MTDfVAT

What MTDfVAT is

MTDfVAT is a cloud-based service for filing VAT returns electronically with HMRC in an MTD-compatible format. It validates company or individual VAT data and submits it to HMRC. Data sources and formats listed by the service include Microsoft Excel, CSV files, Sage, Xero and QuickBooks. All versions can combine returns for multiple companies or multiple files into one submission.

Its Control Centre brings together a management dashboard, submission controls, VAT reports and a view of obligations. The service also provides a record of MTD VAT payment and refund history. It runs on the web, macOS and Windows. Bright SG Limited makes MTDfVAT and lists its address in Leamington Spa, United Kingdom. The company says the service uses UK-based cloud servers, HTTPS encryption and enforced strong-password logins, and states it is available 24/7/365. It offers email support, help guides and videos at no extra support charge. The homepage says setup takes minutes.

The Individual and Company plans each cost £69 a year. The Individual plan is for individuals and sole traders; the Company plan is for UK-registered limited companies, partnerships and LLPs. The product chooser directs larger enterprises, organisations with multiple VAT registrations, accountants in businesses and accountancy practices to enterprise-level products.

Who it suits

MTDfVAT suits individuals and sole traders, or UK-registered limited companies, partnerships and LLPs that need to file VAT returns electronically with HMRC. Buyers who handle returns from spreadsheets or accounting products such as Sage, Xero or QuickBooks may also find its listed source formats relevant.

Limits

There is no free plan. The listed Individual and Company plans each cost £69 a year and are intended for the stated buyer types; larger enterprises, organisations with multiple VAT registrations, accountants in businesses and accountancy practices are directed to enterprise-level products.

Getting started

1. Visit the MTDfVAT website.
2. Choose the Individual plan if you are an individual or sole trader, or the Company plan if you are a UK-registered limited company, partnership or LLP.
3. Set up the service; the homepage says this takes minutes.
4. Prepare VAT data from a supported source or format, such as Excel, CSV, Sage, Xero or QuickBooks.
5. Use the service to validate and submit the VAT return to HMRC.

Verdict

Choose MTDfVAT if you are an individual, sole trader or eligible UK business seeking electronic VAT filing, combined submissions and a view of obligations and payment history. Look to enterprise-level products if you are a larger enterprise, have multiple VAT registrations, or are an accountant in a business or accountancy practice.