What is Making Tax Digital for Income Tax?

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is a new way to report income from self-employment and property to HMRC. There will still be an annual tax return completed and filed, this will take into account adjustments, capital allowances, interest received etc.

MTD for Income Tax will require you to keep digital records and send quarterly updates of your income and expenses to HMRC using MTD for Income Tax compatible software. The idea behind this is that self-employed persons like yourself will be able to keep a closer eye on their finances and, more importantly, provide you with an estimate for how much tax you will need to pay when the time comes. Even though you will be required to file quarterly reports with HMRC, payment of tax will still be annual with any tax liability for a tax year due the following January, as is currently the case.

Who does this affect and when?

MTD for Income Tax is being introduced in phases and your eligibility depends on your qualifying income in the 2024/25 tax year.

The qualifying income is the gross income (before expenses and tax are deducted) that sole traders and landlords receive in a tax year from self-employment and property combined, they are not treated separately.

You will legally be required to use MTD for Income Tax from;
6 April 2026 if you gross income is over £50,000
6 April 2027 if you gross income is over £30,000
6 April 2028 if you gross income is over £20,000
Those of you with an income less than the above will not be required to join MTD for Income Tax and will continue to submit annual tax returns as you have been however you can join voluntarily if you wish.

What happens if I ignore this?
HMRC will be monitoring people’s income in the 2024/25 tax year so they will be aware who will be eligible from 6 April 2026.

There will be a points-based penalty system in place for late submissions of quarterly returns. For each missed submission a penalty point will be issued and once you meet a currently unspecified threshold you will receive a financial penalty.

What’s next?

If, after we have completed your 2024/25 tax return, we have identified you as someone with a gross income of over £50,000 we have a plan in place. Our main goal is to get eligible clients set up on compatible software as soon as possible so that you can get used to how it works before 6 April 2026 and you are ready and raring to go when the time comes. We cannot do this until we have completed your tax return for 2024/25 so if you have not got your books into us yet then please do not hesitate.

The software we use here is QuickBooks, our VAT registered clients have been using QuickBooks from as far back as 2018, which is when HMRC introduced MTD for VAT, meaning we have over 7 years of experience in the software.

Once we have identified that you will need MTD for Income Tax we will get you signed up to QuickBooks and provide you with a one-to-one lesson in how to use it. We will also provide you with ongoing support should you require any further assistance further down the road.

As QuickBooks wholesalers we can also provide subscriptions considerably cheaper than you may have seen advertised so you would be saving on taking out a subscription with us rather than an alternative software provider.

In closing, if you think your gross income may be over £50,000 in the 2024/25 tax year, and you have not yet done so, please get your paperwork into us as soon as possible.

All company directors from November this year you will need their ID verified by Companies House, I am an authorised agent with Companies House and can complete this for you.

For each director we would need them to  bring to the office their passport or driving licence plus a bank statement in their personal name with their address correctly shown. We will take photocopies of these and will complete the ID verification process.  For each director a valid email address will be required (an email address can only be used once) we will need a note of the email address to be used by each director.  Once the process is complete you will receive an email from Companies House and this will show a code, this code needs to be passed onto us so we have it on file.

As an accountant, it is always exciting to see your business growing and expanding. And what better way to celebrate that growth than by moving into new offices?

The new office space is located in a prime location, easily accessible to both our team and our clients.

I’m pleased to say that we have moved into number 60 Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 0DD – with plenty of parking on the street or in the adjoining retail park.

At the heart of any successful business is a team of dedicated and hardworking individuals, and an accountant is no exception. Our move to new offices is a great opportunity to bring our team together and create a fresh, new space where we can all continue to thrive and grow.

One of the biggest advantages of moving into new offices is the increased space and amenities that come with it. A larger office means more room for our employees to work and collaborate, as well as the ability to accommodate new team members as the business grows. It will also allow for the addition of amenities and meeting rooms.

Overall, the move to the new offices has been a success. The modern, spacious, and well-equipped workspace is a great asset to our team, and we are excited to continue growing and thriving in our new location.

QuickBooks is a popular accounting software program designed to help small businesses and self-employed individuals manage their finances. QuickBooks specialists are professionals who have expertise in using this software to its full potential.

As QuickBooks accountants, we are skilled in the use of the QuickBooks accounting software program. QuickBooks is a popular software program among small and medium-sized businesses, as it allows users to easily manage their finances and track their income and expenses.
With QuickBooks, we are able to efficiently and accurately manage our clients’ financial information. We are able to set up the software program to fit the unique needs of each of our clients, ensuring that all of their financial data is organized and easily accessible.

As certified specialists, we are certified by QuickBooks itself, meaning we have passed a comprehensive exam that demonstrates our knowledge and understanding of the software. QuickBooks specialists can help businesses set up and customise their QuickBooks accounts, input and organise financial data, generate reports, and provide guidance on how to use the software to make better financial decisions.

One of the key benefits of using QuickBooks as accountants is that it allows us to generate reports quickly and easily. This is important for our clients, as it allows them to see how their business is performing financially at a glance. With the click of a button, we are able to generate reports on income, expenses, profit and loss, and more.

Another benefit of using QuickBooks is that it allows us to easily track and manage inventory. This is important for businesses that sell physical products, as it allows them to see how much inventory they have on hand at any given time. This information is critical for ensuring that they have enough stock to meet customer demand, but not so much that they are tying up valuable capital in inventory that is not moving.

Another key benefit of working with a QuickBooks accountant is that they can save businesses time and effort by handling the more technical aspects of accounting and bookkeeping. This allows business owners to focus on running and growing their businesses, rather than getting bogged down in the details of managing their finances.

