Bridging Software Providers Handle Client Data - Are They Secure?

How Data Moves Between You, Your Bridging Software Provider & HMRC

Bridging software providers send client VAT Return data over the internet to HMRC, via their servers, even if the user is filing a VAT Return from a desktop Excel file on their own computer. Data to be filed goes to bridging software providers’ computers first, as HMRC only accepts data from pre-agreed internet addresses provided by HMRC-recognised software vendors or developers. So data does not go directly from you to HMRC, it must go via the bridging software provider. The only exception to that is if you have become a software developer yourself and agreed with HMRC for the VAT data to come from your own nominated IP number or url - only large businesses and Big 4 accountancy firms are likely to do that. HMRC does not undertake IT security due diligence on software vendors but expects accountants and others to undertake their own checks. We expect that many of the recently popped-up bridging software providers have no such accreditations, as we weren't able to find any on the websites we reviewed.

Your Bridging Software Provider

 Do you know if your current bridging software provider adheres to best-practice in information security management processes and procedures? Accountants in public practice bear responsibility for keeping client data confidential. Accountants are advised to undertake basic IT security due diligence checks on third parties that receive or store client data, such as bridging software providers.

123 Sheets are ISO 27001 (Information Security Management Systems) Accredited

It is likely that 123 Sheets is one of a handful of bridging software providers that are IS0 27001 certified (Information Security Management Systems). 123 Sheets has also been certified on the UK government's flagship cyber security certification programmes: Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. 123 Sheets takes data security very seriously.

Accountants can review and demo our software for free by clicking on this link: Bridging Software