Making Tax Digital: 3 Things You Might Not Know (but really should)

If you’re a sole trader or a landlord with more than £50,000 in annual income, you’ve probably heard whispers (or maybe a full-on shout) about Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA).

The deadline? April 2026.

And while that might sound like “ages away,” trust me — if you leave this until the last minute, you’ll wish you’d started now.
Here are 3 key takeaways from my recent webinar that business owners and side hustlers found super helpful:

1. It’s not just about software – it’s about systems.
MTD doesn’t just mean switching from paper to a portal. It means keeping your records digitally all year round. That means no more end-of-year scramble, no relying on memory, and definitely no shoeboxes of receipts.
And spreadsheets? While some might still technically work (with bridging software), they’re a short-term fix at best. This is your nudge to find a system that actually saves you time and ticks the compliance boxes.
The earlier you get into good habits — tracking income, logging expenses, syncing bank feeds — the smoother this transition will be.

2. You’ll be reporting to HMRC 5 times a year.
That’s four quarterly submissions, plus an End of Period Statement (EOPS) at the end of the tax year. It’s basically a tax return… but five times.
Now I know what you’re thinking — “That’s five times the stress!” But here’s the good news: when you’ve got the proper setup in place, those quarterly updates can actually make things easier. You’ll stay on top of your finances all year, avoid nasty tax surprises, and make smarter decisions with your money.
Honestly, most of my clients who already work this way wish they’d started sooner.

3. You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
This isn’t about becoming an accountant. You don’t need to know tax law inside out — you just need the right tools, support, and confidence to make it manageable.
And that’s what I’m here for. I’ve created:
• A free MTD Ready Checklist to show you what to do and when
• A low-cost Power Hour option for anyone who wants a helping hand
• A full MTD for the Self-Employed course launching in 2026 (with real-life walkthroughs, no jargon, and plenty of tea and biscuits)

If you missed the live webinar, the good news is I’ve got the replay ready for you.

📺 Watch it here → https://youtu.be/KSdmzDvEdzw

And if you’d like to ask questions, get support, or just hang out with other lovely humans trying to get their finances sorted, come join my free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/388915757483266/

You’ve got this — and I’ve got you.