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Installing the MTD VAT Excel Add-In

Michaela Greene
  • Updated

 

Overview

The BrightTax MTD VAT Excel Add-In allows you to prepare a VAT return in Microsoft Excel and submit the figures directly to BrightTax for MTD submission to HMRC. This is particularly useful for clients who maintain their bookkeeping records in Excel spreadsheets.

 

⚠ Important: The MTD VAT Excel Add-In requires a Windows PC and a desktop installation of Microsoft Excel. It is not compatible with Excel for Mac, Excel Online, or Google Sheets.

 

Before You Begin
  • You must be using a Windows PC.
  • Microsoft Excel (desktop version) must be installed.
  • You must have administrator rights on the PC to install the add-in.
  • BrightTax must be accessible and your client must be set up with a VAT number and active HMRC authorisation.

 

Step 1 — Download the Add-In
  1. Log in to BrightTax.
  2. Navigate to the VAT dashboard page within BrightTax.
  3. Locate the MTD VAT Add-In download link on the VAT dashboard.
  4. Download the installer file to your PC.

 

✔ Tip: The download link is available directly from the BrightTax VAT dashboard — always download from here to ensure you have the latest version of the add-in.

 

Step 2 — Install the Add-In
  1. Locate the downloaded installer file on your PC.
  2. Run the installer by double-clicking it.
  3. Follow the on-screen installation steps, keeping all default options.
  4. Once installation is complete, open Microsoft Excel.
  5. The BrightTax MTD VAT add-in should now appear as a tab in the Excel ribbon under Add-ins.

 

Step 3 — Use the Add-In to Submit VAT Data
  1. Open your VAT workbook in Excel.
  2. Click the Add-ins tab in the Excel ribbon.
  3. Select the BrightTax MTD option.
  4. Follow the prompts to connect to BrightTax and select the relevant client and obligation period.
  5. Map the VAT box figures from your spreadsheet to the 9 VAT boxes.
  6. Submit the data to BrightTax — the figures will populate the open obligation ready for review and submission to HMRC.

 

Troubleshooting

The add-in tab is not appearing in Excel after installation

The add-in may have been disabled by Excel. To re-enable it:

  1. Open Microsoft Excel.
  2. Go to File > More > Options (or File > Options on some versions).
  3. Click Add-ins from the left-hand menu.
  4. At the bottom of the screen, ensure the Manage dropdown shows COM Add-ins and click Go.
  5. In the list, ensure BTC MTD Solution is ticked.
  6. Click OK. The add-in tab should now appear in the Excel ribbon.
  7. If it still does not appear, restart Excel and check again.

 

The installer will not run

  • Confirm you have administrator rights on the PC. Right-click the installer file and select Run as administrator.
  • Check that your antivirus software is not blocking the installation.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to reinstall the add-in when BrightTax is updated?

A: The add-in may need to be updated periodically as BrightTax releases new versions. Check the BrightTax VAT dashboard for the latest download link and reinstall if prompted.

Q: Can I use the add-in on multiple PCs?

A: Yes. Install the add-in on each PC where it is needed. Each installation uses the same download from the BrightTax VAT dashboard.

Q: Is the add-in compatible with Office 365?

A: Yes, provided you are using the desktop version of Excel installed via Office 365. The web-based Excel Online version is not supported.

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