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Converting a PDF to Acrobat 5 Format for HMRC Submission

 

Overview

When attaching a PDF explanation or accounts document to a tax return submission in BTCSoftware, you may receive an error stating the PDF is incompatible. This is because HMRC's Government Gateway only accepts PDFs saved in Acrobat 5 format (PDF version 1.4) or earlier. PDFs created by modern software are often saved in a newer format and must be converted before they can be attached.

 

⚠ Important: Do not attempt to submit with an incompatible PDF attached — the submission will fail. Convert the PDF to Acrobat 5 format first using the steps below.

 

Step 1 — Download and Install Bullzip PDF Printer

Bullzip PDF Printer is a free tool that converts PDFs to the correct format by reprinting them:

  1. Download Bullzip PDF Printer from: bullzip.com/products/pdf/download.php
  2. Run the installer and keep all options as default.

 

Step 2 — Configure Bullzip for PDF 1.4 Output
  1. Open Bullzip PDF Printer options by searching for Bullzip in the Windows search bar.
  2. On the General tab, set the file name and save location for the converted PDF.
  3. Go to the Document tab.
  4. Set the Document compatibility level to PDF 1.4 (Acrobat 5.x).
  5. Click Apply then OK to close the options.

 

Step 3 — Convert the PDF
  1. Open the original PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  2. Go to File > Print.
  3. Select Bullzip PDF Printer from the list of available printers.
  4. Click Print.
  5. Click Save on the Bullzip window that appears.
  6. The converted PDF will be saved to the location you set in Step 2.

 

Step 4 — Attach the Converted PDF in BTCSoftware
  1. Return to your CT or SA return in BTCSoftware.
  2. Remove the original incompatible PDF attachment.
  3. Attach the newly converted PDF from the location you specified in Step 2.
  4. Proceed with the submission.

 

✔ Tip: Once Bullzip is configured with the PDF 1.4 setting, it will remember your settings for future conversions. Keep it installed on any machine used for HMRC submissions.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Bullzip free to use?

A: Yes — Bullzip PDF Printer is free for personal and commercial use.

Q: Can I use Adobe Acrobat Pro instead of Bullzip?

A: Yes. In Acrobat Pro go to File > Save As > Reduced Size PDF and select Acrobat 5 compatibility. Bullzip is recommended as it is free and widely available.

Q: The converted PDF is still being rejected — what should I check?

A: Open the converted PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader, go to File > Properties > Description and check the PDF version shown is 1.4. If it is higher, repeat the conversion and ensure the Document compatibility level in Bullzip is set to PDF 1.4 before converting.