Making Tax Digital for Income Tax has been years in the making. After consultations, pilots, delays, changing thresholds and months of preparation, the first mandatory quarterly update deadline has finally arrived. So, what have accountants and bookkeepers learned from getting clients ready? 

For many practices, the biggest challenge has not been submitting the quarterly update itself. Instead, the experience has highlighted the importance of client communication, digital record keeping, onboarding, software, internal processes and changing the way practices work with clients. 

HMRC says more than 864,000 sole traders and landlords within scope have reached the first MTD for Income Tax deadline, with qualifying income above £50,000. The first quarterly update covers the first three months of the 2026/27 tax year and must be submitted through MTD-compatible software.  

Here are seven of the biggest lessons emerging from the first phase of MTD for Income Tax. 

1. MTD is a workflow change, not simply another tax submission

Perhaps the clearest lesson is that MTD for Income Tax is about much more than submitting four updates a year. 

For years, many sole traders and landlords have operated around an annual tax cycle: gather records, prepare accounts, submit the return and move on. 

MTD changes that rhythm. 

Digital records need to be maintained throughout the year, information needs to be available more regularly and clients need to engage with their finances on an ongoing basis. 

This means practices need to think beyond “How do we submit the quarterly update?” and ask: 

“How will we manage this client throughout the year?” 

Firms that treat MTD as a change to their overall workflow — rather than simply another compliance obligation — are likely to find the transition easier to manage. 

2. Client onboarding can be more important than the submission itself

One of the strongest lessons from the preparation period has been the importance of getting the basics right early. 

Before an agent can submit a client’s quarterly update, several steps need to be completed, including adding the appropriate client authorisation to the Agent Services Account, signing the client up for MTD and connecting the chosen software to HMRC.  

HMRC says that, on average, signing up a client takes less than four minutes. But that is only one part of the process.  

Practices also need to establish: 

• Which clients are actually in scope  
• Which income sources need to be included  
• Which software and workflow are appropriate  
• Whether digital records are ready  
• Who is responsible for maintaining those records  
• How and when information will be provided to the practice  

The lesson? Don’t treat onboarding as an administrative task to complete just before the deadline. 

It is the foundation for everything that follows. 

3. One MTD workflow does not work for every client

Another important lesson is that practices need flexibility. 

A landlord with several properties does not necessarily have the same requirements as a sole trader who sends invoices, receives card payments and has hundreds of transactions each month. 

Some clients are already comfortable with cloud bookkeeping. Others may have relied on spreadsheets, paper records or banking apps for years. 

HMRC’s own agent feedback reflects this variety. Accountants have reported that some traditionally paper-based clients are now being encouraged to digitise, while others are benefiting from more regular financial information and clearer visibility of their potential tax position.  

The takeaway is simple: 

Choose the workflow around the client, rather than forcing every client into the same process. 

That could mean cloud bookkeeping for one client, a bridging solution for another, or a more automated digital record-keeping workflow for a third. 

4. Client communication is a critical part of MTD compliance

Technology can make quarterly reporting easier, but it cannot make clients send their records on time. 

This has arguably been one of the biggest practical challenges for practices. 

Clients who are accustomed to handing everything over once a year now need to think differently about record keeping. 

They need to understand: 

• What information they need to record  
• How often they need to update it  
• What their accountant needs from them  
• Why accurate digital records matter  
• When information needs to be provided  
• What happens if records are incomplete  

HMRC has also highlighted positive experiences from agents whose clients are seeing clearer information about cash flow, business performance and potential tax liabilities as a result of more regular reporting.  

So MTD should not necessarily be presented to clients as “more admin.” 

Done well, it can become a more useful and regular conversation about their business. 

5. Digital record keeping needs to happen throughout the year

The first deadline has reinforced a fundamental MTD principle: you cannot leave digital record keeping until the deadline. 

HMRC guidance says digital records should be created as close to the transaction date as possible. If someone signs up partway through the tax year, they may also need to catch up their records from the beginning of the relevant period.  

Quarterly updates are generated from those digital records. They are summaries of income and expenses — they are not tax returns, and accounting or tax adjustments do not need to be made before sending the update.  

This creates an important operational lesson for practices: 

The quality of the quarterly submission is largely determined by the quality of the records behind it. 

The deadline should therefore be the end point of a process, not the point at which the process begins. 

