From April 2026, Making Tax Digital (MTD) will apply to individuals with gross income over £50,000 from self-employment, property, or a combination of both.

For those affected, this marks a shift in how tax is reported. Instead of one annual submission, you’ll be required to keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC throughout the year.

The first of those updates will cover the period from 6 April to 5 July 2026, with a submission deadline of 7 August 2026.

For many, it’s not the concept that causes concern. It’s the practical reality.
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More frequent deadlines. New processes. And, for some, the expectation of moving onto unfamiliar software.

A More Practical Way to Approach MTD
Over the past few months, we’ve spent time looking at what this really means for our clients. Not just in theory, but in day-to-day terms. And the conclusion is simple.

Not everyone needs a full bookkeeping system to stay compliant.

If you’re a sole trader with relatively straightforward income, or a landlord with one or two properties, the move to complex accounting software can feel unnecessary. In many cases, it adds time, but it saves money.

That’s why we focused on finding a solution that keeps things simple, without cutting corners on compliance.

Introducing MTD Assist
MTD Assist has been designed for clients who want a straightforward, low-maintenance way to meet the new requirements.

Rather than asking you to change everything, it allows youto continue working in a way that already feels familiar.

You record your income and expenses in a structured Excel spreadsheet. The spreadsheet then links to the compliant bridging software, which connects directly to HMRC. This means your figures can be submitted digitally, as required, without needing to move onto a full accounting system.

In practical terms, it keeps the process clear and manageable. No steep learning curve. No unnecessary complexity. Just a compliant way of working that fits around you.

We also provide a quarterly reminder service, so you know exactly when submissions are due and nothing gets missed.

Who It’s For
MTD Assist is particularly suited to those who want to keep things simple.

· Clients who don’t have large volumes of transactions.

· Landlords managing a small portfolio.

· Sole Trader who prefer clarity over complexity.

It’s about choosing the right level of support for your situation, rather than defaulting to a one-size-fits-all solution.

Staying Compliant Matters
While the process can be simplified, the requirements themselves are not optional.

HMRC is placing increasing emphasis on digital compliance, and penalties will apply where obligations are not met. Initially these may be relatively small, but they can build over time with repeated missed deadlines or ongoing issues.

Late submissions may also lead to interest being charged on outstanding tax, and inaccurate or incomplete records can result in further HMRC enquiries.

The key is consistency. Keeping records up to date and submitting on time removes the risk and keeps everything running smoothly.

Keeping Things Simple, But Done Properly
That balance is exactly what MTD Assist is designed to achieve.

It ensures your records are maintained in a compliant format, your submissions are made correctly, and you’re supported throughout the process, without adding unnecessary layers of complexity to your day-to-day.

For many of our clients, that’s the difference between MTD feeling like a burden and it simply becoming part of the routine.

For Existing Clients and Those Looking to Work With Us
MTD Assist has been built specifically for our clients who will be impactedby these changes.

If you’re already working with us, we’ll guide you through whether this approach is right for you and support you with the setup.

If you’re not currently a client but are looking for a straightforward way to deal with MTD, we’d be happy to talk. We’ll take the time to understand your situation and outline the best approach, whether that’s MTD Assist or an alternative solution.

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