Making Tax Digital, handled for you
Digital records, quarterly updates and the final declaration, all set up and submitted by a registered HMRC agent so that nothing is missed.
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is the biggest change in a generation to how the self-employed and landlords report to HMRC. Instead of one tax return a year, you keep digital records and send HMRC an update every quarter. It already applies to every VAT-registered business, and from April 2026 it reaches sole traders and landlords in stages. We make it routine: we choose and set up the software, keep your records compliant and make every submission on your behalf.
Who this is for
- Sole traders
- Landlords with rental income
- VAT-registered businesses
- Partnerships, from a later date
- Anyone unsure whether they are in scope
When it applies
| From | Who must comply |
|---|---|
| Already in force | All VAT-registered businesses (MTD for VAT) |
| 6 April 2026 | Sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 |
| 6 April 2027 | Qualifying income over £30,000 |
| 6 April 2028 | Qualifying income over £20,000 |
Qualifying income is your gross self-employment and property income combined, before expenses, as shown on your tax return two years earlier. Quarterly updates are due on 7 August, 7 November, 7 February and 7 May. Tax payment dates do not change.
What is included
- A check of your qualifying income and written confirmation of your start date
- Set-up on HMRC-recognised software such as Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent or Sage, or bridging software if you prefer spreadsheets
- Bank feeds and receipt capture so your records are digital from day one
- Four quarterly updates a year, reviewed and submitted by us as your registered HMRC agent
- The year-end final declaration, with allowances and reliefs applied
- A quarterly snapshot of profit and tax to date, so January is never a surprise
- MTD for VAT returns for VAT-registered clients
Simple to start, simple to keep going.
We start with a short review of your last tax return to confirm whether and when MTD applies to you. We then set up the software, connect your bank and show you the one or two habits that keep records clean. From there we own the deadlines: you receive a reminder before each quarter end, we review the figures and submit the update, and at the year end we complete the final declaration.
Does MTD mean I pay tax quarterly?
No. The quarterly updates are summaries of income and expenses. Tax is still paid on 31 January and 31 July as now.
What counts as qualifying income?
Your total gross income from self-employment and property, added together, before any expenses. A landlord with £35,000 of rent and a sole trader with £20,000 of sales would be over the £50,000 threshold.
I run a limited company. Am I affected?
Not for corporation tax, where no start date has been set. Directors are only affected if they also have self-employment or rental income above the threshold.
Can I keep using spreadsheets?
Yes, with bridging software that links the spreadsheet to HMRC. For most clients proper bookkeeping software is cheaper in time and gives better information, and we will recommend what suits you.
What happens if I miss a quarterly update?
HMRC uses a points system: each late submission earns a point, and a £200 penalty applies once you reach the threshold. Because we diarise and submit every update, our clients should never get there.
Often paired with making tax digital
Accounts & bookkeeping
Year-end accounts, management accounts and tidy books kept up to date, so you always know where you stand.
Find out moreTax returns & VAT
Self assessment, corporation tax and VAT returns filed accurately and on time, with the reliefs you are entitled to.
Find out morePayroll & CIS
Payroll, pensions auto-enrolment and RTI for your staff, plus CIS returns and statements for your subcontractors.
Find out moreThinking of switching accountant? It is easier than you think.
Tell us a little about your business and we will come back to you within one working day with how we can help and what it will cost. Or speak directly to Craig, our senior partner, on 07949 534119.