In addition, QuickBooks specialists such as ourselves can help businesses avoid common mistakes and pitfalls that can lead to financial problems down the road. For example, we can ensure that all transactions are properly recorded and accounted for. We can help businesses track and manage their expenses in a way that is both efficient and effective.

In addition to the basic financial management capabilities of QuickBooks, we are also able to use the software program to manage payroll and pay employee taxes. This is a critical function for businesses, as it allows them to ensure that they are complying with all relevant tax laws and regulations. With QuickBooks, we are able to easily process payroll and generate the necessary reports and forms for tax purposes.

Overall, as QuickBooks accountants, we are able to provide valuable services to our clients by using the powerful features of the QuickBooks software program. By using this software, we are able to efficiently and accurately manage our clients’ financial information, generate useful reports, and help them stay compliant with tax laws and regulations. This allows our clients to focus on running their business, knowing that their financial information is in good hands.

The accountant-client relationship is a partnership between an accountant and their client based on trust and mutual respect. The job of the accountant is to provide the client with high-quality services and advice that will help them manage their financial affairs effectively. In return, the client is responsible for providing their accountant with accurate and complete information and a willingness to follow appropriate advice and guidance.

To build a strong and effective accountant-client relationship, it is important to establish clear expectations and boundaries from the outset. This can help to ensure that both the accountant and client understand each other’s roles and responsibilities and that both are committed to working together towards a common goal.

One key aspect of the accountant-client relationship is communication. Accountants have an essential responsibility to keep their clients informed about their financial affairs and to provide them with regular updates and reports. This helps the client to stay on top of their finances and to make informed decisions about their business. It is also important that accountants listen objectively to their client’s needs and concerns and provide them with clear and concise explanations of any financial information or advice provided.

However, another important aspect of the accountant-client relationship is trust. Clients need to be able to trust that their accountant is providing them with accurate and reliable information and advice, and that you have their best interests at heart. To build trust, it is important for both parties to be transparent and honest in all interactions and to follow through on any commitments that have been made.

The accountant-client relationship is also built on mutual respect. Accountants must respect their clients and their financial goals and objectives and must work to provide them with the best possible advice and support. At the same time, clients must respect the expertise and knowledge of their accountant and must be willing to listen to and act on their advice.

In addition to these fundamental elements, the accountant-client relationship may also involve a range of other activities and responsibilities. For example, an accountant may be responsible for preparing and filing tax returns on behalf of their clients, managing payroll and employee benefits, or providing financial planning and investment advice.

Overall, the accountant-client relationship is a complex and multifaceted one. It requires effective communication, trust, respect, and a range of other factors to be successful. By building and maintaining a strong relationship with our clients, we can provide the valuable services and support that can help our clients achieve their financial goals.

Overall, hiring an accountant for your small business can provide numerous benefits, from helping you save money on taxes to giving you peace of mind. By working with an accountant, you can ensure that your financial affairs are in good hands, allowing you to focus on running and growing your business.

POTENTIALLY SAVE MONEY ON TAXES

One of the key benefits of hiring an accountant for your small business is that they can help you save money on taxes. An accountant is trained to understand the tax laws and regulations that apply to your business, and they can help you take advantage of any deductions and credits that you are entitled to. This can help you save money on your taxes and ensure that you are complying with the law.

BETTER BUSINESS DECISSIONS

Another benefit of hiring an accountant is that they can help you make better business decisions. An accountant can provide you with valuable financial information and insights that can help you make better decisions about how to run your business. For example, an accountant can help you analyze your financial statements to identify areas where you can improve your profitability, or they can provide you with advice on how to manage your cash flow more effectively.

STAY ORGANISED

Hiring an accountant can also help you stay organized and compliant. An accountant can help you keep your financial records organized and up-to-date, which is important for running a successful business. They can also help you ensure that you are complying with all relevant laws and regulations, which can help you avoid costly fines and penalties.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

In addition to providing traditional accounting services, an accountant can also offer a wide range of other services that can benefit your small business. For example, an accountant may be able to help you with bookkeeping, payroll, tax planning, or even business strategy.

PEACE OF MIND

Another advantage of hiring an accountant is that it can give you peace of mind. Knowing that your financial affairs are in the hands of a professional who is trained to handle them can provide you with peace of mind and allow you to focus on running your business, rather than worrying about your finances.

MANAGE CASH FLOW

An accountant can also help you manage your cash flow more effectively. By providing you with regular financial reports and analysis, an accountant can help you identify potential cash flow problems before they become a major issue. They can also provide you with advice on how to manage your cash flow more effectively, such as by negotiating better payment terms with suppliers or collecting outstanding invoices more quickly.

EXPERT TAX ADVICE

An accountant can provide expert advice on tax laws and regulations. With their knowledge and experience, an accountant can help you navigate the complex world of tax laws and regulations and ensure that you are complying with all relevant requirements. This can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that you are paying the right amount of tax.

PREPARE FOR AUDITS

An accountant can also help you prepare for audits and other regulatory requirements. If your business is selected for an audit, an accountant can help you prepare for the audit and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and records. They can also provide valuable guidance on how to respond to any issues that may be raised during the audit.

FIND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

An accountant can also help you identify and pursue new growth opportunities. By analyzing your financial data and providing you with expert advice, an accountant can help you identify potential areas for growth and expansion. They can also provide valuable support as you pursue these opportunities, such as by helping you secure financing or develop a business plan.

INSIGHTS AND DATA

Finally, an accountant can provide valuable insights and analysis of your financial data. By regularly reviewing your financial statements and providing you with detailed reports, an accountant can help you better understand your business’s financial performance and identify areas for improvement. This can help you make more informed decisions about how to run your business and achieve your goals.