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Making Tax Digital (MTD) for ITSA Services
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is changing the way businesses and individuals report income and expenses to HMRC, introducing new requirements and deadlines for many. Under the new rules, eligible taxpayers must keep digital records and submit updates to HMRC using compatible accounting software.
For many sole traders and landlords, MTD will become mandatory from April 2026, with thresholds gradually expanding in the following years.
At Eastfield Accountants, we can help businesses across Norfolk and the UK to prepare for this transition. Mark and Tom provide expert guidance on Making Tax Digital compliance, including software setup, digital record keeping, and quarterly submissions. Whether you are a sole trader, landlord, or SME owner, we ensure you are fully prepared for the new digital reporting requirements.
What is Making Tax Digital for ITSA?
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment is a government initiative designed to modernise the UK tax system by requiring businesses and individuals to keep digital records and submit tax updates using approved software.
If you are affected by MTD, you will need to:
- Maintain digital records of income and expenses
- Submit quarterly updates to HMRC
- Complete an end-of-year tax return through MTD-compatible software
Traditional self-assessment submissions will gradually be replaced by this digital reporting system for those within the MTD framework.
While this represents a major change for many businesses, it also provides an opportunity to improve financial processes and gain better visibility over your finances.
For more details about the Making Tax Digital programme and its rollout timeline, refer to the official HMRC guidance.
Who Needs to Comply with Making Tax Digital?
Making Tax Digital for income tax applies to individuals with self-employment or property income above certain thresholds.
The rollout is occurring in stages:
- April 2022 – MTD for VAT became mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses
- April 2026 – MTD for Income Tax begins for individuals with income above £50,000
- April 2027 – MTD extends to individuals with income above £30,000
- Future date – MTD is expected to expand to those earning above £20,000
Gross income refers to total sales or rental income before expenses are deducted.
This means many sole traders, landlords, and self-employed professionals will need to transition to digital reporting in the coming years.
As experienced Making Tax Digital accountants, we support sole traders, landlords, and growing SMEs across Norfolk and throughout the UK in preparing for these upcoming compliance changes.
Getting ready for MTD
Preparing for Making Tax Digital involves several key steps. Mark and Tom work with businesses to ensure they are fully prepared before the new rules apply.
Review Your Current Accounting Software
Your current accounting software must be MTD compatible. If it is not, you will need to move to a compliant platform before submitting digital updates.
Move to Digital Record Keeping
Businesses must maintain digital records of:
- Income received
- Expenses paid
- Dates of transactions
- Relevant income and expense categories
Digital record-keeping ensures your quarterly updates are generated automatically in your accounting software.
Align Your Processes with Quarterly Reporting
Under MTD, businesses will submit four updates per year rather than relying solely on an annual tax return. Establishing clear financial processes now will make these updates straightforward and efficient.
Recommended Accounting Software for MTD Compliance
Choosing the right accounting software is essential for Making Tax Digital compliance.
At Eastfield Accountants, we typically recommend Xero due to its flexibility, automation features, and user-friendly interface.
Cloud accounting platforms provide several advantages, including:
- Automated bank feeds
- Real-time financial reporting
- Secure digital record storage
- Easy collaboration with your accountant
- Mobile apps for scanning receipts and invoices
Other platforms, such as QuickBooks, are also perfectly suitable depending on the needs of your business.
We can help you select, implement, and configure the most appropriate solution to ensure your business is fully compliant with MTD requirements.
MTD Quarterly Reporting Requirements
One of the most significant changes introduced by MTD is the shift to quarterly updates.
Businesses within MTD will need to submit summaries of their income and expenses every quarter.
MTD for Income Tax (ITSA) Quarterly Deadlines:
| Period | Submission Deadline |
|---|---|
| 6 April – 5 July | 7 August |
| 6 April – 5 October | 7 November |
| 6 April – 5 January | 7 February |
| 6 April – 5 April | 7 May |
These updates are generated automatically from your digital records.
At the end of the tax year, you will submit a final declaration confirming your tax position.
Records Needed for Quarterly Updates
To ensure accurate submissions, businesses should maintain organised digital records including:
- Sales invoices
- Business expense receipts
- Bank statements
- Mileage logs for business travel
- Payroll records (where applicable)
- Rental income and expense records for landlords
Maintaining accurate digital records makes quarterly submissions straightforward and ensures compliance with HMRC’s Making Tax Digital requirements.
You can review HMRC’s official guidance on digital record keeping for further detail.
Benefits of Early Adoption of MTD for ITSA
Although Making Tax Digital introduces new reporting requirements, businesses that prepare early often experience significant operational advantages.
-
Seamless Transition
Businesses that delay preparation may face unnecessary pressure as deadlines approach. Implementing digital accounting systems early allows time to learn the software, train staff, and establish efficient workflows.
-
Enhanced Efficiency
Cloud accounting platforms automate many manual tasks such as transaction categorisation, reconciliation, and reporting. This reduces administrative time and allows business owners to focus on growth.
-
Long-Term Cost Efficiency
Early adoption can lead to long-term efficiencies by reducing manual processes, minimising compliance risks, and improving financial oversight across your business.
-
Regulatory Advantage
Businesses that prepare early will be better positioned to meet HMRC’s new reporting requirements. Under Making Tax Digital, HMRC has introduced a points-based penalty system for late submissions, meaning repeated missed deadlines can lead to financial penalties.
-
Compliance Confidence
By implementing digital record keeping and compatible software early, businesses can ensure they remain compliant and confidently manage upcoming reporting deadlines.
Here’s what our clients say!
How Eastfield Accountants Can Help with MTD Compliance
Transitioning to Making Tax Digital can feel overwhelming without the right guidance.
At Eastfield Accountants, we provide comprehensive support to ensure your business becomes MTD compliant with minimal disruption. Contact Mark or Tom at Eastfield Accountants today to discuss how we can help prepare your business for Making Tax Digital.
Our MTD Compliance Services include
- Assessing whether MTD applies to your business
- Implementing MTD-compatible accounting software
- Setting up digital bookkeeping systems
- Managing quarterly submissions
- Providing ongoing tax planning and compliance advice
Eastfield Accountants supports SMEs, sole traders, and landlords across Norfolk and the UK with practical guidance and reliable accounting services.
SME and Individuals Tax Specialist - Qualified Accounting Technician
Tom Noakes MAAT
I have been working in accountancy for over 12 years. After completing my training and gaining my AAT qualification, I have specialised in sole traders, partnerships, limited companies and Self Assessment for individuals.
Since 2018, I have managed my own portfolio of clients, guiding them through the practical requirements and complexities of HMRC to ensure they remain compliant while making full use of the business structures and tax reliefs available to them.
This now includes advising clients on the introduction and expansion of Making Tax Digital (MTD), helping them transition to compliant digital record-keeping, understand quarterly reporting obligations, and prepare for the evolving MTD requirements for income tax.
I pride myself on being approachable and providing clear, effective advice grounded in a detailed understanding of each client’s business and personal tax affairs. By personally delivering the accountancy and tax services they require, I ensure continuity and consistency. My clients value knowing exactly who is looking after their affairs and being able to communicate with me directly whenever they need support.
Get Help with Making Tax Digital
Tell us a bit about your situation and we’ll be in touch to discuss your MTD requirements and next steps.
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