Limited company guide

Making Tax Digital

What MTD requires from VAT-registered companies and directors, and what is coming next.

Written and reviewed by Waqas Sagar Member of ICAEW, Fellow of ACCA, Fellow of AAT, a double graduate and entrepreneur at heart, helping startups grow and serving thousands of businesses nationwide with an excellent team. Published by LimitedCompany.Accountants, 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Reviewed 12 September 2026 against 2026/27 UK rates and current Companies House and HMRC guidance.

What this means for your company

All VAT-registered businesses must keep digital records and submit returns using compatible software. Manual re-keying between systems is not permitted; where spreadsheets are used, they must be linked digitally.

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MTD for VAT

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MTD for Income Tax

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Practical impact

MTD for VAT

All VAT-registered businesses must keep digital records and submit returns using compatible software. Manual re-keying between systems is not permitted; where spreadsheets are used, they must be linked digitally.

Digital records must include the time of supply, value and VAT rate for each supply.

MTD for Income Tax

MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment applies to sole traders and landlords by qualifying income: from April 2026 above £50,000, April 2027 above £30,000, and April 2028 above £20,000.

It does not apply to income you take from your limited company as salary or dividends, but a director with rental income above the threshold will be caught personally.

Practical impact

For most companies already using cloud bookkeeping, MTD changes little. For companies still on paper or a disconnected spreadsheet, the move is the work.

Thresholds, rates and deadlines quoted here reflect the 2026/27 UK position. Check current GOV.UK guidance, or ask us, before you rely on them for your own company.

Local help

Talk to a limited company accountant near you

We work with company directors across London and Surrey from our office at 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Pick your area, or send the form below and we will call you back.

Frequently asked

Making Tax Digital: questions directors ask

Does MTD apply to corporation tax?

Not yet. MTD for corporation tax has been repeatedly deferred and no start date is confirmed.

Can we keep using spreadsheets?

Yes, with bridging software and digital links, though bank-fed software is usually less error-prone.

What records are needed for making tax digital?

Keep bank statements, sales and platform reports, purchase invoices, payroll records, VAT workings, finance agreements and Companies House correspondence. We confirm the exact list at onboarding and identify gaps before a filing deadline becomes urgent.

How much does help with making tax digital cost?

The fee depends on transaction volume, record quality, VAT and payroll requirements, historic catch-up and the level of reporting needed. We agree a fixed scope and price before technical work starts, with published packages available on our fees page.

Can you take over making tax digital from another accountant?

Yes. We request professional clearance, collect the prior records and authorities, check the next Companies House and HMRC deadlines, and give you one clear handover list. The process is normally completed remotely.

Can making tax digital be handled online?

Yes. We work through secure cloud records, scheduled reviews and digital approvals, while keeping a named team available by phone, video call and email. Clients can also visit our Morden office by appointment.

Which accounting software works best for making tax digital?

We regularly work with Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage and connected sales or expense apps. The right setup depends on transaction volume, integrations and the reports you need, not simply the software brand.

What tax deadlines matter for making tax digital?

The relevant calendar may include annual accounts, Corporation Tax payment and return dates, confirmation statements, VAT returns, payroll submissions and Self Assessment. We map the dates from your company year end and registrations.

Is this making tax digital guidance personal tax advice?

No. This page explains general UK rules and common accounting treatment. Your facts, contracts and wider tax position must be reviewed before you rely on a conclusion.

Included approach

Organised, explained, on schedule.

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Check the current rules

Use official information as your reference point.

Deadlines, thresholds and filing rules change. GOV.UK and Companies House publish the current statutory position; advice should then be applied to your company’s circumstances.

Key tax terms explained

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Appointments run monday to friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Your confirmation is emailed straight away.

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