Making Tax Digital Blog

2026-07-13

Allowable Expenses for Sole Traders Under MTD

Sole traders can claim expenses that are wholly and exclusively for business — including travel to clients, home office costs, professional insurance, training, and vehicle use. Here is the full list with examples.

2026-07-13

Landlord Allowable Expenses Under MTD: The Complete List

Landlords can claim mortgage interest (as a basic rate tax credit), repairs, letting agent fees, insurance, and more under MTD. Here is every allowable property expense with practical examples.

2026-07-13

Motor, Home Office and Simplified Expenses Under MTD

Use HMRC's flat rate simplified expenses for vehicles (45p/mile), home office (£10-£26/month), or business premises (£350-£650/month) — or claim actual costs. Here is when each method wins.

2026-07-13

MTD Expense Categories Explained

HMRC uses 13 standard expense categories in MTD quarterly updates for self-employment. Here is what goes in each category, with examples and common filing mistakes to avoid.

2026-05-02

Do I Need an Accountant for Making Tax Digital?

Can you handle MTD yourself or do you need an accountant? We break down what's changed, what you can do alone, and when professional help makes sense.

2026-05-02

EOPS Abolished: What Replaces the End of Period Statement

The End of Period Statement (EOPS) has been abolished for MTD. Here's what replaced it, what you now submit at year-end, and what this means for 2026/27.

2026-05-02

MTD: Can I Use a Spreadsheet or Do I Need Software?

Can you use Excel or Google Sheets for Making Tax Digital? What counts as MTD-compatible software? We explain the digital record keeping rules.

2026-05-02

MTD Voluntary Registration 2026: Should You Sign Up Early?

You can register for Making Tax Digital before it's mandatory. Here's why some sole traders and landlords are signing up early, and whether it makes sense for you.

2026-05-02

Making Tax Digital for Uber, Deliveroo, and Gig Economy Workers

Does MTD apply to Uber drivers, Deliveroo riders, and gig economy workers? What counts as self-employment income and when you need to comply.

2026-04-30

MTD Income Threshold Explained: Does Your Income Qualify?

Understand the MTD income threshold — what counts as qualifying income, how it's calculated, and whether you need to comply with Making Tax Digital.

2026-04-30

MTD Soft Landing 2026/27: What HMRC Will and Won't Penalise

HMRC's MTD soft landing waives penalty points for late quarterly updates in 2026/27 — but late payment penalties and interest still apply from day one.

2026-04-30

How to Sign Up for MTD with HMRC: Step-by-Step Guide

Step-by-step guide to signing up for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax with HMRC. What you need, how the process works, and common issues.

2026-04-30

MTD Bridging Software: What It Is and Do You Need It?

MTD bridging software lets you keep using spreadsheets for record keeping while submitting to HMRC digitally. Learn how it works and whether it's right for you.

2026-04-30

MTD Deadlines 2026/27: Every Date You Need to Know

First MTD quarterly update is due 7 August 2026. See every Q1–Q4 deadline and Final Declaration date for 2026/27 so you never file late.

2026-04-23

Sage MTD Alternative for Small Businesses

Is Sage too complex or expensive for your MTD needs? Explore ClearMTD as a simpler, more affordable alternative for sole traders and landlords.

2026-04-23

MTD for Second Income: Do Side Hustles Count?

If you have a side hustle or second income alongside employment, find out whether Making Tax Digital applies to you and what you need to do.

2026-04-23

Free MTD Software from HMRC: What You Get (and Don't)

HMRC offers free basic tools for Making Tax Digital. Understand what is included, what is missing, and whether the free option is enough for your needs.

2026-04-23

FreeAgent Alternative UK: Simpler MTD Software

Looking for a FreeAgent alternative in the UK? ClearMTD offers simpler, more affordable Making Tax Digital compliance for sole traders and landlords.

2026-04-23

MTD Digital Records: What Counts as Digital Record Keeping?

Understand what HMRC accepts as digital records under Making Tax Digital. Learn whether spreadsheets count, what software you need, and common mistakes to avoid.

2026-04-23

Xero MTD Alternative: Why Simpler Might Be Better

Looking for a Xero alternative for Making Tax Digital? Discover why a focused MTD tool like ClearMTD might suit sole traders and landlords better than a full accounting platform.

2026-04-23

MTD vs Self Assessment: What's the Difference?

Making Tax Digital replaces parts of Self Assessment but not all of it. Understand exactly what changes, what stays the same, and how the two systems compare.

