⚡ MTD ITSA mandatory from 6 April 2026 if your income is £50K+ - check your readiness now
📱 April 2026 Compliance · Quarterly Filing · From £150/qtr

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax - Quarterly Filing Specialists.

Specialist MTD ITSA service for UK sole traders and landlords required to switch from annual Self Assessment to quarterly digital filing. Three premium tiers from £150 to £350 per quarter - MTD-compatible software setup, all 4 quarterly submissions plus the final declaration handled, year-round support from a dedicated account manager. Mandatory from 6 April 2026 if your qualifying income exceeds £50,000. Be ready before the deadline, not scrambling after it.

£150+
Per Quarter From
5
Filings Per Year (4Q + Final)
2026
£50K+ Mandatory
4.8
100+ Reviews
Watch · 60 seconds

Making Tax Digital, made simple.

A quick word from our team on what Making Tax Digital for Income Tax actually means for you, and how we take the whole thing off your plate.

If your self-employment or rental income passed the threshold, MTD is not optional. We register you, deal with any penalties, then each quarter you snap and upload your receipts from your phone and we file on time. No software to learn, no deadlines to remember.

Read the transcript

Have you heard about Making Tax Digital and just been hoping it would go away? It is not going away. If your self-employment or rental income went over the threshold on your last return, you are probably already supposed to be registered. A lot of people do not know that yet. And even those who do register often miss the new quarterly deadlines and walk straight into penalties. HMRC is not playing, penalties stack quarterly now.

We have built a system that takes the entire thing off your plate. If you are not registered, we register you. If you have already picked up penalties, we deal with them. Then going forward, every quarter you get a text from us with a link to an app. You upload your receipts, invoices and bank statements straight from your phone. Snap a photo, send it through. Our team processes it and files your return on time, every quarter. No software to learn. No deadlines to remember.

Every quarter you are not compliant is another fine waiting in your name. Get sorted at loyals.uk. It really is that simple.

If any of this sounds familiar

Sound like your MTD situation?

MTD ITSA is the biggest change to UK personal tax in a generation. Most sole traders and landlords arrive with the same handful of concerns - we sort all of them in one engagement.

"What is MTD ITSA and does it apply to me?"

MTD for Income Tax replaces annual Self Assessment with quarterly digital filing. From April 2026 it's mandatory if you're a sole trader or landlord with qualifying income above £50,000. From April 2027 the threshold drops to £30,000. Use the readiness check below to confirm your obligation date.

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"I don't know which software is MTD-compatible"

Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage and bridging software like 123 Sheets are all HMRC-recognised MTD platforms. The right choice depends on your business type and current setup. We recommend and configure the best fit during your first quarter - included free.

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"I'm worried about quarterly deadlines"

Five filings per year instead of one - Q1 due 7 August, Q2 due 7 November, Q3 due 7 February, Q4 due 7 May, plus the final declaration on 31 January following. We handle every submission and send reminders 30, 14 and 3 days before each deadline.

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"My current accountant says they don't do MTD yet"

A surprising number of high-street firms still aren't MTD-ready as of 2026. We've been preparing clients for MTD ITSA since the original 2018 announcement - we have the software, the workflow, and the experience to onboard you smoothly even close to the deadline.

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"I have multiple income sources"

Sole trader plus rental property plus side consultancy plus pension income - MTD ITSA needs to capture and reconcile all qualifying sources. Our Combined and Portfolio tiers handle multi-source filings as standard, with the right pages submitted at each quarterly point.

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"What if I miss a quarterly deadline?"

HMRC's new points-based penalty system charges £200 per late submission once you accumulate 4 points (then £200 for each subsequent late one). Late tax payments add interest plus 5% surcharges at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months. With LOYALS, points simply don't accrue.

What we actually do

Your MTD ITSA compliance, handled end-to-end.

From software setup through quarterly submissions to the final declaration - five filings per year, one fixed quarterly fee, one accountant managing the lot.

The LOYALS MTD for Income Tax service

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) is HMRC's mandatory new system replacing annual Self Assessment for sole traders and landlords above the income thresholds. Instead of one annual tax return on 31 January, you submit four quarterly digital updates to HMRC throughout the year - plus a final declaration after the tax year ends. Records must be kept digitally using MTD-compatible software, and quarterly submissions must be filed using digital connections (no paper, no email).

