What is MTD bridging software?

MTD bridging software connects your existing record-keeping tools (like spreadsheets) to HMRC's Making Tax Digital API, enabling digital submissions without changing your workflow. suiteSheets is MTD bridging software specifically for Google Sheets users, allowing full MTD compliance while continuing to use spreadsheets.

Can I use spreadsheets for Making Tax Digital?

Yes, but you need MTD bridging software like suiteSheets. Standard Excel or Google Sheets alone don't meet MTD's digital links requirements. suiteSheets creates the required digital connection between your Google Sheets and HMRC, enabling full MTD ITSA compliance while keeping your spreadsheet workflow.

What is the cheapest MTD software for spreadsheet users?

suiteSheets is the most affordable MTD solution for people who use spreadsheets. At £20 for all quarterly submissions, it's significantly cheaper than traditional MTD accounting software like Xero (£12-30/month), QuickBooks (£10-30/month), or FreeAgent (£19-29/month), which cost £120-360 annually.

Do I need accounting software for Making Tax Digital?

No, you don't need traditional accounting software for MTD compliance. suiteSheets enables Making Tax Digital compliance using Google Sheets spreadsheets as your record-keeping tool. This is ideal for sole traders, landlords, and self-employed individuals who prefer spreadsheets over complex accounting platforms.

What is Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA)?

MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) is HMRC's requirement for self-employed individuals and landlords earning over £50,000 to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates digitally from April 2026. suiteSheets enables MTD ITSA compliance using Google Sheets spreadsheets instead of expensive accounting software.

How does suiteSheets work for MTD compliance?

suiteSheets provides: 1) A free Google Sheets template for recording income and expenses, 2) Digital link to HMRC's MTD API as required by regulations, 3) Submission of quarterly updates directly to HMRC. You track your finances in the familiar spreadsheet format, then suiteSheets handles the digital submission to HMRC for £20 per year.

Who should use suiteSheets instead of traditional MTD software?

suiteSheets is perfect for: sole traders earning £50k-£90k using cash accounting, landlords managing multiple properties, IT contractors and freelancers, construction and trade businesses, and anyone who prefers spreadsheets over accounting software interfaces. If you love spreadsheets and want MTD compliance without monthly subscription fees, suiteSheets is ideal.

Is suiteSheets compatible with HMRC's Making Tax Digital requirements?

Yes, suiteSheets is fully compatible with HMRC's Making Tax Digital requirements. It creates the required digital link between your records (Google Sheets) and HMRC, meets all MTD ITSA regulations for digital record-keeping, and submits quarterly updates in the format HMRC requires.

How much does MTD bridging software cost?

suiteSheets MTD bridging software costs £20 for all quarterly submissions to HMRC. There are no monthly subscription fees, unlike traditional MTD accounting software which typically costs £10-30 per month (£120-360 per year). You also get the free Google Sheets template at no cost.

Can I use Excel for Making Tax Digital instead of accounting software?

While suiteSheets currently supports Google Sheets, the principle is the same - you can use spreadsheets for MTD instead of traditional accounting software, but you need MTD bridging software to create the digital link to HMRC. Standard Excel or Google Sheets alone don't meet MTD digital links requirements.

What is Making Tax Digital (MTD)?

MTD

4 Dec

Written By Christine Gibson

Tax might not be the most exciting part of running a business — but it’s a necessary one. And with the government’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative, the way businesses manage and report their tax is changing.

If the thought of new systems or expensive accounting software makes you nervous, don’t worry - you’re not alone.

The good news? MTD doesn’t mean you have to give up your trusted spreadsheets or change the way you like to work and suiteSheets is here to support and ensure you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Let’s break it down.

What is MTD?

MTD is a government initiative designed to move the UK’s tax system into the digital age. In simple terms, it means businesses will need to:

Keep digital records of income and expenses, and
Submit tax information electronically to HMRC quarterly through compatible technology.

It’s already in place for VAT-registered businesses, and it’s gradually expanding to capture all business types - see our MTD timeline for the upcoming highlights.

Why is MTD being introduced?

There are a few reasons behind it — and they’re not all bad news!

Reducing errors – HMRC estimates billions of pounds are lost each year due to simple mistakes on tax returns. Digital record-keeping aims to cut that down.
More accurate, up-to-date data – Submitting tax information more regularly gives both businesses and HMRC a clearer picture of what’s going on financially.
Helping you stay organised – By keeping your records digital, you’re less likely to forget deadlines or scramble at year-end.

In theory, MTD should make tax easier, not harder. The challenge comes when people assume it means switching to complicated software.

What does MTD mean for your business?

If you’re VAT-registered or earning over 50K, you’ll need to follow MTD rules. That means keeping records in a digital format and filing returns through compatible technology.

But you don’t have to abandon your spreadsheets.

You can still keep your records in Google Sheets using the suiteSheets template to connect your data to HMRC’s systems.

suiteSheets makes it easy to stay compliant with MTD while continuing to work the way you like — in your own spreadsheets, with your own data, and without paying for a full-blown accounting package you’ll never use.

MTD is here to stay, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right setup, you can:

Keep using your spreadsheets
Stay in full control of your data
Meet HMRC’s MTD requirements with minimal fuss

At suiteSheets, we keep MTD simple — no jargon, no pricey software, no stress.

What are your biggest concerns when it comes to MTD? Share your thoughts and opinions below.

Christine Gibson

What is Making Tax Digital (MTD)?

What is MTD?

Why is MTD being introduced?

What does MTD mean for your business?

Death and Taxes!