Making Tax Digital (MTD) is no longer a future concept. For many self-employed individuals and landlords, it is now a present reality. As we move closer to the first quarterly submission deadline, the focus has shifted from awareness to action. At Watson Knipe, the approach has been simple: don’t wait for change to happen, get ahead of it.
When you need to start using Making Tax Digital for Income Tax depends on your qualifying income within a tax year. If your qualifying income is over:
Rather than relying on HMRC communications, which have been inconsistent at best, we have taken ownership of the process. We have identified clients likely to fall within the MTD threshold based on their 2024/25 turnover and have been registering them for the new requirements.
From there, every affected client has received clear, tailored communication explaining:
This early engagement has allowed clients to plan rather than react under pressure.
A key concern for many has been the move from annual to quarterly reporting. For businesses already stretched managing day-to-day operations, this can feel like an added administrative burden.
Our role has been to reduce that burden.
For clients already using cloud software such as QuickBooks or Xero, the transition is relatively seamless. We can access their records directly and manage submissions on their behalf.
For those without digital systems, we have introduced structured spreadsheet templates. These allow clients to record income and expenses in a simple, organised format, aligned to MTD requirements.
The result is a consistent process:
This creates a steady rhythm, replacing the traditional year-end rush with a more manageable, ongoing cycle.
We still have some clients who prefer to send us their receipts for us to upload and manage; that’s fine as well. We are doing our best to put processes in place that will best suit each client.
Every client is at a different stage of their digital journey, and our approach reflects that.
In some cases, particularly with long-standing, flexibility remains key. However, where possible, we are encouraging a gradual move towards more efficient digital processes.
While MTD is a compliance requirement, it also presents an opportunity.
Quarterly reporting provides better financial visibility, helping clients understand their performance throughout the year rather than after it ends. It also reduces the risk of last-minute surprises regarding tax liabilities.
Importantly, clients are not expected to manage this alone. Our role is to take responsibility for deadlines, submissions and technical compliance, allowing business owners and landlords to focus on what they do best.
This is only the beginning. As thresholds reduce in future years, more individuals will be brought into MTD.
By acting early, we are ensuring our clients are already in a strong position, with processes, systems and support in place before the wider rollout.
The first quarterly submission, covering April to June 2026, will be due by 7 August 2026.
For many, this will be the first real test of the new system. For our clients, it is simply the next step in a process we have already put in motion.
Change of this scale can feel daunting, particularly for those used to more traditional ways of working. However, with the right structure and support, it becomes manageable and, ultimately, beneficial.
At Watson Knipe, the focus remains on making MTD work in a practical, efficient way for every client. If you would like any help for this year or would like to get ahead for next year's submission, please do contact us by calling 01623 490 120 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Haidee is our Personal Tax Director and is a fully qualified tax adviser, having achieved the ATT qualification in 2006. Tax efficiency being her main concern. Specialising in taxation, Haidee provides clients with advice on personal tax, PAYE services, VAT and social security. She also provides guidance to new start-up businesses.
Call us today on01623 490120
or email info@watsonk.co.uk
When you first start a business, your focus is usually on attracting customers, generating sales and building a successful company. Few business owners spend much time thinking about how or when they will eventually leave the business.
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