Does HMRC have its own free MTD software?

No. HMRC works with commercial software providers instead. Free third-party products exist but may limit how much you can use them.

Can I use two different software products for MTD?

Yes, but only one product per submission, and you must digitally link the products you use.

What software counts for Making Tax Digital — and is any of it free?

Checked against GOV.UK on 14 August 2026

Short answer

Only software on HMRC's recognised list. Free versions exist, but usually with limits. HMRC has no software of its own.

There is no HMRC app. Every MTD submission goes through commercial software that has been through HMRC's recognition process, and HMRC does not recommend any product.

What your software has to do

Create, store and correct digital records of your self-employment and property income and expenses
Send your quarterly updates to HMRC
Let you add your other income sources and submit your tax return by the following 31 January

Two types

Software that creates digital records

You build records by linking a business bank account to import transactions, scanning receipts and invoices, or typing income and expenses in. These products usually do everything — records, updates and the tax return.

Software that connects to your records — "bridging software"

This connects to records you already keep in spreadsheets or other accounting tools and makes the submissions for you. Some bridging products can send quarterly updates and submit the tax return.

Free options

HMRC's guidance says free products are available for those with simple tax affairs, but there may be limits on how the product can be used — for example a limited number of transactions. Free products are marked with a "free version" feature in HMRC's software finder. As one worked example, the finder lists My Tax Digital (Free) with a free version, digital record creation and bridging, standard and calendar update periods, and sole trader, UK property and foreign property income — checked on 14 August 2026.

We do not rank, review or take commission on any software. The recognised list changes; always confirm current features and pricing on HMRC's finder and with the provider before you commit.

Features worth checking before you pick

It supports all your income sources — a landlord thinking of also trading should check that too
It can make both submissions: quarterly updates and the tax return
It lets you report your other income to complete the return
It works with your accounting period — standard, calendar, or neither
It allows multiple agents, if you use more than one
Whether it has HMRC Assist built in, which flags errors using your submissions and HMRC's data
If you are VAT registered: whether your existing VAT software also covers MTD for Income Tax

Using more than one product

Allowed — but only one product per submission. A landlord cannot split property quarterly updates across two products. If you use more than one product you must digitally link them.

If you want to keep your spreadsheet →

Sources

General information about UK tax rules, not tax advice. Your own circumstances and HMRC's official guidance govern your position. If you are unsure, speak to an accountant or contact HMRC. Tax rules change — if this page is more than a few months old, check the GOV.UK pages linked above. Found an error? Email hello@getaxionlabs.com and we will correct it.

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