Free bridging software for VAT: file your return from a spreadsheet

If you already work out your VAT figures in Excel, you may not want to move every invoice into a new accounts system just to file a return. Free bridging software for VAT is built for that situation. It takes the nine-box figures from your spreadsheet or other records and sends the VAT return to HMRC through Making Tax Digital.

This guide explains what bridging software is, who needs it, what "free" should mean, and how spreadsheet filing works with Munshian VAT. It is general information, checked against GOV.UK on 10 November 2026, not tax advice. If your VAT scheme or records are unusual, speak to a qualified accountant or bookkeeper.

What bridging software means

Under Making Tax Digital for VAT, almost all VAT-registered businesses must keep digital records and send VAT returns using compatible software. HMRC says you need either:

• a compatible software package that keeps your digital records and submits VAT returns, or
• bridging software to connect non-compatible software, such as spreadsheets, to HMRC systems.

HMRC's VAT Notice 700/22 describes bridging software as a digital tool that uses Making Tax Digital connections to report the required information to HMRC, and to receive information back.

In practice, that means:

• you keep preparing your VAT figures in a spreadsheet (or other records)
• the bridging software takes those nine boxes and submits the return to HMRC
• you cannot simply type a normal quarterly or monthly VAT return into your VAT online account, unless you are exempt or in one of the limited cases HMRC still allows (for example, some cancelled registrations)

GOV.UK also says you must submit the return using software compatible with Making Tax Digital, unless an exemption or similar rule applies.

Bridging software is about how you send the return. You are still responsible for accurate digital records. HMRC expects data to move through digital links, not by copying figures by hand or using cut and paste. Linked cells, file uploads and similar electronic transfers can count; typing numbers from a printout into a new sheet does not.

Who needs MTD bridging software

Bridging software is useful if:

• you are VAT registered and already keep your VAT workings in Excel
• a bookkeeper prepares the nine boxes in a spreadsheet and you need a way to file them
• you are an accountant or bookkeeper filing VAT returns for clients, including several clients in one go
• you want to file a VAT return without moving your full bookkeeping into new accounting software first

A VAT-registered business can file its own return this way. Practices often use it because they already hold client figures in spreadsheets. If you would rather have invoices and bills produce the nine boxes automatically, that is full bookkeeping, not only a bridge. Munshian offers both: Munshian VAT for spreadsheet filing, and Munshian Ledger for day-to-day books and VAT worked out from those books.

If you need a reminder of what each box means, see our guide to VAT return boxes 6 and 7. For the wider MTD rules, see Making Tax Digital for VAT explained.

What "free" means here

Some bridging tools are free only up to a cap, or they charge after a first filing. Others are free for a limited number of returns or clients. Always read the current terms on the provider's own site before you rely on a "free" label. This guide does not quote other companies' prices.

With Munshian, "free" means:

• Munshian VAT and Munshian Ledger are free for everyone, with no limit
• £0 a month, no card, no contract and no feature tiers
• no charge and no limit on the number of clients or VAT returns you file through Munshian VAT

That is what the live pricing and VAT filing pages say as of 10 November 2026. Munshian files VAT returns to HMRC through Making Tax Digital. Our founder funds Munshian, not investors or advertising, and it supports our wider VAT services, including PanVAT.

How spreadsheet filing works, in three steps

Munshian VAT is the bridge between your Excel file and HMRC. The live process is:

1. Sign up and connect to HMRC. Create a free account and link the relevant HMRC login. Accountants and bookkeepers connect their agent services account once, then file for clients who have authorised them. A business can also file its own return.
2. Fill in the Excel template. Use one row per VAT return, with the VAT number, period dates and boxes 1 to 9. You can add as many clients and periods as you like.
3. Upload, check and submit. Each row is checked first. Anything that needs fixing is flagged and is not sent. Tick the ready returns, confirm the declaration, and send them to HMRC. Receipts are saved, including as PDF or a ZIP of several receipts.

Bulk filing is supported for practices: you can put many clients and periods in one Excel file and submit the ready returns together. That is useful in a busy VAT week, but you should still check every row before you confirm.

Honest limits

Please read these before you choose a tool:

• Filing is from an Excel file, using Munshian's template. The live page describes Excel, not other spreadsheet formats. A published file-size cap was not shown on that page when this guide was checked.
• Do not assume Flat Rate, cash accounting or other special VAT schemes are covered. Munshian Ledger works out VAT returns from the books on the standard VAT scheme. If you use another scheme, check with an adviser before you file.
• There are no live bank feeds, no payroll and no mobile app.
• Bridging software does not, by itself, prove that your underlying records meet HMRC's digital-link rules. Keep a clear trail from your records to the nine boxes.

A date to put in the diary: Monday 7 December 2026

For most businesses, the deadline to submit a VAT return online is one calendar month and 7 days after the end of the VAT period. That is also the deadline for paying HMRC, and the payment must reach HMRC's account in time.

For a VAT quarter (or month) ended 31 October 2026, that date is Monday 7 December 2026. GOV.UK also says you must submit the return and make sure the payment reaches HMRC on or before the deadline, even when the date falls on a weekend or bank holiday. This particular deadline is a Monday.

Check the date in your VAT online account or your software, especially if your periods are not standard calendar quarters.

File from your spreadsheet, or keep full books

If your figures already live in a spreadsheet, start with Munshian VAT. If you also want invoicing, bills, bank reconciliation, dividends and Corporation Tax figures in one place, use Munshian Ledger. Both are free, with no limit, and you do not need a card to sign up.

File VAT from your Excel file

Start free bookkeeping in Munshian Ledger

FAQ

What is free bridging software for VAT?

It is software that takes VAT figures you already keep, often in a spreadsheet, and submits the nine-box VAT return to HMRC through Making Tax Digital. HMRC describes bridging software as the way to connect non-compatible software, such as spreadsheets, to HMRC systems.

Can I still type my VAT return into the HMRC website?

For ordinary quarterly or monthly returns, no, unless you are exempt from Making Tax Digital or you fall within a limited case HMRC still allows, such as some cancelled registrations. You normally need compatible software or bridging software.

Can accountants file several clients from one spreadsheet?

Yes. Bulk filing is supported in Munshian VAT: one Excel template, one row per return, then check and submit the ready returns together. Clients still need to authorise the agent where you file on their behalf.

Is Munshian VAT really free?

Yes. The live site says there is no charge, no card and no limit on the number of clients or returns you file. Munshian Ledger is also free, with no limit, at £0 a month.

Does bridging software replace full accounting software?

No. It files the VAT return from figures you already have. If you want invoices, bills and reports to produce the boxes for you, use full bookkeeping software such as Munshian Ledger.