MTD VAT or IT Bridging

Acxite is HMRC-recognised software designed to help businesses and accounting professionals manage records and submit tax returns. In addition to its full accounting solution, Acxite also provides a Bridging solution for users who maintain their records in spreadsheets but still need to submit their returns through Making Tax Digital (MTD).

The Bridging solution allows you to upload values from Excel or CSV files and submit them directly to HMRC without moving your entire bookkeeping process into accounting software.

This guide explains how to enable Bridging in Acxite and how to connect your account to HMRC.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure the following have been completed:

  • HMRC Connection: Your Acxite account must be connected to HMRC for MTD. Please refer to the following article: Connect Acxite to HMRC.
  • Business Settings: In your Acxite business configuration (Business Configuration > Business Details), your Tax Status must be set to Registered.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA must be enabled on your Acxite user profile for security before submitting to HMRC. Please refer to the following article: Set up Two-Factor Authentication.

How to Enable the MTD Bridging Feature

Follow these steps to enable the Bridging solution in Acxite.

Step 1 – From the Acxite dashboard, click the gear icon.

Step 2 – Select Add New Business.

Step 3 – Complete the business setup form by entering the following information:

  • Country — Select the country where the business operates.
  • Business Type — Choose from Limited Company, Not for Profit, Partnership, or Others.

Note: If you plan to use Acxite for Income Tax Bridging, select Individual / Sole Trader.

Step 4 – Click Next, then choose the Solution Type (MTD VAT Bridging, MTD Income Tax Bridging, Pro Accounting)

Step 5 – Click Next and enter the Business or Person Details (including Business Name, Business Currency, Tax Year Start Date, Contact Number)

Step 6 – Enter your VAT/GST Registration Number.

Note: If you selected MTD Income Tax Bridging, enter your National Insurance Number instead.

Step 7 – Click Connect Now to proceed.

Note: Bridging is only available when VAT Bridging or Income Tax Bridging is selected. It cannot be enabled for Simple or Pro Accounting solutions.

Accessing the Bridging Dashboard

After completing the Add Business process and selecting the Bridging solution, Acxite will redirect you to the relevant reporting screen:

  • Income Tax Summary (for Income Tax Bridging)
  • VAT Summary (for VAT Bridging)

These screens allow you to retrieve HMRC obligations, enter figures manually, or upload values from a spreadsheet.

Connect Your Acxite Account to HMRC for Income Tax Bridging

Follow these steps to connect your account for Income Tax submissions.

Step 1 – Click the ‘Connect to HMRC’ button on the top right.

Step 2 – Enter your National Insurance Number in the dialogue box.

Step 3 – Click Connect.

Step 4 – Complete the HMRC authentication using the User ID and Password linked to your National Insurance account.

Step 5 – Once the connection is successful, Acxite will automatically retrieve your obligations from HMRC.

Step 6 -Click the file icon for the obligation you want to submit.

Step 6 – On the tax return page, enter values in the tax boxes manually or upload an Excel or CSV file.

Note: Manual entry is available only in Bridging solutions. It is not supported in Simple or Pro Accounting.

Step 7 – Review the information and click Submit to HMRC.

Connect Your Acxite Account to HMRC for VAT Bridging

Follow these steps to submit VAT returns using the Bridging solution.

Step 1 – Click the ‘Connect to HMRC’ button on the top right.

Step 2 – Enter your VAT Registration Numberin the dialogue box.

Step 3 – Click Connect.

Step 4 – Complete the HMRC authentication using the User ID and Password linked to your National Insurance account.

Step 5 – Once the connection is successful, Acxite will automatically retrieve your obligations from HMRC.

Step 6 -Click the File Icon for the obligation you want to submit.

Step 6 – On the tax return page, enter values in the tax boxes manually or upload an Excel or CSV file.

Note: Manual entry is available only in Bridging solutions. It is not supported in Simple or Pro Accounting.

Step 7 – Review the information and click Submit to HMRC.

Related Articles 

  • Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
  • MTD Income Tax Submission
  • MTD VAT Submission

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bridging feature in Acxite?

The Bridging feature allows users to submit VAT or Income Tax data to HMRC while keeping their financial records in spreadsheets. Instead of maintaining full accounting records inside the software, you can upload values from Excel or CSV files and submit them digitally through Acxite.

Can I enter tax values manually instead of uploading a spreadsheet?

Yes. Manual entry is available within the Bridging solution. You can enter the values directly into the tax boxes on the VAT Summary or Income Tax Summary screen.

What file formats can be uploaded for Bridging submissions?

Acxite supports spreadsheet uploads in Excel (XLSX) or CSV format. These files should contain the values required for the relevant tax boxes before submission.

Why are my HMRC obligations not appearing after connection?

In most cases, obligations appear automatically once the HMRC connection is successful. If they do not appear, check that the correct VAT Registration Number or National Insurance Number has been entered and that the HMRC connection has been completed.