Making Tax Digital Blog

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: 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.

2026-05-02

MTD End of Period Statement (EOPS) Explained

What is an End of Period Statement under Making Tax Digital? When is it due, what's included, and how do you submit one? Plain English guide.

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.

2026-04-30

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

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 Deadlines 2026/27: Every Date You Need to Know

Complete calendar of Making Tax Digital quarterly update deadlines for 2026/27. Know exactly when your Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, EOPS, and Final Declaration are due.

2026-04-30

MTD Soft Landing 2026/27: Which Penalties Are Waived and Which Still Apply?

HMRC is waiving penalty points for late quarterly updates in 2026/27 — but late payment charges and Final Declaration penalties still apply. Here is exactly what the MTD soft landing covers.

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.

2026-04-23

Best MTD Software for Sole Traders in 2026

Comparing the best MTD software for sole traders in 2026: ClearMTD, Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, and HMRC's free tool. Find the right fit for your business.

2026-04-23

MTD for Landlords 2026: What Property Owners Need to Know

Making Tax Digital now applies to landlords with property income over £50,000. Learn about rental income reporting, property expenses, multiple properties, and quarterly updates.

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

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

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

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 Penalties for Late Submission: What You Risk

Understand the penalty system for late MTD submissions. Learn how penalty points work, what fines you face, and how to avoid them.

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

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

MTD ITSA Explained: A Plain English Guide

MTD ITSA demystified in plain English. Learn what Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment means, who it affects, and what you need to do.

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

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

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 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

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 Software for Landlords UK: Which to Choose

Find the best MTD software for UK landlords. Compare options for property income reporting, quarterly updates, and HMRC compliance under Making Tax Digital.

2026-04-23

MTD Late Filing: What Happens If You Miss a Deadline?

Missed an MTD quarterly deadline? Understand the penalty points system, how fines work, and what you can do to get back on track.

2026-04-23

MTD for Income Tax 2026: What You Need to Know

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax launches in April 2026 for those earning over £50,000. Learn the key dates, what changes, and how to prepare.

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

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 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

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

Making Tax Digital for Sole Traders: Complete Guide

A step-by-step guide for sole traders on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. Learn who's affected, how to register, and what to submit each quarter.

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

Your First MTD Quarterly Update: Step-by-Step Guide

A practical walkthrough for submitting your first Making Tax Digital quarterly update to HMRC. Covers preparation, what to include, and how to submit.

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.

2026-04-23

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.

2026-04-20

What Is Making Tax Digital? A Complete Guide for UK Sole Traders and Landlords

Everything you need to know about HMRC's Making Tax Digital for Income Tax programme — who it affects, when it starts, and how to prepare.

2026-04-18

Cheapest MTD Software UK: Comparing the Most Affordable Options for 2026

A detailed comparison of the cheapest Making Tax Digital software for UK sole traders and landlords. We compare pricing, features, and value for money.

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.