Software

Free MTD spreadsheet templates for sole traders and landlords

Written and reviewed by the AATAX Editorial Team · Last reviewed 4 November 2026 against GOV.UK guidance and the AATAX app

Last updated: 4 November 2026

Self-employed template

For sole traders and the self-employed: income and every HMRC expense category, by quarter. One copy per business.

↓ Download free Excel template

Landlord (UK property) template

For landlords: rent, property expenses and mortgage interest, by quarter. All your UK lettings in one file.

↓ Download free Excel template

Keep using your spreadsheet for Making Tax Digital. Download a free MTD template, type in each quarter's figures, and upload it to AATAX. AATAX is HMRC-recognised MTD software that works as bridging software: it reads your spreadsheet and sends your quarterly update to HMRC. Free for sole traders and landlords.

Both templates are for the 2026 to 2027 tax year and work in Excel, Google Sheets, Apple Numbers and LibreOffice. A foreign property template is coming soon.

How it works

Download the template for your income source.
Fill in each quarter. Type what came in and went out in the shaded cells. Totals and profit work themselves out.
Upload it to AATAX. Set your Data source to External spreadsheet on Quarterly updates and upload the file.
Check and send. AATAX shows how it read every figure, then sends your quarterly update to HMRC when you say so.

Why use our MTD templates

Every HMRC category, with a plain note on what goes in each.
No running totals to work out. HMRC's updates cover the year from 6 April; you fill in each quarter and AATAX adds them up.
Turnover under £90,000? Use the Totals only sheet: just income and expenses.
A digital link HMRC accepts. You upload the file, nothing is retyped. HMRC doesn't allow copying and pasting figures into MTD software (GOV.UK).
Your own spreadsheet works too. AATAX reads most layouts, from bank exports to a profit and loss by month.

Frequently asked questions

Are the MTD spreadsheet templates free?

Yes. Download and use them as you like. Sending your quarterly updates with AATAX's individual app is free too.

Can I use a spreadsheet for Making Tax Digital?

Yes. HMRC counts a spreadsheet as record-keeping software, as long as you use bridging software, such as AATAX, to send your updates to HMRC.

Do I enter running totals or each quarter's figures?

Each quarter's own figures. AATAX adds them up into the running total from 6 April that HMRC asks for in each update.

Get started

Upload your template and send your next quarterly update free, no card needed. Get started free

Sources (GOV.UK, checked 4 November 2026)

This page is general guidance, not tax advice. If you're unsure how the rules apply to you, speak to an accountant or contact HMRC.