The right software saves hours and keeps you compliant. This guide covers what to look for, from Making Tax Digital support to bank feeds and ease of use.
Published July 2026 · Updated July 2026
Because Making Tax Digital requires digital records and filing through software, your first filter is whether a product is HMRC recognised and keeps proper digital records. Anything that is not will create work later.
A live bank feed that pulls transactions in automatically, and smart matching to your invoices and bills, is where software earns its keep. It turns reconciliation from a chore into a few clicks.
Prioritise clean invoicing, correct VAT handling, expense capture, and clear reports like profit and loss and a VAT summary. Extras are nice, but these are the day-to-day essentials.
You will use this most days, so plain language and a tidy interface matter more than a huge feature list. Good support and guides help when you are stuck, especially if you are new to bookkeeping.
Spreadsheets struggle with Making Tax Digital, which needs digital records and software filing. Software also reduces errors and saves time as you grow.
HMRC lists software that can file under Making Tax Digital. Using recognised software means you can meet your filing obligations.
Enough to cover the features you actually use. Berified is built to be plain-English and beginner-friendly, so you are not paying for complexity you do not need.
This guide is general information for UK small business owners, not accounting, tax or legal advice. Rules, rates and thresholds reflect 2026/27 and change over time; always check the linked official source or a qualified adviser for your situation.