Free tool
Is your device safe for VAT filing?
A general guide based on NCSC and HMRC guidance.
The risks that matter on any device
- Out-of-date software: updates fix known security holes. An old phone or computer that no longer gets updates is a real risk.
- No screen lock: anyone who picks up the device can open your email, and with it reset your passwords.
- Shared devices: a family tablet or shared office computer may keep you signed in, save your passwords or keep downloaded VAT files.
- Public Wi-Fi: use your home or work network, or your phone's mobile data, rather than open Wi-Fi in cafes and stations.
- Fake sign-in pages: links in unexpected emails or texts can lead to copies of HMRC's site. Type the address yourself.
Safe steps for each device
| Device | Steps that matter most |
|---|---|
| Computer | Turn on automatic updates, use a separate user account for each person, and lock the screen when you step away |
| Phone | Use a PIN, fingerprint or face lock, keep the phone updated, and install apps only from the official app store |
| Tablet | Do not file from a tablet the whole family shares, or sign out and clear saved passwords after filing |
Signing in safely
- Use a strong, unique password for your VAT software, and a password manager to keep track.
- Turn on two-step sign-in wherever it is offered, starting with your email account.
- Sign in to HMRC on HMRC's own page. Good VAT software sends you there and never asks for your Government Gateway password itself.
- Never share your Government Gateway password, even with staff or an adviser. Accountants should use their own agent services account.
- Sign out when you finish, especially on a shared device.
Looking after your VAT files
- Keep your records in one place you control, with a backup somewhere other than the device. HMRC expects you to keep VAT records for 6 years.
- Delete downloaded copies from shared devices once you have saved them properly.
- Share files with your accountant through a secure link rather than as email attachments where you can.
For more on choosing software you can trust, see is cloud MTD VAT software safe.
Filing from any device with Swift VAT Pro
Swift VAT Pro runs in your web browser, so you can file from a computer, tablet or phone with nothing to install. You connect on HMRC's own page, so Swift VAT Pro never sees your Government Gateway password, and every page runs over https. Your records stay in your own spreadsheet.
File from any device, with nothing to install, from £5 a month
Swift VAT Pro runs in your web browser on a computer, tablet or phone. Your records stay in your own spreadsheet.
- Connect to HMRC on HMRC's own page with your Government Gateway sign-in. We never see that password.
- See your VAT periods, due dates, amounts owed and payments, read from HMRC.
- Upload your nine box totals as a CSV. Box 3 and Box 5 are worked out and every box is checked.
- Submit and keep HMRC's receipt. Reminder emails arrive before each due date.
No card needed · From £5 a month · Plans for up to 100 businesses · Filing through HMRC's MTD service since 2019
Final thoughts
The device matters less than how you use it. Keep it updated and locked, avoid public Wi-Fi and shared devices, sign in through HMRC's own page, and you can file safely from anywhere.
Disclaimer: This guide gives general information, not advice for your business. If you are unsure how the rules apply to you, speak to an accountant or contact HMRC.
Frequently asked questions
Checked against the NCSC Small Business Guide, HMRC guidance on suspicious emails and VAT Notice 700/21. November 2026.
Is it safe to file VAT from a phone?
Should I file VAT on public Wi-Fi?
Is a shared family computer safe for VAT filing?
Should VAT software ask for my Government Gateway password?
How long should I keep VAT records?
File from any device, with nothing to install, from £5 a month.
Swift VAT Pro files your return to HMRC from the spreadsheet you already keep. From £5 a month.
No card needed · 2,900+ VAT returns filed since 2019