Guides & Resources

MTD & Tax Guides for UK Sole Traders

Making Tax Digital is changing how millions of UK sole traders manage their tax affairs. These guides cut through the jargon and give you the practical information you need: deadlines, what to record, and how to stay compliant.

MTD for Income Tax is mandatory from 6 April 2026

Sole traders and landlords with gross income over £50,000 must use HMRC-recognised software from this date. Penalties apply for non-compliance from day one.

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MTD Basics

What is Making Tax Digital? A Complete Guide for UK Sole Traders

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HMRC's biggest change to tax administration in decades. This guide explains what it means for sole traders, landlords, and the self-employed, and what you need to do before April 2026.

MTD for Income Tax: What Changes on 6 April 2026 and What to Do Now

MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) becomes mandatory on 6 April 2026 for sole traders and landlords earning over £50,000. Here is exactly what changes, the deadlines you need to know, and the penalties for missing them.

HMRC Digital Record Keeping: What Counts and How to Stay Compliant

Under Making Tax Digital, HMRC requires sole traders and landlords to keep digital records. This guide explains exactly what 'digital records' means, what you must capture, and common mistakes that put people at risk of penalties.

UK Sole Trader Tax Deadlines 2025–26: The Complete Calendar

Miss a tax deadline and HMRC will fine you, even if you have no tax to pay. This complete calendar covers every key date for UK sole traders and landlords in the 2025–26 tax year, from VAT returns to self-assessment to the new MTD quarterly deadlines.

Best MTD-Compatible Tax Software for UK Sole Traders in 2026

With MTD for Income Tax mandatory from April 2026, sole traders need to choose HMRC-recognised software. This comparison covers the main options: what they cost, what they include, and which type of sole trader each one suits best.

How to Claim Your CIS Refund Without an Accountant (2026 Guide)

Most CIS subcontractors overpay tax through the year and are owed a refund. This guide explains how CIS deductions work, why you usually get money back, and how to claim your refund yourself, without paying an accountant £250–£400.

Making Tax Digital for Self-Employed Builders and CIS Subcontractors

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax arrives in April 2026. Here is what it means specifically for self-employed builders and CIS subcontractors: quarterly updates, digital records, CIS deductions, and how to stay compliant without a monthly subscription.

9 June 2026

8 min read

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