Making Tax Digital

for Income Tax Self Assessment

HMRC has been given the mandate by the Government to modernise the whole tax system. This is with the intent to improve transparency, efficiency and reporting. This essentially means that all information and records should be held and submitted digitally. 

What is Making Tax Digital and Why Does It Matter to You?

Making Tax Digital represents a significant shift in how businesses and individuals report their tax affairs to HM Revenue and Customs. Launched by the government to modernise the tax system, it aims to reduce errors and make compliance more straightforward through digital tools. For many of our clients both in Melton Mowbray and the surrounding areas, this change feels like a big step, especially if you have relied on traditional paper records or spreadsheets for years.

At Jarvis & Co, we have guided hundreds of local businesses through similar transitions. As the largest independent accountancy firm in Melton Mowbray and platinum partners with Xero, we understand the concerns of owners who prefer established methods. Our experience with Making Tax Digital for VAT has shown us that with the right support, these changes can save time and provide clearer financial insights. This initiative will soon affect how you handle income tax self-assessment. Speaking to us early can help you prepare without disruption to your daily operations.

Are You Ready for Income Tax Self-Assessment?

The next phase of Making Tax Digital focuses on income tax self-assessment, known as MTD for ITSA. From April 2026, sole traders and landlords with annual turnover above £50,000 will need to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates through compatible software. Those with turnover between £30,000 and £50,000 will follow from April 2027. This means saying goodbye to annual tax returns filled out at the last minute and hello to regular digital submissions.

Many professionals, balancing busy careers and family life, tell us they worry about the extra workload. We reassure them that once set up, the process becomes routine and less stressful than scrambling each January. Our team has helped leading businesses from manufacturers to hospitality venues, adopt these systems seamlessly. We frequently move clients from outdated packages to Xero, which integrates perfectly with HMRC requirements. If you are unsure about your turnover threshold or how this applies to partnerships, a quick conversation with us can clarify everything.

Benefits of Going Digital - More Than Just Compliance

Switching to digital accounting offers advantages that go beyond meeting government rules. You gain real-time visibility of your finances, making it easier to spot trends or issues before they grow. For instance, a local retailer we support noticed seasonal cash flow patterns through software dashboards, allowing better stock decisions.

Traditional bookkeeping often involves boxes of receipts and manual entries prone to mistakes. Digital tools automate much of this, reducing errors that could lead to HMRC queries. Our clients appreciate how bank feeds connect directly to their accounts, saving hours each month. As platinum Xero partners, we have seen businesses improve profitability by acting on accurate data rather than year-end guesses. If you lead a growing enterprise in the area, imagine having financial reports at your fingertips on a smartphone during a lunch break. This level of control appeals to ambitious professionals who value efficiency without complexity.

How We Make the Transition Smooth for Traditional Businesses

We specialise in supporting firms that have stuck with tried-and-tested methods. Many of our clients initially resist change, fearing technology will complicate matters. Our approach starts with listening to your current setup, whether it is a ledger book or basic spreadsheet. We then map out a plan tailored to your needs.

Take one Melton Mowbray engineering company we assisted a few years ago. They previously managed their VAT returns on paper but dreaded the upcoming tax changes. We introduced them to Xero step by step, training key staff and handling data migration. Within weeks, they submitted their first digital VAT return confidently. We handle similar moves regularly, often transferring clients from Sage or QuickBooks to Xero for its user-friendly design.

Xero is The Leading Software for Modern Accounting

Xero stands out as the preferred choice for thousands of UK businesses, including many we look after. Its cloud-based system allows access from any device, ideal for owners checking figures while away from the office. Features like automated invoicing and expense tracking simplify daily tasks.

As platinum partners, we hold the highest certification level with Xero, reflecting our deep expertise. This status means we receive early access to updates and can resolve issues quickly. We have converted numerous clients to Xero, praising its intuitive interface that requires minimal training. For a director juggling multiple sites, the mobile app proves invaluable. If you already use accounting software but find it clunky, we can demonstrate Xero's advantages in a no-obligation meeting at our Melton Mowbray office.

Common Concerns and How We Address Them

Clients often ask about data security in the cloud. Xero employs bank-level encryption, and we guide you on best practices to protect information. Another frequent worry is the cost of new software. Our discounted offer reduces this barrier, and the time savings often offset expenses within months.

