Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is a new way for sole traders and landlords to report their income and expenses to HMRC.
From 6 April 2026, some sole traders and landlords must use it, based on their total annual income from self-employment and property.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, delivered her Spring Statement last week in which she outlined the government’s economic plans, including spending decisions, tax policies and efforts to boost growth while managing public finances. The Statement came on the back of the latest forecasts prepared by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
The Spring Statement announced that Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for IT) regime will be further extended to smaller businesses. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for IT) is a government initiative that requires self-employed individuals and landlords with income over a certain limit to keep digital records and submit quarterly tax updates to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) using compatible software.
Last week, the tax minister responsible for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), James Murray, delivered a speech marking the 20th anniversary of HMRC. Previously, the UK’s tax authority was known as Inland Revenue. During the speech he highlighted some simplifications that are planned. Of particular interest was the announcement of plans to increase the Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) reporting threshold for gross income from £1,000 to £3,000.
Starting a business in the UK is an exciting venture, but it comes with financial, tax, and accounting responsibilities that you must navigate effectively. Understanding what you will need to do from the outset will help make sure that you don’t miss anything, avoid unnecessary costs, and position your new business for success.
With the 31 January Self-Assessment tax return filing deadline fast approaching, HM Revenue and Customs issued a press release last week noting that 5.4 million taxpayers are yet to complete their return. Apparently more than 24,800 people filed their return on New Year’s Day, while a further 38,000 had filed theirs on 31 December. 310 filed their returns between 11pm and midnight.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have revealed that 4,409 people chose Christmas Day to file their tax returns, ensuring their 2023-2024 tax affairs were in order well before the 31 January deadline. In total, 40,072 taxpayers submitted their returns over the Christmas break, proving that even amidst the festive cheer, there’s always time for a little financial housekeeping.
New changes come into effect from January 2025 where online platforms, such as eBay and Airbnb, will start sharing some user sales and personal data with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Although these reporting requirements have caused concern, HMRC have confirmed that there are no changes to the tax rules for someone selling unwanted possessions online.
If you trade as a limited company, then you will likely know that balancing salary and dividends is key to extracting profit from your company in the most tax-efficient way. Both methods have distinct implications. and the right mix will depend on your specific circumstances. The Autumn Budget, with its changes to employers national insurance rates and the employment allowance has further complicated the picture.
In a recent court case, a company director from Bury was sentenced to prison for failing to comply with basic accounting and legal responsibilities. Vezubuhle Ndlovu, the former director of VN Electrics Limited, was jailed for 10 months after he failed to provide the required records when his company went into liquidation, leaving over £200,000 in unpaid taxes. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences for businesses that do not prioritise accurate accounting, particularly when dealing with financial and tax obligations.
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