Making Tax Digital for small businesses what is changing and how to get ready

If you are a sole trader or landlord, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is a change worth preparing for now. From 6 April 2026, you will need to keep digital records and use compatible software to report to HMRC if your annual income from self employment and property is over £50,000.

For many small businesses, the stress is not the idea of going digital. It is the uncertainty about what applies to you, what you need to set up, and how to avoid last minute panic. This blog explains the change in plain English and the practical steps that make it manageable.

1) Start by checking whether the Making Tax Digital rules apply to you

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is aimed at people who complete Self Assessment as sole traders and landlords.

The key point is the start date and threshold. From 6 April 2026, you must use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax if your annual income from self employment and property is over £50,000. If you are close to the threshold, it is still worth preparing early so you are not forced into rushed decisions.

2) Understand what will change in your day to day

The biggest shift is process, not tax. You will need to keep digital records and use software that works with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.

That means moving away from spreadsheets and end of year catch up, and towards keeping records up to date throughout the year. For many owners, this is actually a positive change once it is set up properly, because you get a clearer view of income, costs, and cashflow.

3) Choose software that fits how you run the business

There is no single best tool. The right choice depends on how you invoice, how you track expenses, whether you have staff, and how involved your accountant is.

A practical approach is to list what you need the software to do, then choose something that matches your workflow. If you already work with an accountant or bookkeeper, involve them early so your setup supports how you will report and review.

4) Build a simple record keeping routine

Making Tax Digital becomes overwhelming when record keeping is left until it becomes a backlog.

Set a weekly or fortnightly routine that is realistic. For example, one short session to upload receipts, reconcile transactions, and check invoices. Small, consistent habits reduce stress and help you stay in control.

5) Get your paperwork and categories tidy now

A lot of friction comes from messy starting points. Missing receipts, unclear categories, and mixed personal and business spending create confusion.

Before April, tidy the basics. Separate accounts if needed, decide how you will store receipts, and agree categories that make sense for your business. This makes reporting smoother and gives you cleaner numbers to make decisions.

6) Use the change to improve your visibility and planning

The hidden benefit of better records is better decisions.

When your numbers are current, you can spot issues earlier, plan for tax, and understand which work is actually profitable. For small businesses, that clarity can be the difference between feeling reactive and feeling in control.

Next steps if you want clarity

If you are affected by Making Tax Digital and want to understand what it means for your business, join us at our upcoming networking event on 24th February.

We will have a guest expert speaker covering Making Tax Digital in plain English, plus the chance to meet other local business owners and ask questions in a practical setting. The event is open to all, and SME Business Club members attend for free.

Read more in our full blog, then come along on 24th February and leave with clearer next steps.

Grab Your Ticket