How to write your MTD software requirements before comparing providers

By the Quidtrail team · Facts last checked 28 October 2026

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Before comparing software prices, describe the records and submissions you need to manage. That gives you a practical brief and reduces the chance of choosing a package that omits a necessary function.

Rules checked: 28 October 2026, UK. This is a requirements guide, not a product review or endorsement.

Describe your actual work

List each self-employment or property income source, the people who maintain records and the devices you use. Note whether you rely on spreadsheets, imported bank data or manual entry.

Record access needs such as screen-reader support or working with an adviser. Separate essential requirements from conveniences you would like.

Check the reporting path

Use HMRC: Choose the right software for MTD to check the complete reporting route. Your software, or combination of products, needs to cover digital records, quarterly updates and the tax return. One product's ability to send updates does not establish that it can complete the return.

Requirement	Question to put to the provider
Your businesses	Does it support each self-employment, UK property or foreign property source you need?
Annual return	Can it report your other income and submit the return, or which additional product is needed?
Accounting period	Does it work with the period and update setting you use?
Connected products	How do the products work together, and where are digital links required?
Adviser access	Can the authorised agent or agents access the records and perform the agreed tasks?

HMRC allows more than one product, but says you can use only one for each separate submission. Agree the route for each business and each task before signing up.

HMRC: Get your software ready covers setup and authorisation. Allow time for those steps instead of treating account creation as the final preparation task.

Ask about moving and correcting data

Find out how existing records are imported, how errors are corrected and what exports are available if you leave. Ask how your adviser accesses information through the proper permissions.

Request the complete price for your circumstances, including additional businesses, users, support or features you need. Date the quote. Avoid relying on an introductory monthly price without checking its duration.

Use a demonstration against your checklist

Ask the provider to show the tasks you actually perform with sample data. Do not upload sensitive records simply to explore a sales demonstration.

Keep unanswered questions visible and resolve them before committing. A short shortlist built around your own workflow is more useful than a ranking based on features you will never use. Recheck the software finder linked from HMRC's guidance for the exact product and service. HMRC recognition is not a recommendation of a provider.

This is general information, not financial or tax advice. Rules change, so check GOV.UK or speak to a qualified adviser.

Sources

Facts last checked: 18 October 2026.