Our service handles every part of MTD ITSA compliance for one fixed quarterly fee per tier. MTD-compatible software setup in your first quarter (included free), all 4 quarterly submissions plus the final declaration filed on time, deadline reminders before every submission, and year-round WhatsApp support throughout. Three tiers based on income source complexity - single-source, combined, or portfolio. All prices excluding VAT.

Three premium tiers · £150 to £350/quarter
Premium tier-based packages

Three quarterly packages, scaled to your income complexity.

Tiers reflect the number and complexity of income sources you'll be reporting under MTD. We confirm the right tier on a free intake call before any engagement is signed.

MTD Standard

Single income type
£150
per quarter (excl. VAT)
£600/year inclusive
  • One income type - SE OR property
  • 4 quarterly submissions to HMRC
  • Final declaration on 31 January
  • MTD-compatible software setup
  • Bank feeds and reconciliation
  • Deadline reminders (30/14/3 days)
  • Year-round WhatsApp support
  • Best for: single-source sole traders or 1-2 property landlords
Choose Standard →

MTD Portfolio

Multi-property · Multi-business
£350
per quarter (excl. VAT)
£1,400/year inclusive
  • Everything in MTD Combined
  • 4+ properties OR multi-business
  • Furnished holiday let post-FHL handling
  • Section 24 mortgage interest credit
  • Property income optimisation
  • Foreign property reporting
  • Priority WhatsApp + quarterly review call
  • Best for: portfolio landlords or multi-business sole traders
Choose Portfolio →

Need MTD-ready bookkeeping too? Bundle our Bookkeeping Service with MTD ITSA and save 10-15% versus separate engagement. Light Bookkeeping (£125/month) plus MTD Standard (£150/quarter) totals £2,100/year for a fully managed compliance package.

Every tier includes

Eight deliverables, all bundled.

No add-ons for software setup, deadline reminders, or final declaration. The price quoted is the price you pay.

MTD-Compatible Software Setup

Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent or Sage configured for MTD compliance in your first quarter - chart of accounts, VAT settings, bank feeds, MTD digital connection. Included free.

4 Quarterly Submissions

HMRC quarterly submissions for Q1 (due 7 Aug), Q2 (due 7 Nov), Q3 (due 7 Feb) and Q4 (due 7 May) of the tax year - all filed digitally with the relevant income source pages.

Final Declaration

The end-of-period statement and final declaration replacing the old annual SA return - due 31 January following tax year end. Cross-references all quarterly submissions and other income.

Bank Feed Reconciliation

Open Banking feeds connected to your accounting platform with all UK banks (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander, Starling, Monzo, Tide, Revolut). Real-time accuracy.

Deadline Reminders

Notifications 30, 14 and 3 days before every quarterly deadline plus the final declaration. We file well before - never the last minute. Late submissions don't happen for active clients.

HMRC Penalty Cover

If a penalty point ever accrues due to our error (it won't), we pay any resulting £200 penalty on your behalf. Your compliance record stays clean.

Year-Round Support

WhatsApp, phone and email throughout the year. Mid-quarter income changes, software questions, HMRC correspondence - all covered, no per-call charges. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm.

Switching MTD Provider Free

Free transition from your current accountant or DIY MTD setup. We handle clearance letters, retrieve records, audit existing categorisation, and reconcile the position before quarter rollover.

How it works

Five steps from "I haven't started" to fully MTD-compliant.

From WhatsApp to first quarterly submission usually takes 2-4 weeks. Most clients are fully ready before their first MTD obligation date.

1

Free intake call

Confirm your obligation date, tier and software fit. Fixed fee agreed upfront.

2

Software setup

Xero / QB / FreeAgent / Sage configured for MTD. Chart of accounts and bank feeds connected.

3

HMRC connection

Digital MTD authorisation completed with HMRC. Form 64-8 filed if we're switching agent.

4

Quarterly cycle

Records categorised, banks reconciled, quarterly summary prepared and submitted on time.

5

Final declaration

End-of-period statement plus final declaration filed by 31 January following tax year end.

Why people choose LOYALS for MTD

Three reasons we're not just another firm scrambling for April 2026.

A surprising number of accountancy firms haven't fully prepared for MTD ITSA even now. We've been ready since the original announcement - software, workflow, experience all locked in.

