On 26 June, two of our directors, Julie Falchevska and Gareth Shaw, joined a high-level roundtable to discuss the future of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax and Self Assessment (MTD ITSA). The session brought together representatives from HMRC, FreeAgent, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, and other accounting firms, all with one shared goal: making MTD work for sole traders and landlords.
So, what’s it like being in a room where tax policy is being shaped?
Lively. Honest. And refreshingly collaborative.
This wasn’t just a tick-box exercise or a platform for set-piece speeches. It was a real conversation. Our directors were able to share insights directly from the small businesses we support every day – people who are busy, capable, and willing to comply… if the systems set up actually work for them.
There’s a full report of the contributions that Gareth and Julie made to this lively debate in AccountingWeb’s coverage of the event. Julie and Gareth offered a perspective from the front lines of tax return, software migrations, and first-time digital users.
What’s the latest on MTD ITSA?
The key takeaway is that MTD ITSA is going ahead, with a roll-out date of April 2026. There have been delays in the past, but HMRC has clearly stepped up its efforts, and the political will to make this happen now feels much stronger.
There’s talk of a grace period to help ease the transition, but the message from HMRC is clear: this is coming, and they want to get it right.
What does this mean for you?
The good news: if you’re already using digital accounting software, the change will be minimal.
If you’re still using spreadsheets or paper records, now is the time to explore your options. You don’t need to panic – but you do need to plan. MTD isn’t just about ticking boxes for compliance. It’s about running your business more efficiently, staying on top of your finances, and reducing admin in the long term.
As one of the firms involved in the MTD pilot, we’re in a strong position to guide you through the changes. We know the systems, we know the process, and we know how to explain it in plain English.
Whether you’re a landlord managing one property, or a self-employed sole trader juggling three side hustles, we’ll help you get MTD-ready without the headache.
Got questions about how it’ll affect you? Let’s talk.
