How we test and score MTD software
This page explains exactly how we choose, research and score the software on Tax Software Compared. We want you to see how our rankings are made, including the limits of what we've done so far.
Where do we start?
We start from HMRC's official list of software for MTD for Income Tax. When we checked it in October 2026, it listed 171 products (GOV.UK). Being on the list means a product can connect to HMRC's systems. HMRC says it does not recommend any product, so the rest is up to us.
How do we build the shortlist?
We shortlist products that suit UK sole traders and landlords. We look for software that handles self-employment income, property income, or both, at a price that makes sense for a small business. We also include bridging software (tools that link your spreadsheet to HMRC) and a few bank accounts with built-in MTD features.
What do we check?
- Prices and features: we check each provider's own website every month and record what we find. We show the month of the last check on each page, and we note whether prices are ex VAT.
- User ratings: we record each app's rating on the UK App Store and Google Play.
- MTD support: whether the product covers quarterly updates and the end of year tax return, and for which income types.
How do we score products?
Each product gets a score using the same weighted rubric. The weights reflect what matters most to sole traders and landlords.
| What we score | Weight | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Price and value | 25% | Monthly cost, free plans, what you get for the money |
| MTD and HMRC features | 20% | Quarterly updates, tax return, income types covered |
| Ease of use | 15% | Features, onboarding (getting set up) and user ratings |
| Landlord support | 10% | Multiple properties, joint ownership, property reports |
| Bank feeds and automation | 10% | Bank feeds (transactions flow in automatically), auto categorising |
| Support and help | 10% | Phone, chat and email support, help guides |
| App quality | 10% | UK App Store and Google Play ratings, receipt capture |
For example, a landlord with three flats might care most about landlord support. So we also rank products for specific needs, such as our best landlord software and best free MTD software lists.
Do we do hands-on testing?
We are honest about this. Our current scores are based on our review of features, pricing and user ratings. We are adding hands-on trials over time. When we have completed one for a product, we will say so clearly on that review.
Does commission affect our scores?
Never. Every product is scored the same way, whether or not it pays us. FreeAgent, Hammock, Pandle, Coconut and 123 Sheets pay us nothing, and several of them still rank highly. Read our affiliate disclosure for details.
How often do we update?
We check prices and features monthly. We review rankings when a product changes a lot, when HMRC updates its guidance, or when a product leaves the market. Each page shows when it was last updated.
Spotted an error?
Please tell us. Email the details through our contact page, and we'll check and correct it quickly. Our editorial policy explains how we handle corrections.
Frequently asked questions
Have you used every product you review?
Not yet. Our scores are based on our review of features, pricing and user ratings. We are adding hands-on trials over time, and each review will say clearly when one has been completed.
Do affiliate commissions affect your scores?
No. We score every product with the same rubric, whether or not it pays us. Several of our top-rated products, such as FreeAgent and Hammock, pay us nothing. See our affiliate disclosure.
How often do you check prices?
We check each provider's own website for prices and features every month, and show the month we last checked on each page. Intro offers change often, so always confirm the price before you buy.