🏛️

MTD-ready since 2022

We've been actively preparing clients for MTD ITSA since the original 2018 announcement and ran the soft-launch pilot programme. While other firms are still figuring out their workflow, ours has been operational and refined for years. You're not part of someone's learning curve.

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Mon-Sat extended hours

Quarterly deadlines don't respect 9-5 working hours. We're open Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm with same-day callback. Mid-quarter income changes, software hiccups, deadline anxiety - all handled with year-round WhatsApp and phone support included in your fee.

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Integrated with your tax position

MTD ITSA isn't isolated work - it touches your bookkeeping, your Self Assessment for years before MTD applies, your year-end planning. Your dedicated account manager has the full picture, so quarterly submissions reflect the right strategic decisions on expenses, capital allowances, and timing.

Quick MTD readiness assessment

Are you MTD-ready?

Four quick questions and we'll tell you when MTD applies, your readiness score, and the specific next steps for your situation.

MTD ITSA Readiness Check

Takes 30 seconds - no email required
1. What's your income type?
2. What's your annual qualifying income (turnover + property income)?
3. How do you currently keep your business records?
4. Are you registered with HMRC for Self Assessment already?
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Recommended next steps:
    💬 WhatsApp this assessment to LOYALS
    ⚡ MTD timeline you need to know

    Three rolling thresholds expanding the MTD net.

    MTD ITSA isn't a single deadline - it's a phased rollout that keeps lowering the income threshold over the next several years. Here's what's coming and when.

    🚀

    April 2026 - Phase 1

    £50,000+

    Mandatory for sole traders and landlords with combined qualifying income above £50,000 in the 2024/25 tax year. Quarterly digital filing replaces annual Self Assessment from this date. First quarterly deadline: 7 August 2026.

    📉

    April 2027 - Phase 2

    £30,000+

    Threshold drops to £30,000 measured against 2025/26 income. Significantly more sole traders and landlords brought into MTD. If you're earning between £30,000 and £50,000 now, MTD applies to you from April 2027 - start preparing the same time as Phase 1 clients.

    🔮

    April 2028 - Proposed

    £20,000+

    Government has signalled intent to extend MTD to incomes above £20,000 from April 2028, though this is not yet in legislation. If implemented, it would bring almost all UK sole traders and landlords into the MTD system. We'll keep clients informed as legislation develops.

    Your quarterly deadline schedule

    Quarter 1
    6 Apr - 5 Jul
    Due 7 Aug
    Quarter 2
    6 Jul - 5 Oct
    Due 7 Nov
    Quarter 3
    6 Oct - 5 Jan
    Due 7 Feb
    Quarter 4
    6 Jan - 5 Apr
    Due 7 May
    Final Decl.
    After tax year
    Due 31 Jan
    MTD ITSA knowledge base

    Six things every UK sole trader and landlord should understand about MTD.

    Tap any card to flip and see the detail.

    📱

    What MTD actually means

    Digital records + quarterly submissions to HMRC.

    Tap or hover

    The MTD basics

    • Replaces annual SA for affected taxpayers
    • 4 quarterly + 1 final = 5 filings/year
    • Records must be digital throughout
    • Quarterly summary, not full return
    • Final declaration ties it all together
    🎯

    The thresholds explained

    £50K April 2026, £30K April 2027, £20K proposed.

    Tap or hover

    Qualifying income definition

    • Trading turnover (not profit)
    • Plus gross property income
    • Combined across all sources
    • Measured against year before MTD
    • £20K from April 2028 if legislated
    📅

    Quarterly deadlines

    Five fixed dates per year you can't miss.

    Tap or hover

    The fixed schedule

    • Q1 (Apr-Jul): due 7 August
    • Q2 (Jul-Oct): due 7 November
    • Q3 (Oct-Jan): due 7 February
    • Q4 (Jan-Apr): due 7 May
    • Final declaration: 31 January
    💻

    MTD software options

    Multiple HMRC-recognised platforms.

    Tap or hover

    Compatible platforms

    • Xero - most popular
    • QuickBooks Online - sole trader-friendly
    • FreeAgent - free with Mettle/RBS
    • Sage Business Cloud Accounting
    • 123 Sheets - bridging for spreadsheets
    ⚠️

    Penalties for non-compliance

    New points-based system with £200 charges.