What if technology fails during a submission deadline? We provide ongoing support, including backup processes and direct HMRC liaison if needed. For those with complex affairs, such as rental properties alongside trading income, we ensure records align correctly from the start. Our track record with MTD for VAT gives us confidence in handling ITSA requirements. Local business owners trust us because we speak plainly and deliver results without jargon.

Success Stories from Our Clients

A family-run shop in the town centre approached us anxious about digital record-keeping. They had managed with cash books for decades. We set them up on Xero, linked their till system, and trained the owner over two sessions. Now, they will be able to submit quarterly updates effortlessly and use reports to negotiate better supplier terms.

Another example involves a construction firm expanding beyond Melton Mowbray. Their old software struggled with CIS returns. Switching to Xero streamlined everything. These stories illustrate how traditional firms thrive with modern tools under our guidance. If you recognise similarities with your operation, we would welcome the chance to discuss your specific situation.

Get Ahead Before the Changes Arrive

Now is the ideal time to review your readiness. Start by checking your turnover against HMRC thresholds. Then, consider your current record-keeping and whether it meets digital standards.

We offer a free initial consultation to assess your position and outline options. This could include exploring our Xero discount or planning a gradual transition. As Melton Mowbray's leading independent firm, we prioritise long-term relationships with local professionals who seek reliable advice. Call or email us to arrange a convenient time.

In summary, Making Tax Digital for income tax self-assessment need not overwhelm established businesses. With Jarvis & Co's proven expertise in VAT transitions and Xero implementations, we make the process manageable and rewarding. Get in touch today to ensure your business stays ahead in a changing tax landscape.

  • Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment is HMRC's way of updating how sole traders and landlords report their income and expenses. It requires keeping digital records and sending quarterly updates through approved software, replacing the traditional annual Self Assessment tax return. This helps reduce errors and makes tax reporting more regular and straightforward.

  • It becomes mandatory from 6 April 2026 for those with income over £50,000 from self-employment or property. Businesses with income between £30,000 and £50,000 join from 6 April 2027. You can sign up voluntarily earlier to get familiar with the process (and we are supporting a number of clients who have chosen to do this), but HMRC will confirm your start date based on your 2024/25 tax return.

  • Sole traders and landlords with qualifying income above £50,000 from 2026, or £30,000 from 2027, must use it. Qualifying income includes self-employment and property rental profits. Partnerships and those with other income sources may also be affected, but HMRC reviews your Self Assessment return each year to determine eligibility.

  • You must use commercial software compatible with HMRC's Making Tax Digital service, such as Xero or QuickBooks. It handles digital record-keeping, quarterly updates, and end-of-year declarations. At Jarvis & Co, as platinum Xero partners, we can guide you to the right choice and help with setup, including our discounted Xero offer.  If you’d prefer to discuss other options, we are happy to do this.

  • You submit updates every three months covering income, expenses, and any adjustments. Deadlines are by the 7th of the month following each quarter, aligning with VAT reporting. These are not payments but summaries to keep HMRC informed. No penalties will be issued during the initial testing phase.

  • Exemptions apply if your income is under £20,000, you are digitally excluded due to disability or location, or you belong to certain groups like the blind person's allowance claimants. VAT-registered businesses with exemptions should check with HMRC. Contact us for advice on applying or confirming your status.

  • With our extensive experience in MTD for VAT and digital transitions, we make the switch simple for traditional businesses. We handle software setup, data migration to Xero, and training, plus our exclusive discounted Xero packages. Book a free introduction to discuss your needs and avoid any last-minute stress.

  • We have many hundreds of clients who will be transitioning to this new regime - across many industries and across the UK.  Our team has a well formulated plan that they have been working on for the last couple of years to ensure that clients get the best experience possible of their transition to MTD for ITSA.

  • It’s inevitable that four more submissions each year will be more work.  However we’ve done everything we can to allow clients to manage much of the additional work themselves, meaning we only have to step in (in examples where clients are competent to take care of their own submissions) to a lesser degree than initially you might expect.  Our fee structure is designed with our clients in mind and compared to other firms, may well be lower despite our greater expertise and capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions