Will your business be ready on time?
If you’re a business owner, you’re probably familiar with the words “Making Tax Digital” or MTD. MTD aims to reduce the tax gap and bring the tax system closer to real-time. It will require businesses and individuals to maintain digital records and submit quarterly updates each quarter using MTD compatible software.
As well as saving you time and reducing the potential for data entry errors, it will mean that your tax bills are more accurate (so no huge surprises at the end of the tax year!)
MTD for VAT was introduced for all VAT-registered businesses in April 2022. Now the government is rolling out MTD for Income Tax.
The countdown for MTD for Income Tax has begun.
We are now less than 12 months from the first MTD for Income Tax deadline, so it’s time to start preparing. You need to be clear on when MTD applies to you and ensure you are registered and have the right software in place.
Don’t leave these things until the last minute. You can avoid a lot of stress and iron out any teething problems. Though there may be some grace from HMRC during the initial transition, we know from experience that missing deadlines attracts fines and penalties.
To help you prepare, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we’re receiving from business owners about MTD for Income Tax.
- How is the self-assessment tax return changing?
Under MTD for Income Tax, self-employed people and landlords will be required to submit summary updates of income and expenses to HMRC every quarter. This change is not relevant to those who have self-employed income in addition to employed income. At the end of the tax year, when you would normally submit your self-assessment tax return, you will submit a ‘Final Declaration’ to confirm your end-of-year position for tax. This will determine the tax you owe to HMRC.
- When will MTD for Income Tax apply to me?
That depends on your income. MTD is being rolled out over the next three tax years in phases, based on qualifying income. Here’s a summary of when you’ll be required to follow the requirements for MTD:
- From 6 April 2026, if you’re self-employed or a landlord with an annual business or property income of more than £50,000 (based on 2024/25 earnings)
- From April 2027, if you’re self-employed or a landlord with an annual business or property income of more than £30,000 (based on 2025/26 earnings)
- From April 2028, if you’re self-employed or a landlord with an annual business or property income of more than £20,000 (based on 2026/27 earnings)
Beyond April 2028, we don’t know what changes HMRC will make and whether MTD for Income Tax will roll out to those earning less than £20,000.
We will be reaching out shortly to those clients who need to be registered by April 2026.
- Why do I need to have compatible software to be able to file MTD?
MTD-compatible software will allow you to keep digital records and make submissions to HMRC electronically. There are lots of benefits to using accountancy software (as opposed to spreadsheets or paper records), including streamlining your invoicing processes, tracking expenses and real-time reporting.
The purpose of MTD is to be able to share your data digitally, which means HMRC will have an accurate record of your income in real-time.
- Which accountancy software should I be using?
There are lots of accountancy software providers to choose from including Xero, FreeAgent and Quickbooks. If you’re not sure which one to use, speak to fellow business owners or your accountant. They all have their benefits and flaws – it’s about finding the right one which suits the needs of your business and how you like to work. Also, take a look at apps which integrate with each software – these can save you time through automation as well as give you more insights.
- I already use accountancy software, will it automatically update?
We work with the majority of software providers across our portfolio of clients. From what we’ve seen, they are already well ahead of the game and starting to communicate the associated changes with users. There may be some updates you need to apply to your account to ensure your data can be sent to HMRC. Speak with your software provider or accountant is you have any questions.
- How much will MTD cost and will I see any financial benefit?
Naturally, business owners are concerned that MTD will take up more time on admin and increase their accountancy costs. The aim of MTD is to help business owners manage their cash flow and tax liability ore effectively and reduce business admin.
By using MTD-compatible software, you’ll be able to submit your quarterly updates to HMRC by the touch of a button. It’s simply taking the data that’s already in your account.
If you would prefer your accountant to manage your quarterly updates, there may be an additional cost for them to do this. It may alleviate the stress from managing the updates yourself and making sure you meet the required deadlines.
We think MTD is a great opportunity for business owners to get closer to the numbers and manage their budgets in real-time.
MTD for Income Tax is best looked upon as an opportunity to do things better and to reduce business admin overall. Better insight/accuracy on ongoing cash flow and tax situations – better budgeting and forecasting
Have we answered your question?
If your question about MTD for Income Tax hasn’t been answered, we’d be happy to hear from you. Send Gillian an email at gillian@accountingclarkes.co.uk. You can also connect with Gillian on LinkedIn here.