HMRC has revised the list of software products that support making tax digital income tax self assessment (MTD ITSA). 

Private beta testing of MTD ITSA is due to launch on 22 April 2024. HMRC has plans for communications and guidance around the launch. The first update reveals the names of the five developers that will release their products at launch. These are: 

• 1 2 3 Sheets Ltd (record keeping and bridging)
• Intuit QuickBooks Online (record keeping through to submission)
• Sage Accounting (record keeping through to submission)
• SE reports (bridging only, free option)
• self assessment direct (record keeping and bridging, free option) 

There is however a longer list of products in development. Some of these may become available during 2024/25, others for 2025/26 or later. 

Caroline Miskin, Senior Technical Manager, ICAEW Tax Faculty said “Choosing the right software is a critical decision. Software products do need to comply with HMRC’s minimum functional standards but these are quite minimal. This means that there will be very significant differences between products. Cost is obviously a major consideration. The list includes some free products, but it is important to check the terms and conditions as well as what functionality is offered. It is disappointing that a wider range of software is not yet available.” 

ICAEW’s Tax Faculty will consider the pros and cons of joining the testing during a webinar on 24 April 2024. The webinar is available free-of-charge to ICAEW and non-ICAEW members. For ICAEW members, the webinar could also contribute up to one hour of verifiable CPD.