Making Tax Digital Accountant Hiring Guide
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HMRC's programme to digitise the UK tax system. MTD for VAT is already mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses. MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) is being phased in from April 2026 for self-employed individuals and landlords with income over £50,000. An MTD specialist helps you choose compliant software, set up digital record-keeping, configure quarterly reporting, and ensure your digital links meet HMRC's requirements without disrupting your business operations.
General guidance reviewed 12 July 2026 · How we review content
Browse Public-Record ListingsWhat to Check Before Hiring
The right making tax digital accountant should be clear about scope, records needed, deadlines, and how they keep you compliant after the first conversation.
Relevant client experience
Clear scope and pricing
Named day-to-day contact
Pricing Context
Fees vary by complexity, record quality, deadlines, and whether you need recurring support or one-off advice.
Compliance Context
Ask what records are needed, who is responsible for submissions, and how the firm confirms deadlines and filing evidence.
Making Tax Digital FAQs
Who needs to comply with MTD?
All VAT-registered businesses must use MTD-compatible software for VAT. From April 2026, self-employed individuals and landlords with business/property income over £50,000 must comply with MTD for Income Tax. The threshold drops to £30,000 from April 2027.
What are digital links?
Digital links mean that data must flow electronically between software programs without manual re-keying. If you use a spreadsheet to calculate your VAT return, it must be digitally linked to your MTD submission software. Copy-and-paste is not considered a digital link.
What software is MTD compatible?
HMRC publishes a list of compatible software. Popular choices include Xero, QuickBooks Online, FreeAgent, Sage, and various bridging software options for businesses that prefer to keep their existing systems.
Check the official guidance
Choosing an accountant for making tax digital?
Use the checks and official sources above, then browse public-record listings and confirm service availability directly with each firm.