Making Tax Digital (MTD) is coming — whether we like it or not. And while it may not be as exciting as a holiday or a surprise tax rebate (yes, they do exist), getting MTD-ready doesn’t have to be painful.
With Making Tax Digital coming in only 9 months time, here’s your quick & simple checklist to help you plan ahead— and avoid last-minute panic.
1. Know Your MTD Deadline
When do you need to comply?
If you’re self-employed or a landlord with income over £50,000, MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) kicks in from April 2026. If your income is over £30,000, it’ll apply from April 2027. If your income is over £20,000 it’ll apply from April 2028. These amounts are the gross amounts (ie turnover not after expenses)
Don’t know your income bracket off the top of your head? Time to peek at last year’s numbers!
2. Ditch the Shoebox (Go Digital)
Still keeping receipts in a drawer, glove box, or old biscuit tin? Time to switch.
You’ll need to keep digital records of your income and expenses. That means using compatible software — no more scribbles on scraps of paper.
We can help you choose MTD-approved software that’s easy to use.
3. Sign Up for MTD (Yes, You Need to Tell HMRC)
You don’t get automatically enrolled — you need to sign up through your Government Gateway account.
Not sure what your login is? We’ve seen it all — lost passwords, expired codes, forgotten usernames. We can help you sort it. If you are a client of ours and need to be in MTD we will do it for you like magic fairies.
4. Choose Your Software Wisely
Spreadsheets might be your comfort zone, but they won’t cut it on their own (unless they’re hooked up to bridging software).
Look for MTD-compatible software. Our go to is Xero.
5. Set Up a Routine for Keeping Records
MTD means quarterly updates – yep, you’ll be reporting to HMRC every 3 months, not once a year.
Set up a simple system to:
- Log income and expenses regularly
- Reconcile your accounts
- Check everything’s accurate before each submission
Staying on top of your finances can actually help you make better business decisions and give you an idea of your next tax bill too!
6. Get Support if You Need It (That’s What We’re Here For)
Not a fan of numbers? Confused by tech? You don’t have to do this alone.
We help self-employed people and landlords get fully MTD-ready — without the stress, jargon, or spreadsheet-induced headaches.
Let’s make this easy.
Book a free chat with our team and we’ll walk you through everything — from software setup to submission.
Our talent is tax and yours is your business. Book your free discovery call today by clicking here.
