# FAQ - HMRC MTD VAT Bridging Software | Swift VAT Pro

Swift VAT Pro FAQs: MTD bridging software, HMRC compatibility, free trial, imports, multi-company support, security and guarantees.

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# Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about Swift VAT Pro, MTD VAT bridging software, the free trial, security and support. Can't find your answer? Request a callback and we'll help.

Last updated: 5 November 2026

What is Swift VAT Pro? Swift VAT Pro is MTD VAT bridging software for UK sole traders, limited companies and accountants. You keep your VAT records in a spreadsheet or your bookkeeping software, then upload your 9 box figures as a CSV or Excel file and submit the return to HMRC through HMRC's MTD VAT API. What is Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT? [Making Tax Digital for VAT](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/making-tax-digital-for-vat) is HMRC's rule that VAT-registered businesses keep digital records and submit VAT returns using MTD-compatible software. Swift VAT Pro is MTD-compatible software for businesses that keep their records in a spreadsheet: it sends your return to HMRC through HMRC's MTD VAT API. What is VAT bridging software? VAT bridging software links the VAT figures you keep in a spreadsheet or bookkeeping software to HMRC's Making Tax Digital system, so you can submit VAT returns digitally without changing how you keep your records. Can I submit a VAT return without software? Not for most businesses. Under [Making Tax Digital](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-a-business-must-follow-the-rules-for-making-tax-digital-for-vat), VAT-registered businesses must keep digital records and submit VAT returns using MTD-compatible software. HMRC's online VAT form can only be used if HMRC has given you an [exemption](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-exemption-from-making-tax-digital-for-vat). If you keep your records in a spreadsheet, bridging software like Swift VAT Pro is the simplest way to file. Do I need to replace my bookkeeping software? No. Keep using your spreadsheet or bookkeeping software. Put your 9 VAT box figures into a CSV or Excel file and upload it, then check the VAT return and submit. Can I submit my VAT return from Excel or Google Sheets? Yes. Upload a CSV or Excel (.xlsx) file with rows labelled Box 1 to Box 9. From Google Sheets, download your sheet as CSV or Excel (.xlsx) first. What file format do I need? Download the sample CSV from the upload area of the VAT return form. It has one row for each VAT box, from Box 1 to Box 9. Fill in your figures, save the file and upload it, and Swift VAT Pro shows you the matched figures to check. How does Swift VAT Pro help prevent mistakes? Before anything is sent, you see the figures matched from your file and a full preview of your VAT return (VAT 100) with all 9 boxes. You submit only when you are happy, and HMRC's receipt is saved with a PDF copy of the return. How long does it take to submit a VAT return? A typical VAT return takes under 10 minutes. Across 758 VAT returns filed through Swift VAT Pro from January 2025 to November 2026, the median time from logging in to submitting to HMRC was 7.6 minutes, and 59% were submitted within 10 minutes. Your first return takes a little longer while you add your company and connect to HMRC.

How much does Swift VAT Pro cost? £5 a month for one company, which includes 1 VAT return every 30 days. That covers quarterly VAT returns. If you need to submit another return within 30 days of your last one, for example to catch up on an earlier period, it costs £5. Multi-company plans cost £20 for up to 20 companies, £50 for up to 100 and £100 for unlimited companies. Annual plans give you two months free. Is there a free trial? Every plan starts with a 7-day free trial, with no payment card needed. Submitting a return to HMRC needs a paid plan, from £5 a month, which you can choose at any time during the trial. Is Swift VAT Pro compatible with Making Tax Digital for VAT? Yes. Returns are submitted through HMRC's Making Tax Digital VAT API after you authorise access with your own HMRC sign-in, and HMRC's receipt is saved in your account. HMRC sets out the rules in [VAT Notice 700/22](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-notice-70022-making-tax-digital-for-vat). Can accountants file VAT returns for clients? Yes. On the Small Practice, Agent and Enterprise plans, accountants add each client company, connect it to HMRC and manage every client's returns from one dashboard, for up to 20, 100 or unlimited companies. Can I see my VAT obligations and payments? Yes. You can view open VAT periods, liabilities, payments and previously submitted returns, retrieved directly from HMRC. How secure is Swift VAT Pro? You connect to HMRC by signing in on HMRC's own page, so Swift VAT Pro never sees or stores your HMRC password. Swift VAT Pro has filed VAT returns with HMRC through the MTD API since 2019. What support do you offer? Live chat Monday to Saturday, 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM, phone support ( [request a callback](https://www.swiftvatpro.co.uk/contact-us/) and an advisor will call you), and email replies within one business day. Every plan is also covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Can I speak to someone on the phone? Yes. Phone support is included on every plan at no extra cost. [Request a callback](https://www.swiftvatpro.co.uk/contact-us/) on our contact page and an advisor will call you to help with anything, from setting up your account and connecting to HMRC to uploading your figures and submitting your VAT return. You can also use live chat Monday to Saturday, 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM, or email us. Can I cancel at any time? Yes. You can request cancellation from your billing page at any time, and every plan is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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