Making Tax Digital (MTD): A Complete Guide for Businesses and How Accountants Can Help

Chris White • December 29, 2024

Making Tax Digital: What It Means for You and How to Prepare

Making Tax Digital (MTD) represents one of the biggest shifts in UK tax reporting in decades. Starting from April 2026, businesses and landlords will be required to adopt new digital processes for tax reporting. This guide will help you understand what MTD is, how to prepare, and how accountants and bookkeepers can support you every step of the way.

What is Making Tax Digital (MTD)?

MTD is a government initiative aimed at modernizing the UK tax system. By keeping digital records and submitting updates to HMRC through approved software, MTD aims to:

Reduce errors caused by manual record-keeping.
Provide real-time tax insights to help businesses manage their finances.
Simplify the tax return process.

Who Does MTD Apply To?

From April 2026, self-employed individuals and landlords with a turnover exceeding £50,000 will be required to comply.
In April 2027, the threshold will lower to £30,000.
Voluntary participation is open to anyone, regardless of turnover, if they meet the technical requirements.

How MTD Works

Digital Record-Keeping: Use MTD-compliant software to record all income and expenses in real-time.
Quarterly Updates: Submit summaries of income and expenses to HMRC every three months.
Year-End Declaration: Finalize your accounts and adjust for any claims, reliefs, or corrections before submitting a simplified year-end declaration.

How Bookkeepers and Accountants Can Help

1. Software Selection and Setup
Accountants and bookkeepers can help you choose the right MTD-compliant software for your business needs, whether it’s a cloud-based solution, bridging software, or tools that integrate with spreadsheets. They’ll also set up the software and train you on its use.

2. Maintaining Accurate Digital Records
Transitioning to digital records can be daunting. Bookkeepers can take the lead in recording your transactions and ensuring compliance with HMRC’s requirements.

3. Quarterly Submissions
Quarterly updates may seem overwhelming, but your accountant can manage these submissions on your behalf, ensuring your figures are accurate and submitted on time.

4. End-of-Year Adjustments
Your accountant will handle any adjustments for reliefs, claims, or corrections and prepare your final declaration to HMRC, streamlining the tax filing process.

5. Guidance on Compliance and Thresholds
Accountants can review your financials to determine if you’ll exceed the turnover thresholds and ensure you’re prepared to comply. They can also assist in applying for exemptions if you qualify.

Benefits of MTD for Businesses

Reduced Errors: Digital processes minimize mistakes often caused by manual calculations.
Improved Financial Insights: Real-time tracking of income and expenses helps with better business planning.
Streamlined Processes: Quarterly updates make tax filings more manageable and less rushed at year-end.

Why Sign Up for Voluntary Testing?

Voluntary participation in MTD testing offers several advantages:

Hands-on Experience: Get familiar with the system before it becomes mandatory.
Dedicated HMRC Support: Access direct assistance for any issues during the testing phase.
Penalty-Free Submissions: No penalties for late or incorrect quarterly updates during the testing period.

FAQs About MTD

Q: Can I opt out of MTD?
A: Opting out is only possible in certain cases, such as digital exclusion due to age, disability, or remote location.

Q: What if I have income from multiple sources?
A: You’ll need to submit separate quarterly updates for each income source, such as self-employment and property.

Q: What happens if my turnover falls below the threshold?
A: Once mandated, you’ll remain in the system for at least three years, even if your income drops below the threshold.

Next Steps

If you’re unsure how MTD will affect your business or need help transitioning, bookkeepers and accountants are here to support you. They can guide you through compliance, manage submissions, and help you stay ahead of deadlines.

Contact Us
At CW Licensed Bookkeeper & Accountant, we’re ready to help you prepare for MTD with personalized advice and solutions tailored to your business. Reach out to us at info@cwabc.co.uk or 07306 812321.

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Get Ahead of the Curve: Join the MTD for ITSA Testing Phase with CWABC

By Chris White • April 20, 2025

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is coming. Learn how CWABC can help you join the MTD testing phase, stay compliant, and simplify your taxes—stress-free.