    Tap or hover

    The points system

    • 1 point per missed submission
    • £200 penalty at 4 points (annual: 2)
    • £200 each subsequent missed
    • Points expire after 24 months clean
    • Late tax: interest + 5% surcharges
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    Records that count as digital

    What HMRC accepts under MTD rules.

    Tap or hover

    Digital records definition

    • Cloud accounting platform entries
    • Spreadsheets WITH bridging software
    • API-connected bank feeds
    • Digital invoice and receipt copies
    • Paper records alone NOT compliant
    KN
    ★ Your dedicated account manager

    Meet Kris Nick.

    Dedicated Account Manager · Manages MTD ITSA compliance for clients across London

    Kris is your single point of contact for everything MTD - software setup, quarterly submission cycles, mid-quarter income questions, deadline reminders, and the strategic decisions that come from real-time financial visibility. The LOYALS team has been running MTD ITSA preparation since the soft-launch pilot programme, so by the time the April 2026 deadline hits we're not learning the workflow - we're refining it. Year-round WhatsApp access, Mon-Sat 10am-7pm extended hours, no per-call charges, no surprise quarterly bills.

    Book a free 15-min call →

    Don't be the one scrambling in March 2026.

    MTD ITSA mandatory date: 6 April 2026 if your qualifying income exceeds £50,000. By the time the deadline hits, every accountancy firm will be at capacity onboarding panicked clients. Get ahead of the wave - software setup takes 2-4 weeks, and you want a clean Q1 not a frantic catch-up. Free intake call confirms your obligation date and the right tier.

    Mon-Sat 10am-7pm MTD-ready since 2022 Free software setup Same-day callback
    MTD ITSA questions

    Frequently asked questions.

    Updated for 2025/26 with confirmed April 2026 thresholds. If your question isn't here, message us on WhatsApp or book a free 15-minute call.

