If you use a spreadsheet application such as Google Sheets, OpenOffice Calc, LibraOffice Calc or even something as obscure as Sheetster to record your figures, you can still use Easy MTD to file your Income Tax.* You simply need to save the spreadsheet containing the VAT figures to a file in the Excel xlsx, xls or xlsm format or even a csv file. This is achieved by selecting one of these formats from the list of file types presented in the Save As window of whatever spreadsheet application you use. Performing this process retains the digital link required by HMRC so you comply with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
When saving from Google Sheets, OpenOffice Calc or LibraOffice Calc to an Excel xlsx, xls or xlsm format or csv file, certain functionality may be incompatible and data may be affected. It is therefore important to check that the figures held in the Excel or csv file are correct prior to using with Easy MTD.
*HMRC only require you to keep income and expenses figures for each business and/or property income in a spreadsheet. When submitting quarterly updates it is necessary for Easy MTD to extract the figures from the spreadsheet prior to submitting them to HMRC which maintains the digital link requirement. Other figures used for annual summaries, accounting adjustments, brought forward losses, and all individual income, tax reliefs and deductions, do not need to be held in a spreadsheet. Instead, they can be typed directly into Easy MTD then submitted to HMRC, although they can also be extracted from a spreadsheet if preffered.