What You Need to Know
Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is a big step towards simplifying the way self-employed people and landlords handle their taxes. If you’re wondering what this means for you, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
What is MTD for Income Tax?
MTD for Income Tax is part of a government initiative to make tax reporting easier and more accurate. Instead of submitting one annual tax return, you’ll now need to keep digital records and send quarterly tax updates via software. Think of it as breaking your yearly tax responsibilities into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Who does it affect?
This applies to self-employed individuals and landlords earning above certain thresholds:
April 2026: Those with an annual income over £50,000.
April 2027: Extended to those earning over £30,000.
If your income meets these levels, it’s time to start preparing!
What happens if you don’t comply?
Failing to meet MTD requirements could result in penalties, so it’s essential to stay ahead of the deadlines and keep your records up to date.
How does MTD work?
Here’s an example to make it clearer:
Imagine you’re a landlord earning £60,000 annually. Under MTD, you'll need to use software to record your rental income and expenses. Every three months, you’ll send an update to HMRC. At the end of the year, you’ll confirm everything is correct and complete the process. It’s all about staying on top of things bit by bit, rather than scrambling to sort it all out at the last minute.
What are the benefits?
Switching to MTD offers more than just compliance. Here’s what you’ll gain:
Fewer mistakes in your tax reporting
Real-time visibility of your finances
Time-saving tools to manage your taxes with ease
Better control over what you owe, spread out across the year
What do you need to do?
Choose MTD-compatible software to keep your records digitally.
Start sharing quarterly tax updates with HMRC through the software.
Finalize your year-end details as part of the process.
Need help getting started?
It might feel like a big change, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. We can guide you every step of the way, from choosing the right software to understanding your new responsibilities.
Have questions or need expert help? Contact us today for guidance on Making Tax Digital. We’re here to make it simple and stress-free!