MTD ITSA Solution for Landlords and
Sole Traders in Southend & Essex
Complete digital tax compliance made simple, stress-free and fully managed
Stay Compliant with Making Tax Digital from April 2026
HMRC's Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD ITSA) comes into effect from April 2026. This new legislation requires landlords and sole traders to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC instead of filing a single annual tax return.
MCL Accountants provide a complete MTD ITSA solution to keep you fully compliant while reducing the stress and complexity of digital reporting.
What Our MTD ITSA Service Includes
Our comprehensive MTD ITSA solution covers every aspect of digital tax compliance, from initial setup through to year-end declarations. We handle the technical complexity, so you can focus on running your business or managing your property portfolio.
Digital Record Keeping Setup
We help you move to approved digital software so your income and expenses are recorded correctly throughout the year. Whether you prefer cloud accounting software, approved spreadsheets, or app-based solutions, we'll implement the right system for your needs and provide training to ensure you're comfortable using it.
Quarterly Submissions to HMRC
We prepare and file all required quarterly updates on your behalf to ensure you remain compliant at all times. Each quarter, we review your income and expenses, prepare accurate submissions, and file them with HMRC before the deadline - you never need to worry about missing a submission.
End of Period Statement (EOPS)
We complete your formal year-end process, reconcile your accounts and submit your EOPS accurately and on time. This crucial step finalises your income and expenses for the tax year, ensuring all your quarterly submissions are reconciled and your tax position is clear.
Final Declaration
We prepare and file your final annual declaration to confirm your total taxable income for the year. This replaces the traditional Self Assessment tax return and must be submitted by 31 January following the end of the tax year, along with any tax payment due.
Ongoing Support and Reminders
We manage your deadlines, keep you updated on HMRC rules and provide support whenever you need it. You'll receive advance reminders before each quarterly deadline, regular updates on any changes to MTD ITSA requirements, and unlimited access to our team for questions and guidance.
Software Guidance and Training
We help you understand the digital tools, whether you prefer spreadsheets, cloud accounting software or app-based solutions. Our team provides hands-on training tailored to your technical comfort level, ensuring you can confidently manage your records throughout the year with ongoing support available whenever needed.
Who Needs MTD ITSA Compliance?
From April 2026, certain landlords and self-employed individuals must comply with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment. If any of the following apply to you, you'll need to prepare for MTD ITSA:
Even if you're not immediately affected by MTD ITSA, understanding the requirements now helps you prepare for future changes. HMRC may extend MTD ITSA to lower income thresholds in subsequent years, so it's worth planning ahead.
Benefits of Our MTD ITSA Solution
Working with MCL Accountants for your MTD ITSA compliance delivers significant advantages beyond simply meeting HMRC requirements. Here's what you gain from our comprehensive service:
Full compliance with new legislation: Avoid penalties and stay ahead of the April 2026 requirements. We ensure all your quarterly submissions, EOPS, and Final Declarations are accurate, complete, and submitted on time, protecting you from HMRC fines and interest charges.
Less stress and admin: We handle all submissions, so you do not need to worry about quarterly deadlines. Focus on your business or property management while we take care of the technical compliance, record reconciliation, and HMRC reporting.
Clear visibility of your tax position: Regular updates make it easier to plan for upcoming tax bills. With quarterly reviews, you'll always know your estimated tax liability, helping you budget effectively and avoid year-end surprises.
Expert support from qualified accountants: We guide you through every step of the digital process. Our Chartered Certified Accountants have extensive experience with MTD compliance and stay up to date with all HMRC guidance and changes.
Suitable for all levels of digital experience: Whether you are tech-savvy or prefer traditional methods, we provide a setup that works for you. We accommodate different comfort levels with technology and provide appropriate training and support to match your needs.
Fixed, transparent pricing: No hidden fees or surprise bills. Our MTD ITSA packages include all quarterly submissions, EOPS, Final Declaration, and ongoing support for one predictable annual fee, making it easy to budget for compliance.
Why Choose MCL Accountants?
MCL Accountants brings over 150 years of combined experience to MTD ITSA compliance. As Chartered Certified Accountants based in Southend-on-Sea, we combine technical expertise with friendly, local service.
Over 150 years of combined experience: Our team has deep expertise in UK tax compliance, digital accounting systems, and HMRC requirements. We've successfully helped hundreds of clients navigate major regulatory changes.
Specialist knowledge in landlord and self-employed tax: We understand the unique challenges facing landlords and sole traders, from property expense claims to self-employment tax reliefs, ensuring you benefit from all available allowances.
Cloud accounting and digital compliance experts: We're proficient in all major MTD-compatible software platforms and can advise on the best solution for your circumstances, providing setup, training, and ongoing technical support.
Friendly, local support across Southend, Leigh-on-Sea and Essex: We're part of your community with offices in Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea, and Thorpe Bay. You can meet us face-to-face or work with us remotely - whatever suits you best.
FAQs – Making Tax Digital for ITSA
Making Tax Digital represents a significant change to how landlords and sole traders report their income to HMRC. Below we answer the most common questions about MTD ITSA. If your question isn't covered here, get in touch - we're always happy to help.
What is Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD ITSA)?
