MTD ScopeSources & checks

Can I keep using Excel or a spreadsheet for MTD?

Source basis: GOV.UK guidance. Check recorded 27 October 2026. Checks and limitations

General guidance. Independent tax-professional review is pending.

Short answer

Yes. A spreadsheet can be part of your MTD setup. You need compatible bridging software to connect the records to HMRC; the spreadsheet alone does not send an update.

Keep a digital link

HMRC lists linked spreadsheet cells, CSV imports and exports, and software transfers as ways to link records. Once a record has been sent in an update, do not move it by retyping or copy-and-paste.

Basis: Create digital records

Check the whole journey

Check that your combination of products covers both quarterly updates and the annual return, including your other income. Ask the provider which spreadsheet file formats it accepts. You can use different products for different submissions, but each individual submission must be made through one product; do not assume two partial tax-return products can be combined into one return.

Find bridging products with tax-return support. Check the individual feature statuses too.

Basis: Choose the right software

Why we wrote this

Public discussions helped us identify this question. Tax rules are based on GOV.UK; software claims use dated vendor pages and HMRC listings. Practical checklists and navigation tips are our suggestions, not official instructions or professional advice.

Sources

This page was last checked against these sources on 27 October 2026. It is general information, not tax advice. Report a mistake.

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