What is Making Tax Digital (MTD)?

From April 2026, HM Revenue & Customs requires landlords, sole traders and self-employed persons earning over £50,000 to submit tax updates digitally each quarter. The free self-assessment portal is being phased out, so you’ll need compatible software to submit your returns.

Why Do I Need Bridging Software?

Most MTD software requires you to move your records into a new system, such as a full accounting suite. Bridging software, however, connects your existing spreadsheet directly to HMRC so you can submit without changing how you work.

Do I Need Full Accounting Software?

Not necessarily– tools like Xero, Sage or QuickBooks are designed for more advanced bookkeeping and reporting. If you already manage your records in a spreadsheet, accounting software is likely more than you need. Bridging software lets you submit directly from your spreadsheet without moving to full accounting software.

Will this Work with HMRC?

Yes. Abridge is designed to meet HMRC’s MTD requirements and submits directly to their systems.

How is Abridge Different?

Abridge was built specifically for MTD’s Income Tax Self Assessment and to work alongside your existing spreadsheet. The plugin or web application allows for direct submission to HMRC without switching systems or adding unnecessary complexity.

Does Abridge need access to my bank account?

No. Abridge never connects to your bank. It only reads the numbers from the spreadsheet you upload. Your financial data stays yours.

Can my accountant access my submissions?

Yes. You can grant your accountant read-only access so they can review your figures and confirmation receipts without needing their own subscription.

HMRC-recognised bridging software

Submit Making Tax Digital updates without leaving your spreadsheet.

No accounting software to learn. Just click your totals & submit.

Get Started Try demo

Quarterly updates + EOYDeadline remindersWorks with your accountant

Get the add-ons:

(or upload file)

Secure & HMRC-recognised

With independent security testing

Keep your spreadsheet

or any non-MTD software

UK-based support

Real people when you need help

You do not need accounting software for MTD

HMRC: Only 1 in 5 taxpayers use accounting software.^Ipsos

MTD for Income Tax, put simply:

Self-assessment via GOV.UK is closing
You'll need HMRC-approved filing software, like Abridge.
A computer needs to do your sums instead of a human
Keeping a spreadsheet is fully compliant under MTD.
New quarterly updates for Gross Income & Expenses
Every 3 months, just add your latest transactions to your spreadsheet and submit your interim totals.

It's not ideal, but – that's it.No live data feeds or complex software.

Submit to HMRC from your spreadsheet

Use your spreadsheet from last year as a starting point (or our free templates).

We'll walk you through the rest.

Your spreadsheetor start with our free template

Get Add-onor upload file

Click your totals

Press submit

Done

> £90k?Shows HMRC categories

Log client payments, materials, subcontractors, travel, and your other running costs in a spreadsheet — money in, money out, the way you already do. We read your quarterly totals and file with HMRC.

soletrader_accounts_FINAL_actually_.xlsx

Date

Description

Out

04 Jul

Client invoice paid

2,400

11 Jul

Materials & supplies

320

18 Jul

Subcontractor

850

02 Aug

Travel

09 Aug

Software subscription

16 Aug

Phone & internet

24 Aug

Client payment

1,800

01 Sep

Professional indemnity

180

Total

4,200

1,555

Q2 Update · Spreadsheet

Connect

Check

Submit

Does this look right?

This is just a quarterly update – it won't change your tax bill.

Total Income

£4,200

Expenses

–£1,555

Taxable Profit

£2,645

I've checked these numbers

Secure connection

Income Tax & VAT filing, nothing more.

With a lot of thought put into making it as easy as possible.

Keep using any non-MTD app

Just upload your CSV.

Never miss a deadline

Clear central dashboard, set calendar feed, get email reminders so you always file on time.

Quarterly updates through the year, then your final declaration to wrap up the tax year.

Action Required

File Q2

Due in 12 days

Reminder sent

MTD, abridged.

Our whole app is written in plain English, but support is on hand always.

AbridgeSign out

Consulting

Self-employment quarterly update

Q32025-26

Map your figures

Simple is the minimum quarterly update HMRC requires.

Detailed maps to the full list of categories, aligned with a year-end return. Getting this right now can save time when you file at year end.

Use whichever best matches your workbook. Quarterly updates are just interim figures that don't affect your tax bill.

...and everything else you'd expect from modern tax software

Share with your accountant

Give your accountant access. They can see your figures, check your records, and file for you.

Full HMRC MTD support

Quarterly updates (consolidated or full)
Final declaration
See your live tax calculation

Secure, private and in your control

Bank-grade encryption, totals-only processing where possible, and no lock-in. Your data stays private and can be exported whenever you need it.

Simple pricing. No traps.

Choose the plan that fits how you file.

Full MTD Coverage

Everything you need to be fully MTD-compliant. Nothing you don't.

£39£19.50

inc. VAT · /yearEnds 30^th June

Quarterly updates + Final Declaration
Excel, Google Sheets or file upload
Unlimited income sources, properties & VAT registrations
Instant HMRC filing receipt
Deadline reminders
Accountant review access

Get MTD Ready

90-day money-back guarantee

Free

Final Declaration only
1 income source
No quarterly updatesYou file quarterly updates through another software.

Start free

For Agents

The spreadsheet lane for MTD.

See our practice tools

Comparison

Why Use Abridge?

We're not right for everyone. Free MTD options are available, and full accounting software may be suitable for complex tax positions.