    What is Making Tax Digital for Income Tax?+
    Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) is HMRC's mandatory new system replacing annual Self Assessment for sole traders and landlords above certain income thresholds. Instead of one annual tax return, you submit four quarterly digital updates to HMRC plus a final end-of-period statement and final declaration. Records must be kept digitally using MTD-compatible software. From 6 April 2026 it becomes mandatory for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income above £50,000. From 6 April 2027 the threshold drops to £30,000. From April 2028 (proposed but not yet legislated) it may extend to £20,000.
    Does MTD for Income Tax apply to me?+
    From April 2026 it applies if you are a sole trader OR a landlord OR both, with combined gross qualifying income above £50,000 in the 2024/25 tax year (the year before MTD starts). Qualifying income means trading turnover plus property income - not profit. From April 2027 the threshold drops to £30,000 measured against 2025/26 income. Below those thresholds, annual Self Assessment continues as normal. Limited company directors are not affected by MTD ITSA - that's a separate scheme. Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) subcontractors with self-employed income above the threshold ARE subject to MTD ITSA. We can confirm your obligation in a free 15-minute call using the readiness assessment on this page.
    How much does MTD for Income Tax cost with LOYALS?+
    Three tiers based on income source complexity. MTD Standard at £150/quarter (£600/year inclusive) covers one income type - either self-employed OR landlord, simple records, single source. MTD Combined at £225/quarter (£900/year) is our most popular tier covering both self-employed AND property income combined, multiple income streams, or sole trader with side rental property. MTD Portfolio at £350/quarter (£1,400/year) handles multi-property landlords (5+ properties), multi-business sole traders, or complex multi-source situations. All tiers include the 4 quarterly submissions PLUS the final declaration - that's 5 filings total per tax year. MTD-compatible software setup is included free in your first quarter. All prices excluding VAT.
    What are the quarterly MTD ITSA deadlines?+
    Standard quarterly periods align with the tax year (6 April to 5 April), with submissions due roughly one month after each quarter ends. Q1 (6 April - 5 July) is due 7 August. Q2 (6 July - 5 October) is due 7 November. Q3 (6 October - 5 January) is due 7 February. Q4 (6 January - 5 April) is due 7 May. Then the Final Declaration (replacing the old annual SA return) is due 31 January following the tax year end. So for the 2026/27 tax year (the first mandatory year for £50K+), the first quarterly deadline hits 7 August 2026 and the final declaration is 31 January 2028. Late submissions trigger penalty points under the new MTD penalty regime - see our penalty FAQ below.
    Which software is MTD-compatible?+
    Most major UK platforms are HMRC-recognised as MTD-compatible. We typically set up clients on Xero (most popular for SMEs and growing landlords), QuickBooks Online (strong for sole traders), FreeAgent (free with Mettle, NatWest and RBS business banking - excellent for freelancers and single-property landlords), or Sage Business Cloud Accounting (legacy preference). Bridging software like 123 Sheets or BTC Software lets you keep using Excel/Google Sheets with an MTD compliance layer if you don't want to switch to cloud accounting. We assess your current setup and recommend the best fit on the free intake call. Software cost is separate (typically £20-£50/month direct from the provider) - our service fee covers setup, ongoing management and the actual submissions.
    What if I miss a quarterly MTD deadline?+
    MTD ITSA uses the new HMRC points-based penalty system. Each missed quarterly submission earns one penalty point. Once you reach 4 points (annual filers reach 2), you receive a £200 penalty. Each subsequent late submission also costs £200 until you reset the points by submitting consistently on time. Late tax payments trigger separate interest charges starting at HMRC's late payment rate plus 5% surcharges at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months past due. Points expire after 24 months of compliance. With LOYALS we send reminders 30, 14 and 3 days before every quarterly deadline plus actual submission handled for you - penalty points simply don't accrue for active clients.
    What if my MTD-compatible bookkeeping is in a mess?+
    Common situation - many people approach MTD with paper records or basic spreadsheets. We have a dedicated MTD Catch-Up service that gets you compliant within 2-4 weeks. We assess your current records on a free intake call, set up the right MTD-compatible software platform, migrate your historical data, and reconcile the opening position. Catch-up pricing varies by record state but typically £400-£1,200 one-off depending on complexity, then ongoing quarterly fees from £150. Most clients are MTD-ready within a month of signing the engagement letter.
    Do I need bookkeeping AND MTD service together?+
    Not always but often. MTD requires digital records throughout the year - somebody has to maintain them. You can do the bookkeeping yourself and we just handle the quarterly submissions, OR you can use our Bookkeeping Service alongside MTD ITSA so we maintain the books and file the submissions. Combined gives you the cleanest position and typically saves 10-15% versus separate engagement. Light Bookkeeping (£125/month) plus MTD Standard (£150/quarter) totals £2,100/year for a fully managed compliance package. Most growing sole traders and landlords find the bundle worth it for the time saved.
    How does MTD differ from annual Self Assessment?+
    Three big differences. First, frequency: annual SA is one return per year; MTD is four quarterly submissions plus a final declaration - 5 filings total. Second, format: annual SA can be paper or online with summary figures; MTD requires digital records throughout the year using MTD-compatible software. Third, deadlines: annual SA has the well-known 31 January deadline; MTD has rolling quarterly deadlines (7 Aug, 7 Nov, 7 Feb, 7 May) plus 31 January for the final declaration. The total tax owed is the same - MTD just changes the reporting cadence and digital requirement. Below the £50K (2026) or £30K (2027) thresholds, annual SA continues as normal.
    How fast can LOYALS get me MTD-ready?+
    Typical onboarding timeline. Day 1: free intake call confirms your MTD obligation date and tier. Day 2-3: engagement letter signed, MTD-compatible software identified. Week 1: software set up and bank feeds connected. Week 2: opening position reconciled, historical data migrated if needed. Week 3-4: first quarter records categorised, ready for first submission when due. From engagement letter to fully MTD-ready typically 2-4 weeks. If your obligation has already started and you're behind, we have a fast-track catch-up that can compress this to 7-10 days at a one-off premium fee.

    April 2026 is closer than you think.

    Three premium tiers, MTD-compatible software setup included, all 5 yearly filings handled, deadline reminders before every quarter. Sign up in 5 minutes and we'll have you MTD-ready before your obligation date - no scrambling, no penalty points, no surprise quarterly bills. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm extended hours.

    Book my free 15-min call →
    Important: All prices on this page are exclusive of VAT. MTD-compatible software fees (typically £20-£50/month for Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent or Sage) are paid by the client directly to the software provider - our service fees cover setup, ongoing management and the quarterly/final submissions. MTD ITSA legislation and thresholds are subject to government changes; we maintain accuracy against current published HMRC guidance. LOYALS is a firm of chartered accountants and is not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority - we do not provide regulated investment, mortgage or insurance advice on this page.