VAT MTD

VAT MTD is a bridging app that submits VAT returns from spreadsheets to HMRC under Making Tax Digital. It imports VAT figures from Excel and Numbers, and users map the spreadsheet cells containing the nine required totals, which must be on one sheet. The maker says the app is recognised by HMRC as a compliant submission method and is suitable for individuals, organisations and agents. Users can access VAT periods in an HMRC MTD account at no cost, but submitting returns requires a subscription. The maker says the app sends HMRC only the nine VAT totals and does not read digital records. Its App Store description says financial data is processed on-device without third-party servers and spreadsheet figures are not stored; login is passed to Safari so the app cannot see login details. The iOS app does not support Apple Numbers, and the website suggests using its Excel spreadsheet instead. Plans include single-VAT-number and agent options: single-number subscriptions are £9.49 a month billed monthly, £17.99 a month billed quarterly, or £37.99 a year billed yearly; agent options are £18.99 a month billed monthly, £35.99 a month billed quarterly, or £95.99 a year billed yearly.

VAT MTD links spreadsheet-prepared figures to HMRC VAT return submission, with mapped cells for the nine totals. Check the iOS spreadsheet restriction and subscription billing options before relying on it for filing.

VAT MTD may suit individuals, organisations or agents who prepare VAT figures in spreadsheets and need to submit returns to HMRC. It supports imports from Excel and Numbers, subject to the iOS Numbers limitation.

VAT MTD is a spreadsheet-to-HMRC filing app for people who already prepare VAT totals in Excel or Numbers. It suits individuals, organisations and agents with a compatible spreadsheet workflow. Its focused role makes it a practical filing bridge, but it will not calculate VAT or register a business.

Overview

Users map the nine VAT return totals to cells on one spreadsheet sheet, then submit those figures through the app. You can view VAT periods in an HMRC MTD account at no cost, which helps you check the filing route before subscribing. That free access does not include return submission.

The maker says VAT MTD is recognised by HMRC as a compliant way to file from users’ own spreadsheets. It says the app sends HMRC only the nine return totals and does not read digital records. The App Store description says financial data is processed on the device without third-party servers and spreadsheet figures are not stored. Login passes through Safari, keeping login details out of the app. Those boundaries will appeal to spreadsheet users who want to retain their own records, while accurate preparation remains their responsibility.

Key features

• Spreadsheet import: VAT figures can come from Excel or Numbers, but all nine totals must be on one sheet and each cell must be mapped. A stable template should suit this workflow; figures spread across tabs or a frequently changing layout add preparation work.
• HMRC connection: The app provides access to VAT periods and a route to submit returns. It handles filing rather than the underlying VAT calculations, so businesses needing calculation or registration tools should look elsewhere.
• Support: The maker advertises free support and says email replies usually arrive within an hour. That can help when setting up a spreadsheet mapping, though it does not change the app’s single-sheet requirement.
• Amendments: A submitted return cannot be amended directly through the app. Users who need to correct a filing will have to use another route.

Pricing

VAT MTD has a free plan and a free trial, but a subscription is required to submit returns. Free access lets users view VAT periods; it is not a no-cost filing tier.

• Single VAT Number Monthly: £9.49 a month, billed monthly for a single VAT number. This is the straightforward option for one business that wants a monthly commitment.
• Single VAT Number Quarterly: £17.99 a month, billed quarterly for a single VAT number. The longer billing interval may suit a filer comfortable committing beyond a month.
• Single VAT Number Yearly: £37.99 a year for a single VAT number. It has the lowest stated annual outlay among the single-number plans, in exchange for yearly billing.
• Agent Monthly: £18.99 a month, billed monthly for an agent.
• Agent Quarterly: £35.99 a month, billed quarterly for an agent.
• Agent Yearly: £95.99 a year for an agent. The three agent options give practitioners a plan category of their own, with monthly, quarterly and yearly billing choices.

The plan descriptions distinguish single VAT number and agent use; they do not state a seat allowance or a submission quota. Choose by filing role and billing term, and confirm the applicable plan before relying on it for a deadline.

Platforms

VAT MTD is available on iOS and macOS. There is an important spreadsheet constraint for iOS users: the website says the iOS app does not support Apple Numbers and recommends its Excel spreadsheet for entering return figures. Although the app can import Numbers figures generally, iOS users should plan on Excel for this workflow.

Who it's for

This is a good fit for an individual or organisation that already maintains the nine VAT totals in one Excel sheet and wants a direct filing bridge to HMRC. Agents are also an intended audience, with separate agent subscriptions. The app is less suitable for anyone who needs VAT calculations, registration, multi-sheet import, or in-app amendments after submission.

Pros and cons

• Pros: It connects existing Excel or Numbers figures to HMRC, so users can retain a spreadsheet-based process rather than move their records into a broader system.
• Pros: Free access to VAT periods and the free trial let users assess the filing route before choosing a subscription.
• Pros: The stated data handling limits transmission to the nine totals and keeps spreadsheet figures off third-party servers and out of app storage.
• Cons: All nine totals must be on one sheet and mapped cell by cell, which is restrictive for workbooks organized across tabs.
• Cons: iOS users cannot use Numbers with the app and must use Excel for entering the figures.
• Cons: VAT calculation, registration and direct amendment of submitted returns are outside its scope.

Alternatives

For a wider set of VAT software options, browse VAT Software. Choose LOVAT if you want an option with Android and web platforms as well as iOS, and a free plan that includes one data import integration. Kleos is a paid iOS and Android option with per-user plans and cloud storage. For API-focused use, VAT Sense offers a free tier capped at 100 requests per month and a Basic tier with 2,000 requests per month. VAT Direct provides free bridging for VAT and Income Tax Self Assessment, with digital records for qualifying businesses below the VAT threshold and a 500-transaction-per-period cap. VATlayer is an API option with a free tier limited to 100 requests a month and non-commercial use. Vatstack has API and web platforms, including a Developer plan with unlimited quotes and dummy validations and supplies. Kintsugi is an API-based option with free nexus monitoring, exposure and historical liability auditing, and risk assessment. Taxually may suit readers looking for tax authority payment or yearly reporting services.

Verdict

Choose VAT MTD if you already prepare a single-sheet set of VAT totals and want a focused route to file them with HMRC, especially if keeping spreadsheet figures on your device matters. Its limits are clear: it does not calculate VAT, iOS users need Excel rather than Numbers, and submitted returns cannot be amended through the app. Readers needing those capabilities or a broader tax workflow should compare alternatives before subscribing.