cloud software like Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage lets your accountant access your records in real time, which can reduce year-end fees and avoid last-minute scrambles.
- Are you a landlord only? Hammock and GoSimpleTax are built specifically for property income and tend to be simpler (and cheaper) than full accounting suites.
- What's your budget? Free options exist: VitalTax offers a free tier, FreeAgent is free for NatWest/RBS customers, and Untied has a free tier for simple cases.
All software listed above appears on HMRC's official compatible software list. You can also read our detailed MTD compatible software guide for more on what features to prioritise, or visit our Xero for MTD page for a closer look at one of the most widely used options.
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Need help with MTD?
Jack Ross Chartered Accountants can help you choose the right software and get set up before the April 2026 deadline. We've been advising businesses in Manchester since 1948.
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