At williams lester accountants .:

we help sole traders and landlords prepare for and manage Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. MTD changes the way income and expenses are recorded and reported to HMRC. From 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords must use MTD for Income Tax if their total annual income from self-employment and property is over £50,000. From 6 April 2027, the rules are due to extend to those with qualifying income above £30,000. 

Our role :

Our role is to help clients understand whether MTD applies to them, when they need to start, what records they need to keep, and which software is suitable for their business or property income. HMRC requires MTD users to keep digital records, use compatible software, send quarterly updates, and still submit their tax return and pay any tax due by 31 January following the tax year. 

We can help review your current bookkeeping system, move records into suitable digital software, set up categories properly, and make sure income and expenses are recorded in a way that supports accurate reporting. We also help with quarterly submissions, year-end adjustments, tax return completion and general advice throughout the year.

Good records are essential under MTD because information is reported to HMRC more regularly. Instead of trying to pull everything together once a year, business owners and landlords need a system that keeps records up to date throughout the tax year. This reduces the risk of missing income, losing receipts, claiming expenses incorrectly or discovering tax issues too late.

MTD should not be seen as just another HMRC burden. Used properly, it can give business owners and landlords better visibility over income, costs, profit and future tax liabilities. Good digital records make it easier to understand how the business is performing, plan for tax payments, manage cash flow and make better decisions.

For Landlords :

For landlords, accurate records help track rental income, repairs, finance costs, property expenses and profitability across one or more properties. For sole traders, they help monitor sales, overheads, margins, drawings and business growth. In both cases, better records mean fewer surprises and more control.

Finally..

At williams lester accountants, we aim to make the move to MTD as smooth and stress-free as possible. We help clients stay compliant, avoid unnecessary mistakes, and use their records as a practical tool for managing their finances properly. Good record keeping is no longer just something to deal with at the year end; under MTD, it becomes part of how every modern business or property owner should stay organised, informed and in control.