Who this page is for
Sole traders and landlords picking their first MTD software.
Small businesses switching from spreadsheets to cloud bookkeeping.
Clients who already use software but are unsure if it is configured correctly.
Anyone using spreadsheets who needs bridging software to stay MTD-compliant.
Businesses moving from desktop accounting to a cloud-based system.
Clients who want a complete done-for-you setup with training.
Key MTD rules explained simply
MTD-compatible software
Software must be on HMRC's recognised list and able to submit MTD updates digitally.
Digital links
Information must flow digitally between systems - no copy and paste of MTD-relevant figures.
Digital record keeping
Income, expenses and key transactions must be kept in the software, not just summarised at year-end.
Bank feeds and apps
Bank feeds, receipt capture apps and integrations make MTD bookkeeping faster and more accurate.
Chart of accounts setup
Income, expense and balance sheet categories should match HMRC reporting and your business needs.
Training matters
Even the best software fails if no one is trained to use it. VMK includes simple training in setup.
The VMK approach
Software comparison
We compare Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, FreeAgent and Capium so you pick what suits your business.
Subscription setup
We register the subscription, sometimes at partner discount, in your name.
Bank feed connection
Connect business banking with secure feeds so transactions flow in automatically.
Chart of accounts
Tailored income and expense categories that match HMRC reporting needs.
Bridging software
Where spreadsheets are kept, we install and test bridging software so digital links are protected.
Training and support
Practical training on day-to-day tasks plus ongoing VMK support whenever needed.
Software VMK works with
Xero
Cloud accounting popular with sole traders, landlords and small companies. Strong app ecosystem.
QuickBooks Online
Easy to use for sole traders and small businesses, with good mobile receipt capture.
Sage Business Cloud
Reliable option for established small businesses with payroll and VAT needs.
Capium
Practice software used for client-side bookkeeping, payroll, VAT and Self Assessment.
FreeAgent
Often free with certain business bank accounts, suitable for simple sole trader books.
Bridging software
Connects spreadsheets to HMRC so existing systems can still be used in an MTD-compliant way.
What to avoid
Choosing software based on price alone without checking if it fits the business.
Skipping bank feed setup so transactions are entered manually and errors creep in.
Leaving the default chart of accounts in place instead of tailoring it.
Not using receipt capture, then losing paper receipts at year-end.
Copying numbers from spreadsheet to software, breaking the digital link.
Buying software without any training and giving up after a few weeks.
Explore related MTD guides
Main MTD Hub
All-in-one MTD overview, timeline and FAQs.
MTD Bookkeeping Support
Daily and monthly bookkeeping for MTD.
MTD Quarterly Submissions
How software feeds into quarterly updates.
MTD for Sole Traders
Self-employed software and setup pointers.
MTD for Landlords
Property-focused software setup.
