How we test MTD software
Every tool we compare goes through the same four steps and the same checklist. No tool can pay to change its score or its position.
1. We open a real account
We sign up as a normal customer, using the free plan or free trial, exactly as you would. We don't use special demo accounts provided by the software company.
2. We run a sample rental property through a full quarter
We record a realistic quarter for a sample landlord: rent received, letting agent fees, repairs, insurance and mortgage interest. Then we go as far as the software allows towards a quarterly update. We use sample data, never real taxpayer information.
3. We score every tool against the same checklist
| What we check | The question we answer |
|---|---|
| HMRC recognition | Is it on HMRC's list of software for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax? |
| Quarterly updates | How easy is it to prepare and send a quarterly update? |
| Final declaration | Can you complete the end-of-year tax return in the same tool, or do you need another one? |
| Property features | Multiple properties, joint ownership, tenants, letting agent statements. |
| Bank feeds and receipts | Automatic bank imports, receipt capture and categorisation. |
| Price and free plan | The real monthly cost, including VAT, and what the free plan actually includes. |
| Ease of use | How long it takes a first-time user to get set up. |
| Support | Which support channels exist, and how quickly they answer. |
4. We re-check prices and features every quarter
Software prices and features change. We re-check every tool against its official website at least once a quarter and show the date on each page. Anything we haven't verified yet is marked Checking instead of guessed.
What we don't do
- We don't rank tools by the commission they pay. See how we make money.
- We don't copy marketing claims without testing them.
- We don't give tax advice. If your situation is complex, speak to a qualified accountant.