Making MTD for IT Easy and Stress-Free
25th June 2026
With Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for IT) first quarter ending on 30th June 2026 and your first filing deadline being 7th August 2026, many sole traders and landlords are wondering what this will mean for them and how they can prepare without adding more stress. The good news is that with a little planning and the right approach, MTD for IT can be straightforward.
Don’t panic and start early
One of the biggest causes of stress is leaving preparation until the last minute. Even if MTD for IT doesn’t affect you in the 2026/27 tax year, now is a great time to review how you currently keep your records. Starting early gives you time to learn new processes gradually rather than rushing when the rules come into force.
Move away from paper records
If you still keep receipts in a drawer or maintain handwritten records, now is the perfect chance to transition to digital bookkeeping.
Accounting software packages allow you to:
- Photograph receipts using your phone on the go.
- Store records securely online.
- Automatically import bank transactions.
- Categorise income and expenses quickly.
The less manual data entry the easier MTD for IT will be.
Choose software that works for you
Not all software’s are the same and not all will work for you, the best software is one that suits your business needs and your level of confidence with technology.
When selecting software, consider:
- Ease of use.
- Mobile app functionality.
- Integration with your bank account.
- Monthly costs.
- Available support and training.
If you’re unsure, speak to us before making a decision. We can help you choose a solution that meets HMRC requirements while keeping administration to a minimum.
Keep on top of your record keeping and bookkeeping
Many people leave bookkeeping until year-end or an upcoming deadline, creating a mountain of work and unnecessary stress.
Instead, set aside a small amount of time each week to:
- Upload information.
- Reconcile bank transactions.
- Review income and expenses.
- Check for missing information.
Regular maintenance means quarterly submissions become a simple task rather than a major project.
Separate business and personal finances
If you do not have a separate dedicated business bank account now is the time to set one up, this will allow you to:
- Have clear separation of business and personal spending, reducing the number of transactions to reconcile.
- Faster bookkeeping through business account integration with your accounting software.
- Improved accuracy.
- Easier tax reporting.
Understand your quarterly updates
Quarterly submissions are not additional tax payments. They are simply updates to HMRC about your income and expenses throughout the year. These will also allow you to better plan for your end of year tax liability, rather than having that nasty surprise of a large tax liability.
Ask for Help Early
You don’t need to navigate MTD for IT alone. If you’re unsure speak to us sooner rather than later. A short conversation now can prevent hours of frustration and stress later.
How we can help
Our team are helping clients prepare for MTD for IT with practical, straightforward support.
We can assist with:
- Software selection and setup.
- Training and onboarding.
- Bookkeeping support.
- Quarterly submissions.
- Ongoing compliance and advice.
Our goal is to make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible so that you can focus on running your business.
Final thoughts
MTD for IT represents a significant change to tax reporting, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By getting organised, embracing digital record keeping, and seeking advice when needed, you can make compliance simple and avoid last-minute stress and panic. The key is to start now. If you’d like guidance on preparing for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, please get in touch with your local Whitings office.
We’re here to help every step of the way.
