gov.uk

The UK government's own free payroll software for employers with fewer than 10 employees, which reports PAYE to HMRC in real time. For a tiny UK employer it removes the need to buy payroll software at all.

Download HMRC's Basic PAYE Tools

From gov.uk by HM Revenue and Customs Official page

Basic PAYE Tools on eChai Explore

• Free from HMRC for businesses with fewer than 10 employees.
• It handles PAYE reporting to HMRC but not payslip design or pension auto-enrolment extras.
• Move to paid software once you pass 10 staff or want HR features.

HMRC's own page saying every VAT-registered business must keep VAT records and file VAT Returns with compatible software, either a full package or bridging software for spreadsheets, and linking to the search service.

Find software that's compatible with Making Tax Digital for VAT

From gov.uk by HM Revenue & Customs Guidance

• All VAT-registered businesses must use compatible software for VAT records and returns.
• Keep your spreadsheet if you like and add bridging software to submit from it.
• If you use an accountant, ask them which software they want you on.

HMRC's own timetable for MTD for Income Tax, which reaches sole traders and landlords in stages by qualifying income: over £50,000 from 6 April 2026, over £30,000 from 6 April 2027, over £20,000 from 6 April 2028.

Find out if and when you need to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

From gov.uk by HM Revenue & Customs Guidance

• Qualifying income over £50,000 in 2024-25 means MTD for Income Tax from 6 April 2026.
• Over £30,000 in 2025-26 means from 6 April 2027; over £20,000 in 2026-27 means from 6 April 2028.
• Partnerships come later; check the page each year.

HMRC's checklist for picking MTD for Income Tax software: what it must do, what to look for, and the note that free products exist for simple tax affairs, with limits.

Choose the right software for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

From gov.uk by HM Revenue & Customs Guidance

• Check the software sends quarterly updates and the final declaration for your income type.
• Free products exist for simple tax affairs but may limit how you can use them.