MTD ITSA is HMRC's new digital tax system requiring landlords and sole traders to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC instead of filing a single annual Self Assessment tax return. It comes into effect from April 2026 for those with qualifying income above the threshold. The system aims to reduce errors, make tax administration more efficient, and give HMRC more up-to-date information about taxpayers' income throughout the year. Under MTD ITSA, you'll need to use HMRC-approved software to maintain your records and submit regular updates digitally, replacing the traditional paper-based or manual digital methods many taxpayers currently use.
When does MTD ITSA start and who does it affect?
MTD ITSA becomes mandatory from April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with gross income above the threshold (currently £50,000, but this may change). If your business or property income exceeds this threshold, you'll need to comply with the quarterly digital reporting requirements. HMRC may extend MTD ITSA to lower income thresholds in future years, so staying informed is important even if you're not immediately affected. The gross income threshold is calculated before any expenses or allowances are deducted, so even if your net profit is below £50,000, you may still fall within scope if your total revenue exceeds this amount. Partnerships will also be affected, with specific rules applying to partnership income reporting under MTD ITSA.
What are the quarterly submission deadlines under MTD ITSA?
Under MTD ITSA, you must submit quarterly updates to HMRC within one month of the end of each quarter. For most taxpayers using the standard tax year (6 April to 5 April), this means submissions are due by 5 May, 5 August, 5 November, and 5 February. In addition to quarterly updates, you must also complete an End of Period Statement (EOPS) and a Final Declaration after your tax year ends. The EOPS must be submitted by 31 January following the tax year end, and the Final Declaration by the same date. MCL Accountants manages all these deadlines for you, ensuring nothing is missed. We send advance reminders and prepare all submissions well before the deadlines, so you're never at risk of late filing penalties.
What software do I need for MTD ITSA compliance?
You need HMRC-recognised MTD-compatible software to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates. Popular options include cloud accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, and FreeAgent, or HMRC-approved bridging software and spreadsheets. MCL Accountants helps you choose the right solution based on your technical comfort level, business complexity, and budget. We provide setup, training, and ongoing support to ensure your software works smoothly for MTD ITSA compliance. Cloud accounting platforms offer the most comprehensive features, including automatic bank feeds, mobile apps, and real-time reporting. However, if you prefer a simpler approach, approved spreadsheets connected via bridging software can also meet HMRC's requirements. We'll help you evaluate the options and implement the best solution for your specific needs.
How much does MTD ITSA compliance cost with MCL Accountants?
We offer transparent, fixed-fee pricing tailored to your specific circumstances. Costs depend on your business structure, transaction volume, and level of support required. Our packages typically include digital software setup, quarterly submissions, EOPS and Final Declaration preparation, and ongoing support throughout the year. We'll provide a clear quote upfront with no hidden fees, so you can budget confidently for MTD ITSA compliance. Contact us for a personalised quote based on your needs. Most clients find that our fixed-fee approach provides excellent value compared to the time, stress, and potential penalties saved by having professional accountants manage their MTD ITSA compliance. The investment in professional support typically pays for itself through time saved, reduced errors, and optimised tax planning throughout the year.
What happens if I miss a quarterly MTD ITSA deadline?
Missing MTD ITSA quarterly deadlines can result in HMRC penalties. The penalty regime includes points-based penalties for late submissions and financial penalties for repeatedly missing deadlines or submitting information late. HMRC operates a points system where you accumulate points for each late submission, and once you reach a threshold, financial penalties apply. These penalties can escalate quickly if deadlines continue to be missed. When you work with MCL Accountants, we manage all your deadlines and send you advance reminders, so you never need to worry about missing a submission. Our proactive approach keeps you fully compliant and penalty-free. We monitor your submission schedule, prepare everything in advance, and ensure all filings are completed well before HMRC deadlines. This gives you complete peace of mind and protects you from unnecessary penalties and interest charges.
Can I still use spreadsheets instead of cloud accounting software?
Yes, you can use HMRC-approved spreadsheets for MTD ITSA compliance, provided they're compatible with MTD requirements and can connect to HMRC's systems via bridging software. However, cloud accounting software often provides greater efficiency, real-time visibility, and automated features that save time. We help you evaluate the pros and cons of each approach and implement whichever solution works best for you, whether that's spreadsheets, cloud software, or a hybrid approach. Spreadsheets can work well for straightforward businesses with lower transaction volumes, but cloud software becomes increasingly valuable as complexity grows. Cloud platforms offer benefits like automatic bank feeds that import transactions daily, mobile apps for capturing expenses on the go, real-time profit reporting, and seamless integration with MTD ITSA submission requirements. We'll help you make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances and preferences.
Do you provide training on how to use MTD software?
Absolutely. As part of our MTD ITSA service, we provide comprehensive software guidance and training tailored to your technical experience level. We'll show you how to record income and expenses, categorise transactions, and maintain compliant digital records. Whether you're comfortable with technology or prefer hands-on support, we ensure you feel confident using your chosen MTD software. Ongoing support is always available whenever you have questions or need assistance. Our training covers everything from initial software setup and configuration through to day-to-day record keeping and understanding your reports. We can provide training face-to-face in our Southend offices, via video call, or through a combination of both. We also provide written guides and resources you can refer back to. The goal is to make you comfortable and confident with the technology, so it becomes a helpful tool rather than a source of stress.
Get Ready for MTD ITSA with Confidence
Don't wait until April 2026 to prepare for Making Tax Digital. Get ahead of the requirements and ensure you're fully compliant from day one.
Request your free quote today and discover how MCL Accountants can make MTD ITSA simple, stress-free, and fully managed.
Request Your Free Quote