Spreadsheet + plugin

Typical PriceInc. VAT: £39/y
The positive: Keeps your spreadsheet compliant (and non-MTD software).
The negative: You need to maintain your own spreadsheet (we provide a template to get started)
Right for you if: You love your spreadsheet

Bank apps

Monzo, Starling

Typical Price: Free
The positive: It's free
The negative: You must switch banks
Right for you if: Simple tax affairs and willing to switch bank

Bookkeeping / Accounting

Sage, FreeAgent

Typical Price: £120 to £250per year
The positive: Full accounting features for complex tax positions
The negative: Steep learning curve, often overkill for sole traders
Right for you if: You have a complex tax position or your accountant requires it

Comparison	Bank apps Monzo, Starling	Spreadsheet + plugin	Bookkeeping / Accounting Sage, FreeAgent
Typical PriceInc. VAT	Free	£39/y	£120 to £250per year
The positive	It's free	Keeps your spreadsheet compliant (and non-MTD software).	Full accounting features for complex tax positions
The negative	You must switch banks	You need to maintain your own spreadsheet (we provide a template to get started)	Steep learning curve, often overkill for sole traders
Right for you if	Simple tax affairs and willing to switch bank	You love your spreadsheet	You have a complex tax position or your accountant requires it

Start free

Testimonials

Trusted by growing businesses

See how landlords and sole traders stay compliant with Abridge.

“

I was dreading MTD. Signed up, connected my spreadsheet, and submitted my first quarter in five minutes. Genuinely couldn't believe it.

David H.

Landlord, Cheshire

“

I didn't need accounting software – I needed a send button. That's exactly what Abridge is. My spreadsheet hasn't changed at all.

Sarah M.

Consultant, Bristol

“

My accountant actually recommended Abridge. She gets read-only access to check things, and I handle the submissions myself. Perfect setup.

James T.

Landlord, Edinburgh

“

I've used a spreadsheet for 12 years. Every other MTD tool wanted me to abandon it. Abridge is the only one that didn't.

Patricia L.

Sole trader, Leeds

“

I was dreading MTD. Signed up, connected my spreadsheet, and submitted my first quarter in five minutes. Genuinely couldn't believe it.

David H.

Landlord, Cheshire

“

I didn't need accounting software – I needed a send button. That's exactly what Abridge is. My spreadsheet hasn't changed at all.

Sarah M.

Consultant, Bristol

“

My accountant actually recommended Abridge. She gets read-only access to check things, and I handle the submissions myself. Perfect setup.

James T.

Landlord, Edinburgh

“

I've used a spreadsheet for 12 years. Every other MTD tool wanted me to abandon it. Abridge is the only one that didn't.

Patricia L.

Sole trader, Leeds

“

Took me longer to make a cup of tea than it did to submit my first quarter. Absolutely brilliant for sole traders who hate admin.

Rachel K.

Freelancer, Manchester

“

Three rental properties, one spreadsheet, zero stress. Abridge just works. The confirmation screen is genuinely satisfying.

Brian W.

Landlord, Surrey

“

I've been recommending Abridge to all my clients who insist on using spreadsheets. The read-only access means I can still review everything.

Fiona C.

Accountant, London

“

Finally, something that doesn't try to replace my entire workflow. Connect, review, submit, done. Exactly what MTD should be.

Andrew T.

Sole trader, Glasgow

“

Took me longer to make a cup of tea than it did to submit my first quarter. Absolutely brilliant for sole traders who hate admin.

Rachel K.

Freelancer, Manchester

“

Three rental properties, one spreadsheet, zero stress. Abridge just works. The confirmation screen is genuinely satisfying.

Brian W.

Landlord, Surrey

“

I've been recommending Abridge to all my clients who insist on using spreadsheets. The read-only access means I can still review everything.

Fiona C.

Accountant, London

“

Finally, something that doesn't try to replace my entire workflow. Connect, review, submit, done. Exactly what MTD should be.

Andrew T.

Sole trader, Glasgow

For Agents

Spreadsheet clients made easy for Making Tax Digital

One controlled lane for your spreadsheet clients. Abridge enables client-led quarterly updates while you keep full approval and visibility from one central dashboard.

No client migration

Free practice dashboard

HMRC-recognised

Set up your practice (free)

Low touch

Client-led

They submit. You see the receipt.

Controlled

Review lane

They prepare. You approve before HMRC.

Full service

Practice-led

They update the sheet. You file.

FAQ's

Need Help? We've got you covered

Explore answers to common questions about Making Tax Digital and how Abridge works.

MTD is mandatory.
Overcomplicating it isn't.

Keep your spreadsheet. Ditch the stress. Submit in minutes.

Making Tax Digital

Spreadsheets

HMRC Submissions

Start free

Submit Making Tax Digital updates without leaving your spreadsheet.

You do not need accounting software for MTD

MTD for Income Tax, put simply:

Does this look right?

Keep using any non-MTD app

Never miss a deadline

MTD, abridged.

...and everything else you'd expect from modern tax software

Share with your accountant

Full HMRC MTD support

Secure, private and in your control

For Agents

Bank apps

Bookkeeping / Accounting

Trusted by growing businesses

Spreadsheet clients made easy for Making Tax Digital

Client-led

Review lane

Practice-led

Need Help? We've got you covered

What is Making Tax Digital (MTD)?

Why Do I Need Bridging Software?

Do I Need Full Accounting Software?

Will this Work with HMRC?

How is Abridge Different?

Does Abridge need access to my bank account?

Can my accountant access my submissions?

MTD is mandatory.Overcomplicating it isn't.

MTD is mandatory.
Overcomplicating it isn't.