MTD MagpieFind my route
Independent MTD comparison

Find your cheapest route to Making Tax Digital.

Answer eight quick questions. We compare free software, paid software, spreadsheet options and MTD tools that come with a business account — then show the routes that fit you.

Start the 8-question finderCheck when MTD applies
✓ Commission never changes rankings✓ Prices show standard cost✓ Paid links are marked Ad
MTD Magpie looks beyond softwareWhy this is different
  1. Can genuinely free software do the job?
  2. Would keeping your spreadsheet be simpler?
  3. Could a free business account include the MTD tools you need?
  4. If you need paid software, what is the real ongoing cost?

We ignore affiliate commission when we order results.

Three routes worth checking

MTD does not have to mean another monthly bill.

Several providers now offer zero-subscription routes. The catch is that “free” can mean different things, so we compare the whole route rather than the headline.

1

Genuinely free software

Sage currently offers a free MTD-ready sole trader plan with landlord record features for non-VAT users. We check where free plans stop and paid features begin.

Compare free software
2

Free with a business account

Tide and Starling both advertise free HMRC-recognised MTD for Income Tax tools with eligible business accounts. ANNA also has a £0 account tier with free MTD filing, although usage charges can apply.

Compare account routes
3

Keep your spreadsheet

HMRC says you can keep using spreadsheets if compatible bridging software links your records to MTD submissions. That can be the least disruptive route.

See spreadsheet options
MTD route finder

Eight questions. A real route comparison.

The ranking is based on eligibility, the features you need, your existing banking position, standard ongoing cost and simplicity. Affiliate payouts are not part of the calculation.

Question 1 of 8About 2 minutes

Which describes you?

Choose the income source MTD will apply to.

What is your qualifying income?

Broadly, total gross income from self-employment and property before expenses.

If you are a landlord, how many properties?

If you are not a landlord, choose “Not applicable”.

Are you VAT registered?

This changes which plans fit and whether VAT on software may be recoverable.

How do you keep records now?

What do you want the software to do?

Where would you mainly use it?

What is your banking position?

An account you already have can change the cheapest route. We also need to know whether you would consider opening another account.

Your current business account
Would you open a different business account if the overall MTD route was cheaper?

Your routes

Complete the eight questions and MTD Magpie will order the suitable routes. A £0 subscription is not automatically “free” if the connected account has usage charges.

Your results will appear here.
When does MTD apply?

The rollout is based on qualifying income.

HMRC checks qualifying income from an earlier Self Assessment return. Qualifying income is total income from self-employment and property before expenses.

Over £50,000

Based on qualifying income in the 2024 to 2025 tax year.

Over £30,000

Based on qualifying income in the 2025 to 2026 tax year.

Over £20,000

Based on qualifying income in the 2026 to 2027 tax year.

Source: HM Revenue & Customs, checked 22nd September 2026. Check the current rule on GOV.UK.

Comparison database

We check routes, not just brand names.

The engine separates ordinary software, spreadsheet bridging and account-bundled routes. Promotions and affiliate payouts do not decide the order.

21deep-checked routes in this build
11zero-subscription routes in the checked set
3route types compared
0affiliate payout fields used in ranking

See the comparison database

Free checklist

Get the eight-point MTD readiness checklist.

No email gate yet. Download it now. We will only add email collection once the privacy wording and provider are settled.

Why no email box yet?
Collecting addresses before the email provider, retention period and consent wording are settled would create unnecessary privacy work. The launch build gives the checklist away directly instead.