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HMRC recognition

HMRC recognised software that protects your filings.

HMRC recognition confirms Clear Books meets the technical and compliance standards required for digital record keeping and online filing across MTD for Income Tax, MTD for VAT, RTI for PAYE, and CIS.

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HMRC recognised official recognition mark
Our HMRC recognition reference

Reference: 4TLCTU

Look up Clear Books on HMRC's official list of Making Tax Digital compatible software.

Find us on GOV.UK →
Why it matters

HMRC recognition protects your tax filings.

You can't file directly to HMRC without it. Recognition is HMRC's confirmation that a piece of software has been built, tested and audited against their technical standards for digital filing. In practice, that means fewer rejected submissions, fewer missed deadlines and a clear audit trail behind every return.

Read our MTD guide →
  • Direct, secure filing Submissions go straight to HMRC via secure digital links, no manual uploads, no copy-paste.
  • Stay compliant with MTD & PAYE Built to HMRC's published technical standards for digital record keeping and online filing.
  • Submissions HMRC accept Filing through recognised software means your returns reach HMRC in the format they require.
  • Proven, audit-trailed records Every submission is logged so you can prove your records were filed using authorised systems.
What we're recognised for

Four filing routes. One platform.

The four HMRC filing routes UK businesses, landlords and accountants actually need, all in one place.

MTD for Income Tax

Recognised since 14 February 2025. For landlords, sole traders, accountants and bookkeepers.

  • Keep digital records
  • Send quarterly updates
  • Submit the end-of-year MTD Tax Return
  • Covers employment, self-employment, property, savings & investments

MTD for VAT

Recognised since 2019. For VAT-registered businesses of any size.

  • Maintain digital links from invoice to return
  • File VAT submissions directly to HMRC
  • Standard, flat rate, cash and Domestic Reverse Charge schemes
  • Imported services reverse charge supported

RTI for PAYE

Clear Books Payroll is HMRC recognised for PAYE submissions, so your payroll lands with HMRC securely and on time.

  • File FPS and EPS returns via RTI, direct to HMRC
  • Automate PAYE and National Insurance calculations
  • Provide payslips to employees

Construction Industry Scheme

Clear Books supports CIS submissions and subcontractor verification direct to HMRC.

  • Prepare and file CIS returns to HMRC
  • Manage subcontractor verification
  • Track deductions and produce payment statements
  • Offset with payroll if you also use Clear Books Payroll
Built for HMRC standards

Every submission, secured.

Recognition isn't a one-off badge. It's the standard every submission is held to, every quarter, every return, every year.

End-to-end digital links

Data flows from your invoices and bank feeds through to the submission without re-keying, exactly as HMRC require.

Bank-grade encryption

Submissions are protected in transit and at rest, using the same standards expected of regulated financial services.

Full audit trails

Every submission is logged with a timestamp and reference, so you can prove what was filed, when and from where.

Regulated business

FCA registered, firm reference 843585.

Clear Books is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. Recognition by HMRC and registration by the FCA are independent, together they cover the technical and regulatory standards behind your filings.

Common questions

HMRC recognition, FAQ.

What does "HMRC recognised" actually mean?
It means HMRC has confirmed the software meets their technical and compliance standards for digital record keeping and online filing. Only recognised software can file submissions directly to HMRC's systems.
How can I verify Clear Books is recognised?
Our recognition reference is 4TLCTU. You can look us up on HMRC's official GOV.UK register of Making Tax Digital software using the link further up the page.
Are you recognised for both Income Tax and VAT?
Yes. MTD for VAT has been recognised since 2019, and MTD for Income Tax has been recognised since 14 February 2025.
Does the free MTD plan use the same recognised systems?
Yes, the free plan files to HMRC using the same recognised pipeline as our paid plans. The only differences are around support channels and advanced features.
What about CIS and PAYE?
Clear Books is HMRC recognised for CIS submissions and subcontractor verification, and Clear Books Payroll is recognised for RTI PAYE submissions (FPS and EPS).
Ready to file with confidence?

Recognised filing, for businesses and accountants.

Thousands of UK businesses and accountants use Clear Books to stay compliant across VAT, PAYE, CIS and MTD for Income Tax.

Try for free → For accountants & bookkeepers