2026-04-23

MTD Software Comparison 2026: Top 6 Options Ranked

Compare the top Making Tax Digital software options for 2026. See how ClearMTD, Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, and HMRC's free tool stack up on price, features, and ease of use.

2026-04-23

Your First MTD Quarterly Update: Step-by-Step

Q1 is due by 7 August 2026. Walk through exactly what to include, how to submit your first quarterly update to HMRC, and common mistakes to avoid.

2026-04-23

Best MTD Software for Sole Traders (2026 Compared)

We compared ClearMTD, Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent and HMRC's free tool on price, features and ease of use. See which MTD software suits your business.

2026-04-23

MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA): What It Means and Who It Affects

MTD ITSA stands for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment. Find out what it means, who it affects, how it differs from MTD for VAT, and what you need to do.

2026-04-23

HMRC Quarterly Reporting: How It Works Under MTD

Understand HMRC's quarterly reporting requirements under Making Tax Digital. Learn the four reporting periods, deadlines, and what you need to include.

2026-04-23

MTD Exemptions: Who Is Exempt from Making Tax Digital?

Not everyone has to comply with Making Tax Digital. Learn about income thresholds, exemption criteria, and whether voluntary registration makes sense for you.

2026-04-23

MTD Software for Landlords UK: Which to Choose

Best MTD software for UK landlords compared — property income reporting, quarterly updates, and HMRC compliance from £7.50/month.

2026-04-23

MTD Software Under £10/Month: Your Options

Looking for affordable Making Tax Digital software? Compare MTD-compatible options under £10 per month and find the right balance of price and functionality.

2026-04-23

Switching MTD Software Mid-Year: Can You Do It?

Worried about changing your Making Tax Digital software mid-year? Learn why it is easier than you think, what to watch out for, and how to make a smooth transition.

2026-04-23

What Expenses Can I Claim Under MTD?

A comprehensive list of allowable business expenses for sole traders under Making Tax Digital. Know what you can claim to reduce your tax bill legally.

2026-04-23

Missed an MTD Deadline? Here's What Happens Next

Late on an MTD quarterly update? You'll get a penalty point — and at 4 points, a £200 fine. Here's how to submit late, appeal, and reset your points.

2026-04-23

Do I Need MTD Software? Find Out in 2 Minutes

Not sure if you need Making Tax Digital software? Use our simple decision guide to find out in 2 minutes based on your income and work situation.

2026-04-23

How to Connect Your MTD Software to HMRC

A simple guide to connecting your Making Tax Digital software to HMRC. Understand the authorisation process, Government Gateway, and troubleshooting common issues.

2026-04-23

MTD for Landlords 2026: Rental Income Reporting Rules

Own rental property earning over £50,000? MTD now applies to you. How to report rental income quarterly, claim property expenses, and handle multiple properties.

2026-04-23

MTD Penalties: How the Points System Works (2026)

Miss 4 MTD deadlines and you get a £200 fine — then £200 for every late filing after. See how HMRC's new penalty points system works and how to stay clear.

2026-04-23

Making Tax Digital for Sole Traders: 2026 Guide

MTD for sole traders is live from April 2026 if you earn over £50,000. How to register, submit quarterly updates, choose software, and stay compliant.

2026-04-23

MTD Software for Self-Employed: Simple Guide

A simple guide to choosing MTD software if you're self-employed. Learn what you need, compare your options, and find the right tool for your business.

2026-04-23

When Do I Need to Start MTD? Key Dates for 2026-27

A clear timeline of all Making Tax Digital key dates for 2026-27. Know exactly when MTD starts for you and every quarterly deadline you need to meet.

2026-04-23

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax 2026: Who Must Comply

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax starts April 2026 for income over £50,000. Who must comply, key deadlines, and how to prepare for MTD ITSA.

2026-04-23

Looking for a QuickBooks MTD Alternative?

Tired of QuickBooks complexity and rising prices? Discover ClearMTD — a simpler, more affordable alternative for Making Tax Digital compliance.

2026-04-20

Making Tax Digital: What It Is and Who It Affects (2026)

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is live from April 2026. Find out if you're affected, what HMRC requires, and how to comply. Guide for sole traders and landlords.

2026-04-18

Cheapest MTD Software UK (2026 Prices Compared)

MTD software from free to £15/month. We compare HMRC's free tool, ClearMTD (£7.50/mo), Xero, QuickBooks and FreeAgent — what you actually get at each price.

2026-04-15

How to Submit a Quarterly Update to HMRC: Step-by-Step Guide for MTD

A practical step-by-step guide to submitting your Making Tax Digital quarterly update to HMRC, covering what you need, deadlines, and common mistakes to avoid.