6. Software needs to support the practice — not just the submission

The first MTD deadline has also highlighted that choosing software based purely on whether it can technically submit to HMRC is not enough. 

The right MTD software should fit the way the practice and its clients actually work. 

Consider: 

• How clients provide information  
• Digital record keeping  
• Bank feeds and transaction imports  
• Receipt and expense capture  
• Multiple income sources  
• Client approvals  
• Quarterly update preparation  
• HMRC connectivity  
• Visibility of submission status  
• How easily the practice can manage multiple clients  

HMRC now lists more than 100 compatible software products and recommends that agents consider their needs when choosing a solution.  

The lesson from the first phase is that MTD software is becoming part of the practice workflow, rather than simply a filing tool. 

7. The first deadline is the start of a new routine — not the finish line

Perhaps the biggest lesson of all is that 7 August is not the end of MTD preparation. 

The next quarterly update deadline is 7 November 2026, followed by 7 February 2027 and 7 May 2027.  

That means practices now have an opportunity to review what worked during the first quarter and improve their processes before the next update. 

Ask: 

• Which clients provided records late?  
• Which clients needed the most support?  
• Where did the practice spend the most time?  
• Which workflows worked well?  
• Where did data need manual intervention?  
• Which clients need additional training?  
• Could any processes be automated?  
• Are fees still appropriate for the increased frequency of work?  

This final question is particularly important. 

Moving from an annual compliance cycle to more regular reporting creates additional client touchpoints. Many practices have therefore been reviewing their pricing and considering monthly or broader advisory packages.  

The first quarter provides valuable data that can help practices build a more sustainable MTD service. 

What happens next? 

The first MTD for Income Tax quarterly deadline represents a significant milestone, but it is only the beginning of the new reporting cycle. 

The good news is that the first year provides practices with an opportunity to learn and refine their processes. HMRC has confirmed that no penalty points will be issued for late quarterly updates during the 2026/27 tax year, although taxpayers still need to submit their updates and other penalties, including those relating to late tax returns or payments, continue to apply.  

From the second year onwards, the points-based penalty regime for missed quarterly updates will apply. Four points result in a £200 penalty, with further missed deadlines potentially generating additional penalties.  

So the objective should not simply be: 

“How did we get through 7 August?” 

It should be: 

“How can we make the next quarterly update easier, faster and more valuable for both our practice and our clients?” 

MTD is a practice transformation 

After years of preparation, the first MTD for Income Tax deadline has shown that the technology and legislation are only part of the challenge. 

The practices best placed to manage MTD successfully will be those that combine the right software, efficient workflows, strong client communication and consistent digital record keeping. 

The first quarterly update is a milestone. The real opportunity is to use what has been learned to build a more efficient, proactive and scalable way of working. 

Capium’s MTD for Income Tax solution is designed to help practices manage different client needs, from digital record keeping and onboarding through to quarterly updates and ongoing compliance. 

Discover how Capium can help your practice simplify MTD for Income Tax and build a more efficient digital workflow:

Book a demo today.

The post MTD for Income Tax: 7 Lessons Accountants Have Learned from the First Quarterly Deadline appeared first on capium.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is no longer a future project. 

Across the UK, accounting firms are now actively signing clients up, testing workflows, onboarding landlords and sole traders, and preparing for the first quarterly submission deadline on 7 August. 

While much of the conversation around MTD has focused on legislation and compliance, the experiences of early adopters are revealing a different reality. 

The biggest challenges aren’t necessarily tax-related. 

Instead, firms are finding that success depends on client engagement, internal processes, software choices, and the ability to adapt practice workflows to a new way of working. 

The first wave of MTD implementation is providing valuable lessons for every accountant and bookkeeper still preparing for the transition. 

MTD Is More About Practice Operations Than Tax 

One of the clearest messages emerging from firms already working with MTD clients is that the tax itself hasn’t changed dramatically. 

What has changed is how information is collected, managed and reported. 

For years, many sole traders and landlords have operated on an annual cycle. Records are gathered at year-end, accounts are prepared, and tax returns are submitted. 

MTD introduces a very different model. 

Practices now need systems that support ongoing digital record keeping, regular client engagement and quarterly reporting throughout the year. 

For many firms, this represents a significant operational shift rather than a technical tax challenge. 

