MTD made simple

What MTD means for you — and how to get ready

Staying compliant is about to get a lot more complex

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HMRC's plan to digitise tax — and it affects more people than ever. Whether you're self-employed, a landlord, VAT-registered, or an accountant supporting clients, the new rules are changing how tax is done.

If you're confused, stressed, or still relying on spreadsheets — you're not alone.

What's the real problem?

The cost of doing nothing

Many businesses and individuals are unprepared for MTD. And staying manual comes with real risks:

Missed deadlines and penalties
Confusing paperwork and human error
Wasted time chasing records
No visibility over finances or tax status

What is MTD and what's changing?

Making Tax Digital means keeping digital records and submitting updates online using approved software.

Rollout timeline

Now: All VAT-registered businesses must comply
April 2026: MTD for Income Tax starts (sole traders and landlords earning £50k+)
April 2027: Threshold drops to £30k
April 2028: Drops again to £20k

If you're not ready: You risk penalties, extra stress, and falling behind — especially if you're juggling multiple income sources or managing clients.

There's a better way: Digital tools for MTD

Stop struggling with spreadsheets and workarounds

Feature	Paper	Spreadsheets	Clear Books
HMRC-recognised		Limited
Digital record keeping		Partial
Quarterly submissions
Error checks
Designed for MTD

With Clear Books, MTD compliance is simple, automated, and stress-free.

What to look for in MTD-ready software

HMRC-recognised
Easy to use, even if you're not techy
Affordable — free plans available
Tailored to your situation (sole trader, landlord, VAT, accountant)

Why Clear Books?

Clear Books is purpose-built to help you succeed with MTD, whether you manage your own accounts or support others.

Submit VAT and Income Tax updates in merely clicks
Works on desktop, tablet, or phone
Free accounts available for small businesses
Accountant login and collaboration tools
Rated “Excellent” on Trustpilot

Get started today

Whatever your role, we've got a path for you:

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