Question 1

What is MTD bridging software?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Can I use spreadsheets for Making Tax Digital?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What is the cheapest MTD software for spreadsheet users?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Do I need accounting software for Making Tax Digital?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How does suiteSheets work for MTD compliance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Who should use suiteSheets instead of traditional MTD software?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

How much does MTD bridging software cost?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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.

suiteSheets Template

Stay in control of your bookkeeping and get ready for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax - without learning or paying for complex accounting software.

The suiteSheets template lets you record income and expenses digitally in a simple Google Sheet that’s ready for HMRC’s quarterly submissions.

How it works

Get your free MTD-ready spreadsheet

We’ll email you updates and guidance before submissions open in 2026.