BrightTax can import self-employment accounts data directly from your accounting software into the self-employment section of an Individual Tax Return. The import reads SNF (Simple Name Format) data — a standard plain-text format supported by VT Transaction+, VT Final Accounts, Sage, Iris, and other UK accounts packages.

There are two ways to import SNF data, depending on your preferred workflow:

Both import methods work with any software that exports data in SNF format, including:

• The client's Individual Tax Return must already exist in BrightTax for the 2026/27 tax year.
• The Self-Employment (SA103) section must be included on the return — add it via Summary > What Makes Up the Tax Return if not already present.
• You must be in Edit mode — the import option is not available in read-only mode.
• SNF import supports sole trader self-employment data (SA103) only. Partnership accounts import (SA800TP) will be available in a future update.

Use this method if you prefer to download the SNF file from your accounts software before importing.

Step 1 — Export the SNF File from Your Accounts Software

1. Open the client's accounts in your software.
2. Go to File > Export and select SNF file as the export format.
3. Save the file to a location you can easily access.

Step 2 — Import into BrightTax

1. Open the client's Individual Tax Return in BrightTax and switch to Edit mode.
2. Navigate to the Self-Employment (SA103) section.
3. Click Import SNF File.
4. Browse to your saved SNF file and click Upload.
5. BrightTax will display a preview of the mapped self-employment figures.
6. Review the preview against your accounts — check for any warnings flagged by BrightTax.
7. Click Confirm and Apply. The figures populate the SA103 section automatically.

The fastest route. No file download required — copy from your accounts software and paste directly into BrightTax.

Step 1 — Copy the SNF Data from Your Accounts Software

1. Open the client's accounts in your software.
2. Use the Copy to Clipboard or Copy SNF Data option — the exact label varies by software but look for a VT or SNF copy option.
3. The accounts data is now on your clipboard.

Step 2 — Paste into BrightTax

1. Open the client's Individual Tax Return in BrightTax and switch to Edit mode.
2. Navigate to the Self-Employment (SA103) section.
3. Click Import from Clipboard (or Paste SNF Data — the label may vary).
4. Paste the copied data using Ctrl+V or right-click > Paste.
5. BrightTax will display a preview of the mapped self-employment figures.
6. Review the preview and any warnings.
7. Click Confirm and Apply.

Both import methods show a preview of the mapped figures before applying them to the return. BrightTax maps the imported data to the corresponding SA103 fields — turnover, expenses, and profit — and displays any warnings where:

• Data conflicts exist — figures have already been entered in the SA103 section and differ from the imported data.
• Mapping gaps — certain fields in the SNF data could not be automatically mapped to an SA103 field.

When a warning appears, review it before confirming. Proceeding with the import will overwrite any existing SA103 data with the imported figures.

The import option is not appearing

• Confirm you are in Edit mode — switch using the toggle in the bottom-left corner of the return.
• Confirm the SA103 self-employment section is included on the return — add it via Summary > What Makes Up the Tax Return.
• Confirm the return is for the 2026/27 tax year — SNF import is not available for earlier tax years.

The file upload is being rejected

• Confirm the file is in SNF format (plain text, tab-delimited) — not a PDF, CSV, or other format.
• Check the file size — SNF files must be under 1MB. If the file is larger, check whether your accounts software has created an unusually large export and contact support.

The clipboard paste is not working

• Ensure you used the SNF or VT copy option in your accounts software — copying from a regular screen or PDF will not produce valid SNF data.
• Try copying again from your accounts software and pasting immediately into BrightTax without copying anything else in between.

The imported figures do not match my accounts

• Review the SNF file or clipboard data in the preview carefully before confirming.
• If figures appear incorrect, cancel the import, re-export or re-copy from your accounts software, and try again.
• Contact BrightTax support via the help widget if the issue persists.

Q: Which method should I use — file or clipboard?

A: Either works. Clipboard is faster — no file download needed. File import is useful if you want to save a local copy of the SNF export, or if your workflow involves downloading files before processing.

Q: I used SNF import in BTC Software — is it the same in BrightTax?

A: Yes. The SNF parser and SA103 mapping engine in BrightTax are the same as those used in BTC Software. The process and results are identical.

Q: Does Sage support SNF export?

A: Yes. Sage and Iris both support SNF format export, in addition to VT Transaction+ and VT Final Accounts. Check your software's export or copy options for SNF or VT format.

Q: What happens if I import over figures I have already entered manually?

A: BrightTax will display a conflict warning at the preview stage. Review both sets of figures before confirming — the import will overwrite existing SA103 data when confirmed.

Q: Can I import SNF data for a partnership return?

A: Not yet. SNF import supports sole trader self-employment (SA103) only in this release. Partnership SNF import (SA800TP) will be available in a future update.

Q: Is there a file size limit for the SNF file?

A: Yes — the SNF file must be under 1MB. Standard SNF exports from accounts software are well within this limit.