Those treating MTD as a workflow transformation rather than simply another filing obligation are generally finding the transition easier to manage. 

Sign-Up Is Easier Than Many Expected 

When MTD was first announced, many practices anticipated lengthy and complex onboarding procedures. 

The reality has been more encouraging. 

Firms involved in the first phase report that HMRC’s sign-up process broadly reflects the guidance already published. 

Where client information has been prepared in advance, registrations can often be completed relatively quickly. 

However, the most common issues tend to arise when firms assume clients have not already taken action themselves. 

Some accountants are discovering that clients have registered independently after receiving communications directly from HMRC. 

While usually well-intentioned, this can create duplication, confusion and additional administration for practices trying to manage registrations centrally. 

The lesson is simple: communication with clients remains just as important as the technology itself. 

Software Choice Matters More Than Ever 

Another key lesson is that there is no single MTD solution that suits every client. 

Different businesses operate in different ways. 

A landlord with a handful of rental properties has very different requirements from a tradesperson issuing invoices, managing expenses and chasing payments. 

Similarly, some clients are comfortable using cloud accounting software, while others remain reliant on spreadsheets or simple banking apps. 

Practices that are succeeding with MTD are often taking a more flexible approach, matching software and workflows to the client’s needs rather than forcing every client into the same process. 

This is where having multiple workflow options becomes increasingly valuable. 

The Real Challenge Is Still Ahead 

While onboarding clients and choosing software are important milestones, many practitioners believe the biggest challenge has yet to arrive. 

The first quarterly submissions. 

For years, many clients have been conditioned to think about tax once a year. 

MTD requires a change in behaviour. 

Clients need to provide information more regularly, maintain better records, and engage with their finances throughout the year rather than at the last minute. 

The technology can facilitate submissions, but it cannot automatically change client habits. 

As a result, firms are investing considerable time in educating clients, setting expectations and building processes that encourage timely record keeping. 

Pricing Models Are Still Evolving 

MTD is also forcing practices to rethink how they price their services. 

Moving from an annual compliance cycle to quarterly reporting creates additional touchpoints throughout the year. 

Many firms are reviewing whether traditional fee structures still reflect the work involved. 

Some are introducing monthly service packages. Others are building MTD compliance into broader advisory offerings. 

The industry is still experimenting, but one thing is becoming clear: firms that create efficient workflows are likely to be in a stronger position to protect profitability as MTD requirements expand. 

August Will Be the First Real Test 

The first quarterly reporting deadline on 7 August will provide the clearest indication yet of how prepared firms and clients really are. 

Practices that have already identified affected clients, selected appropriate workflows and established digital record-keeping processes will be in a much stronger position. 

Those that delay may find themselves facing a last-minute rush to onboard clients, answer questions and resolve avoidable issues. 

The firms that emerge strongest from the first phase of MTD are unlikely to be those with the most sophisticated technology alone. 

They will be the firms that have successfully combined technology, process and client communication into a repeatable workflow. 

Start Preparing for the Next Phase of MTD

If the first wave of MTD has taught the profession anything, it’s that Making Tax Digital is not simply a compliance project. 

It is a practice transformation project. 

The technology is important. The legislation matters. But the real differentiator will be how effectively firms adapt their processes and help clients embrace a more regular and digital approach to managing their tax affairs. 

With the first quarterly deadline now approaching, the time for planning is rapidly giving way to the time for action. 

The post Five MTD Lessons Every Accountancy Practice Should Learn Before August appeared first on capium.

Are you confident you know which clients will be affected by the next phase of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax? 

Have you identified how partnerships, landlords, and clients with multiple income sources will fit into your MTD strategy? 

Do you have the right workflows in place to manage quarterly submissions efficiently without creating more work for your team? 

If you’re still answering these questions, you’re not alone. 

With MTD for Income Tax now underway and further changes on the horizon, many accountancy practices are moving beyond awareness and into implementation. The challenge is no longer understanding that MTD is coming. The challenge is preparing every affected client and creating scalable processes that work in practice. 

That’s why Capium is partnering with HMRC for a special live webinar designed to help firms understand the latest developments and turn regulatory requirements into practical workflows. 

Hear Directly From HMRC 

One of the biggest challenges for practices is separating fact from speculation. 

During this live session, you’ll hear directly from HMRC about the latest MTD developments, upcoming timelines, and what firms should be focusing on now. 

We’ll discuss: 

• The latest MTD updates and deadlines  
• Who will be affected next  
• New requirements for partnerships  
• Property income considerations  
• What practices should be doing now to prepare  

If you’re advising sole traders, landlords, or clients with multiple income streams, this session will provide valuable clarity on what’s coming next. 

Turning HMRC Guidance Into Practical Workflows 

Understanding the rules is only part of the challenge. 

The bigger question is: 

How do you manage MTD efficiently across different client types? 

Not every client has the same needs. 

Some will require bridging solutions. Others may need full digital record keeping. Some will have property income. Others will have multiple businesses or mixed income sources. 

During the webinar, Capium will demonstrate how firms can implement practical MTD workflows that support different client journeys while reducing unnecessary administration. 

You’ll see how Capium’s HMRC-recognised platform helps practices: 

✔ Maintain digital records 

✔ Manage quarterly submissions 

✔ Support landlords and sole traders 

✔ Handle multiple income sources 

✔ Simplify compliance processes 

✔ Reduce manual work across the practice 

Preparing for the Next Phase of MTD 

The firms that succeed with MTD won’t be the ones that wait until deadlines arrive. 

They’ll be the firms that identify affected clients early, choose the right workflows, and build efficient processes before reporting pressures increase. 

Whether you’re already using Capium or still reviewing your MTD strategy, this webinar will provide practical guidance that you can apply immediately. 

Live Q&A With HMRC and Capium 

You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions directly to both HMRC and the Capium team. 

Whether your questions relate to compliance requirements, client onboarding, workflow selection, partnerships, property income, or reporting obligations, this is your chance to get answers from the people closest to the changes. 

Join Us Live 

HMRC & Capium: From HMRC Guidance to MTD Workflows – Preparing Every Client for Making Tax Digital 

📅 Tuesday 23 June 2026
🕚 11:00am BST
🎥 Live Webinar + Q&A 

You’ll Learn: 

✔ Latest HMRC updates and timelines 

✔ Who is affected next and how to prepare clients 

✔ New partnership and property income requirements 

✔ Practical MTD workflows and compliance strategies 

✔ How Capium helps streamline MTD submissions and reduce admin 

✔ Live Q&A with HMRC and Capium experts 

Thousands of practices are already reviewing their MTD strategy. 

Make sure yours is ready for the next phase of MTD. Register today and hear directly from HMRC and Capium on what happens next.

The post HMRC & Capium: MTD Is Live – Is Your Practice Ready for What’s Next?  appeared first on capium.

For many independent accountants, building a successful practice is about more than just technical expertise; it’s about having the right systems in place to support growth, efficiency, and long-term stability. 

For Vanessa Aradia, Owner of TCW Accounting and Training Solutions, this has been a key part of her journey. 

Having used Capium since 2015, Vanessa has seen first-hand how an integrated, cloud-based accounting platform can support both day-to-day operations and long-term business growth. 

A Smarter Alternative to Traditional Software 

Before switching to Capium, Vanessa was using Iris, an experience she describes as costly and frustrating. 

“It was double the cost of Capium with terrible customer support,” she explains. 

Making the move to Capium not only reduced software costs but also introduced a more streamlined and user-friendly way of managing her practice. 

The Power of an Integrated System 

Today, Vanessa uses multiple Capium modules, including Accounts Production, Corporation Tax, Self Assessment, Payroll, Practice Management, and Company Secretarial. 

The biggest advantage? 

A fully integrated system that connects everything in one place. 

“It eliminates duplication, improves accuracy, and creates a smoother workflow across services,” she says. 

Instead of juggling multiple tools, Vanessa benefits from a single platform where data flows seamlessly between modules, saving time and reducing errors. 

Flexibility Through Cloud Technology 

Like many modern practices, flexibility has become essential. 

With Capium’s cloud-based system, Vanessa can access her work anytime, from anywhere making remote working simple and efficient. 

“It enabled continuity with no disruption,” she explains. “Work continued regardless of location.” 

This flexibility has not only supported business continuity but has also helped meet the expectations of a modern workforce. 

Saving Time and Focusing on Growth 

One of the most noticeable impacts has been the time saved through automation and integration. 

Vanessa describes the time savings as “considerable,” allowing her to shift focus away from manual processes and towards higher-value activities. 

This includes: 

• Providing more client advisory services  
• Focusing on business development  
• Improving overall service delivery  

Supporting Profitability and Growth 

By reducing costs and streamlining workflows, Capium has played a direct role in improving profitability. 

“Streamlined processes and reduced costs have supported growth and improved margins,” Vanessa notes. 

For a growing practice, having a system that can scale alongside the business is critical and Capium has provided that stability. 

Improving Client Experience 

Better systems don’t just benefit the practice, they also enhance the client experience. 

With quicker turnaround times and easier access to information, Vanessa has been able to communicate more effectively with her clients and deliver a more responsive service. 

A Platform Built for the Future 

With ongoing regulatory changes and increasing demands on accountants, having a future-ready system is essential. 

Vanessa highlights Capium’s continuous development and ability to adapt as key strengths: 

“The platform provides a stable, scalable system that adapts to regulatory and operational changes.” 

Advice for New Users 

For accountants considering Capium, Vanessa offers simple but valuable advice: 

“Take time to understand how the modules connect. The real value comes from using the full suite rather than isolated features.” 

And for those starting out in the profession: 

“Invest in systems early that scale with you. Efficiency and structure from the beginning make a significant difference.” 

A Trusted Platform for Long-Term Growth  

After nearly a decade of using Capium, Vanessa sees it as more than just software; it’s a core part of how her practice operates and grows. 

“Capium has been a consistent part of my practice since 2015 and has supported both stability and growth over time.” 

For practices looking to streamline operations, reduce costs, and build a scalable future, her experience highlights what’s possible with the right technology in place.

Here is more of what Vanessa had to say:

“I’ve been using Capium since 2015, and it has become a core part of how I run my practice. 

Everything works together. Having accounts, tax, payroll, and practice management in one system removes duplication and keeps workflows clean and efficient. It has saved both time and cost compared to managing multiple separate platforms, and it allows me to focus more on clients rather than administration. 

As a cloud-based solution, it has also given me complete flexibility. Whether working remotely or managing deadlines across different services, everything is accessible and consistent. That continuity was especially important during periods of disruption and continues to support how I operate today. 

The system is straightforward to navigate, and once you understand how the modules connect, the benefits become clear. It supports growth without adding complexity, which is exactly what a small practice needs. 

Capium has provided a reliable, scalable foundation for my business over the years, and I would recommend it to any accountant looking for an integrated, practical solution.” 

Vanessa Aradia 
TCW Accounting and Training Solutions 

The post From Startup to Stability: How One Practice Grew with Capium  appeared first on capium.

For many UK accounting practices, growth has traditionally been measured by one thing: client numbers. But in today’s market, that approach is quickly becoming outdated. 

Firms are now shifting their focus towards something far more strategic; winning better clients, delivering more value, and building longer-term relationships. This evolution is being driven by changing client expectations, increased competition, and the rapid advancement of technology. 

So, what does growth really look like for accounting firms in 2026?

From Volume to Value

The idea that more clients automatically equals more success is being replaced by a more nuanced approach. Medium to large practices, in particular, are prioritising client quality over quantity. 

Rather than taking on every opportunity, firms are becoming more selective, focusing on clients who: 

• Align with their expertise  
• Value advisory services  
• Offer long-term growth potential  

This shift allows firms to increase profitability while delivering a higher standard of service.

Proposals Are Becoming Strategic Tools

Winning new business is no longer about sending a standard fee proposal. Today’s clients expect something far more tailored and insightful. 

Modern proposals are evolving into strategic documents that: 

• Clearly demonstrate understanding of the client’s business  
• Provide transparent, structured pricing  
• Outline not just what will be delivered, but how  

For larger firms dealing with multiple stakeholders, clarity and simplicity in proposals can make all the difference in securing new work.

Advisory Is No Longer Optional

One of the most significant shifts in the profession is the move from compliance to advisory. 

Clients increasingly expect their accountant to go beyond filing returns and producing accounts. They want support with: 

• Cashflow forecasting  
• Business planning  
• Financial decision-making  

Firms that embrace advisory services are not only adding more value, they are also strengthening client relationships and creating new revenue streams.

Technology Is Driving Scalable Growth

As practices grow, maintaining consistency across a large client base becomes more challenging. This is where technology plays a critical role. 

Forward-thinking firms are investing in integrated platforms that allow them to: 

• Streamline workflows  
• Automate repetitive tasks  
• Maintain visibility across their client portfolio  

This isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about enabling firms to scale without compromising service quality.

Client Experience Is the Real Differentiator

In a market where services are often similar, the experience of working with a firm has become a key deciding factor. 

Clients are more likely to stay with firms that: 

• Communicate clearly and consistently  
• Deliver on promises  
• Provide proactive insights  

In fact, many firms are discovering that retention is driven less by price and more by perceived value and relationship quality.

MTD IT: A Compliance Challenge… and an Opportunity

With Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD IT) on the horizon, UK firms are preparing for significant changes. 

While this introduces additional compliance requirements, it also creates an opportunity to: 

• Engage clients more frequently  
• Improve data accuracy and visibility  
• Shift towards more proactive, advisory-led services  

Firms that embrace MTD IT as part of a broader digital strategy are likely to gain a competitive edge. 

Rethinking Growth: What Sets Successful Firms Apart 

Growing an accounting practice in 2026 isn’t about doing more of the same, it’s about doing things differently. 

The most successful firms are those that: 

• Focus on the right clients  
• Deliver consistent, high-quality service  
• Use technology to scale effectively  
• Build long-term, value-driven relationships  

Download the Full Whitepaper 

If you’re looking to take a more strategic approach to growing your practice, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide covering everything from winning the right clients to retaining and growing them over time. 

Download your free copy of “Winning & Retaining High-Value Clients” and discover how to build a more profitable, scalable accounting practice. 

The post Growing Your Accounting Practice: The Key Trends Shaping UK Firms in 2026  appeared first on capium.

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Making Tax Digital for VAT is now business as usual for most VAT registered businesses – but questions still come up around thresholds, submission rules and what actually triggers penalties. Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT is mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses as of April 2022. For accountants, this is often where confidence (or confusion) sets the tone of client conversations.

This is a clear, practical explanation of the MTD VAT rules as they stand, grounded in HMRC guidance and focused on what matters in day-to-day compliance. The VAT registration threshold is currently £90,000, and businesses with a taxable turnover above this certain threshold must comply with MTD for VAT.

When MTD for VAT applies

MTD for VAT is mandatory for all VAT registered businesses, regardless of size or turnover. This is where many clients still get caught out.

Originally, MTD only applied to businesses above the VAT registration threshold. That’s no longer the case. Today, if a business is VAT registered – whether because it exceeded the VAT threshold or registered voluntarily – it must comply with MTD VAT rules.

This applies to:

• Limited companies
• Sole traders
• Partnerships
• Small businesses registered below the VAT threshold.

Businesses with turnover below £90,000 that are voluntarily registered for VAT must also comply with MTD rules. In addition, businesses with a taxable turnover below the VAT threshold can sign up for MTD for VAT voluntarily. HMRC encourages these businesses to join MTD and sign up voluntarily so they can benefit from improved record-keeping and streamlined processes.

Once registered, MTD applies immediately. There’s no grace period and no option to delay because a business is “small”.

What the VAT threshold still matters for

The VAT registration threshold still determines whether a business must register for VAT in the first place. It does not determine whether MTD applies after registration.

This distinction is worth reinforcing with clients. Many still assume that MTD only applies once taxable turnover exceeds the VAT registration threshold, when in fact the act of VAT registration is what triggers MTD compliance.

If a business expects its taxable turnover for the next 12 months to be less than £88,000, it can apply to have its VAT registration cancelled. Additionally, businesses seeking to be exempt from MTD requirements must apply directly to HMRC, and exemptions are only granted in specific circumstances.

Digital record keeping – what HMRC expects

Under Making Tax Digital rules, VAT businesses must keep digital VAT records. This includes:

• Sales and purchase figures
• Input VAT and output VAT
• VAT return totals
• Details of the VAT accounting scheme used
• The time of supply, the value of the supply, and the rate of VAT charged for each supply
• Records of expenses relevant to VAT calculations

Records must be stored digitally for at least six years.

If you use spreadsheets to keep business records, you will need MTD for VAT software, such as bridging software, to send your VAT returns to HMRC. All VAT-registered businesses must use MTD-compatible software to comply with MTD for VAT rules. Making Tax Digital (MTD) software can include full accounting programs or bridging software, and must maintain clear digital links between systems if multiple tools are used. Your digital records should be linked to your VAT account, which is central to managing submissions and ensuring compliance. Businesses should check with their software provider to ensure their software is MTD-compatible before the deadline. Good software will also provide support for digital record keeping, tracking expenses, and seamless data exchange with HMRC.

The data must be stored digitally and transferred using digital links. Figures must not be physically re-typed between systems – whether that’s from a spreadsheet into software, or from software into HMRC.

HMRC expects VAT return information to flow digitally from business records to submission via an application programming interface (API).

Submitting VAT returns under MTD

All VAT-registered businesses must keep digital records and file their VAT returns through MTD-compatible software. You must keep digital VAT business records and send returns using MTD-compatible software if your taxable turnover is above the VAT registration threshold.

VAT returns must be submitted using MTD compatible software. The HMRC portal can no longer be used for manual submissions. You need to keep your business records digitally from the start of your accounting period to prepare for MTD for VAT.

This can be done through:

• A full accounting software package
• A spreadsheet with compliant bridging software.

Both approaches are valid, provided digital links are maintained throughout the process. When you complete your VAT return, you must file it electronically and submit it to HMRC by the deadline. After you submit your return, you may need to wait for confirmation from HMRC that your submission has been received. VAT return periods, deadlines and payment dates remain unchanged. MTD changes the submission method – not the reporting timetable.

Penalties and non-compliance

MTD VAT uses HMRC’s points-based penalty system for late submissions: which means each tax return late earns penalty points. For quarterly VAT submissions, the penalty for late submission is £200, and accountants must also ensure their wider regulatory obligations, such as anti-money laundering compliance processes, are robust to avoid compounding risk. Once you reach a certain threshold of penalty points, you pay a penalty fee. Points expire after 24 months if you have submitted all outstanding returns for the previous 24 months and completed a period of compliance without further issues.

Penalties can apply even when:

• No VAT is owed
• A return is submitted but late, missing the deadline date
• Payment is made on time but submission is missed

If you receive a penalty notice for a tax return late or tax late, you can challenge the penalty by making an appeal if you have a reasonable excuse. Your appeal must be made in writing within 30 days of the penalty notice being issued. HMRC will only accept appeals if your reasonable excuse counts as valid throughout the period between the deadline and the date you file the return. If HMRC does not accept your appeal, you can ask for a review by an HMRC officer who has not been involved in your tax affairs before.

Late payment interest may also apply separately. Repeated non-compliance can escalate quickly, particularly for clients managing VAT manually or using non-compliant systems.

Exemptions and edge cases

There are very limited exemptions from MTD VAT. These generally apply where it is not reasonably practicable to use digital tools due to age, disability, location or insolvency procedures.

Landlords, along with sole traders, are required to comply with MTD requirements. From April 2026, sole traders and landlords with income over £50,000 must use MTD for Income Tax software for quarterly submissions, and from April 2027, the threshold drops to £30,000.

Exemptions are not automatic. They must be agreed with HMRC, and supporting evidence may be required. In most cases, VAT businesses are expected to comply.

Why MTD VAT still matters for accountants

Even though MTD VAT is established, it continues to influence:

• Software choices across client portfolios
• Record keeping standards
• Internal review processes
• Risk exposure for non-compliance.

It’s also often the first step clients take into digital tax reporting – shaping how they respond to future MTD changes for income tax and beyond, and whether they adopt fully integrated MTD-compatible accounting software across taxes. Handled well, MTD VAT becomes routine. Handled poorly, it creates repeated compliance issues and unnecessary client stress.

Supporting VAT registered businesses with Making Tax Digital

The MTD VAT rules themselves are relatively simple – but clarity around thresholds, submission methods and penalties is what keeps clients compliant and confident.

The right software and processes make all the difference.

If you’re looking to simplify VAT compliance across your client base, Capium’s MTD-ready VAT software supports digital record keeping, seamless VAT return submission and clear audit trails – helping accountants stay compliant without adding complexity, especially when combined with an MTD hub for managing all client obligations. The software also provides ongoing support for digital record keeping and ensures your practice is always ready for HMRC requirements, while tools like Capium 365 for businesses, sole traders and landlords help clients maintain compliant digital records day to day.

Refer to this page for updated information on MTD VAT rules explained thresholds and further resources, and explore dedicated Making Tax Digital resources and guides when planning client communications and internal processes.

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