Boost for Side Hustlers: Changes to UK Tax Rules and What They Mean for You

By Chris White • March 17, 2025

Introduction The UK government has announced a major change in tax reporting rules that will benefit thousands of people earning extra income through side hustles. The threshold for filing a Self Assessment tax return is increasing from £1,000 to £3,000, meaning approximately 300,000 taxpayers will no longer need to submit a tax return. This change is designed to reduce administrative burdens and make it easier for individuals to manage their additional income. So, what does this mean for you if you have a side hustle? Let's break it down. Understanding the New Tax Rules Previously, if you earned more than £1,000 from self-employment or side activities, you were required to file a Self Assessment tax return. Under the new rule: Earnings up to £1,000 : No tax is due, and no reporting is necessary, thanks to the existing trading allowance. Earnings between £1,000 and £3,000 : You will owe tax on the amount exceeding £1,000. However, you will no longer need to file a full Self Assessment tax return. Instead, HMRC is introducing a simplified online system for reporting and paying tax. Earnings above £3,000 : A full Self Assessment tax return is still required. This change is part of the government's efforts to modernize HMRC and streamline tax reporting, particularly for people earning small amounts on the side. Who Benefits from This Change? This new threshold primarily benefits individuals with small-scale side hustles, including: Selling goods on platforms like eBay, Vinted, or Depop. Providing freelance services such as graphic design, writing, or tutoring. Working in the gig economy through platforms like Uber or Deliveroo. Renting out personal assets, such as through Airbnb. The government estimates that around 90,000 individuals within this group will owe no tax and therefore will not need to report their earnings at all. For those earning above £1,000 but below £3,000, the new simplified system will make tax payments easier and more efficient. Why the Government is Making This Change The government is aiming to reduce the administrative burden on both taxpayers and HMRC. By eliminating the need for thousands of small earners to file full tax returns, the new policy allows HMRC to focus its resources on higher earners and complex tax cases. Additionally, this move supports the growing gig economy, making it easier for individuals to supplement their income without being bogged down by paperwork. What You Need to Do If you have a side hustle, here’s what you should consider: Review Your Earnings : Determine whether your total income from side activities falls within the new thresholds. Understand Your Tax Liability : If you earn between £1,000 and £3,000, keep track of your income and expenses so you can accurately report your taxable earnings. Stay Updated : HMRC will introduce a new online reporting system for those earning between £1,000 and £3,000. Make sure you understand how to use it once it becomes available. Seek Professional Advice : If you’re unsure about your tax obligations, consulting a licensed bookkeeper or accountant can help ensure compliance and optimize your tax situation. Conclusion The increase in the Self Assessment threshold to £3,000 is great news for side hustlers across the UK. This change will reduce paperwork, simplify tax payments, and make it easier for individuals to earn extra income without the stress of unnecessary filings. However, tax rules can still be complex, and it’s essential to stay informed. If you have any questions or need assistance managing your finances, contact CW Licensed Bookkeeper & Accountant at info@cwabc.co.uk or call 07306 812321 for professional guidance.

Is Your Accounting Software the Right One for You?

By Chris White • February 25, 2025

Choosing the right accounting software is crucial for managing your business finances effectively. The right software can save you time, reduce errors, and provide valuable insights into your financial health. However, with so many options available, how do you know if the one you're using is truly the best fit for your needs? In this blog, we'll explore key signs that indicate whether your accounting software is helping or hindering your business. We'll also provide guidance on what features to look for and when it might be time to switch to a better solution. Signs Your Accounting Software Might Not Be the Right Fit If you’re experiencing any of the following issues, it might be time to reconsider your accounting software: 1. It’s Too Complicated or Too Basic Some software solutions are packed with features that small businesses may never use, making them overwhelming and difficult to navigate. On the other hand, some software may be too simplistic, lacking essential features like invoicing, tax reporting, or payroll. If you find yourself struggling to use the software or needing additional tools to compensate for its shortcomings, it’s a sign that it might not be the right fit. 2. It Doesn’t Integrate with Other Business Tools Your accounting software should work seamlessly with other tools like payment processors, inventory management, and customer relationship management (CRM) software. If you constantly have to enter data manually or use multiple platforms that don’t sync, it can lead to errors and wasted time. 3. Lack of Cloud Access or Mobile Usability In today’s digital world, cloud-based accounting software offers flexibility and accessibility from anywhere. If your software is limited to a desktop version or doesn’t provide a user-friendly mobile app, you might be missing out on efficiency and real-time access to your financial data. 4. Limited Reporting and Insights Good accounting software should provide reports that help you understand your business’s financial health. If your current software lacks detailed reporting features or makes it difficult to generate insights, you may be missing opportunities to make informed business decisions. 5. Poor Customer Support or Frequent Downtime If you frequently encounter technical issues and struggle to get support, this can be frustrating and disruptive. Reliable customer service is essential when dealing with financial matters, so if your software provider isn’t responsive or doesn’t offer adequate support, it may be time to switch. 6. Expensive and Unjustified Costs Many businesses start with affordable accounting software, but over time, hidden fees, additional feature costs, or price increases can make it more expensive than expected. If you're paying for features you don’t use or the cost outweighs the benefits, it’s worth considering a more cost-effective alternative. What Features Should Your Accounting Software Have? If you’re thinking about upgrading your accounting software, look for these essential features: Ease of Use – A user-friendly interface that doesn’t require extensive training. Automation – Features like automated invoicing, expense tracking, and tax calculations can save time. Integration – The ability to sync with your bank, payment gateways, payroll software, and other business tools. Scalability – Software that can grow with your business, allowing for additional users, advanced reporting, and new features as needed. Cloud-Based Access – The flexibility to access your finances from anywhere. Strong Security – Reliable data protection to keep your financial information safe. Affordable Pricing – Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. When Should You Switch Accounting Software? If you find that your current software isn’t meeting your needs, don’t wait too long to make a change. The best time to switch is usually at the end of a financial period (such as the end of the month, quarter, or year) to avoid major disruptions. Before switching, ensure you back up all data and carefully plan the transition. Final Thoughts Your accounting software should be an asset, not a hindrance. If it’s too complex, lacks key features, or is costing more than it’s worth, it might be time to explore other options. The right software will help streamline financial management, reduce errors, and give you better control over your business’s finances. If you need guidance on choosing the right accounting software for your business, feel free to contact CW Licensed Bookkeeper & Accountant at info@cwabc.co.uk or 07306 812321 for expert advice.

Accounting for Ambitious Businesses in Tonbridge & Kent