{"id":19616,"date":"2024-09-17T15:43:37","date_gmt":"2024-09-17T14:43:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=19616"},"modified":"2024-12-17T16:52:33","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T16:52:33","slug":"accountex-manchester-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/accountex-manchester-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Accountex Manchester 2024: Act now on AI and MTD"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/trends-insights\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Trends &amp; Insights<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAccountex Manchester 2024: Act now on AI and MTD\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2024-09-17T15:43:37+01:00\">17 September, 2024<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Accountex Manchester 2024: Act now on AI and MTD\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/accountex-manchester-2024\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/keirthomasbryant\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/06\/keir-short-hair-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/06\/keir-short-hair-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/06\/keir-short-hair.jpg 760w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Keir Thomas-Bryant<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Didn\u2019t get a chance to drop in to Accountex Manchester 2024 on Tuesday, 17 September?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t worry: we cover the key points to note in this blog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The keynotes across 4 theatres saw a strong focus on personal brand and new client acquisition, perhaps manifesting a subtle change in the way accountants and bookkeepers view their profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nonetheless, and as you might expect, tax matters and the burgeoning field of AI breakthroughs dominated many sessions. Accountants and bookkeepers must be aware of these, and act upon them swiftly and decisively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article looks at 3 main updates, first up is the latest from the AI keynote \u201cAI is not the future\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-here-s-what-we-ll-cover\">Here&#8217;s what we&#8217;ll cover<\/h4>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-ai-is-here-right-now\" data-level=\"2\">AI is here, right now<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-1-get-a-position-on-the-new-ai\" data-level=\"3\">1. Get a position on the new AI<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-2-trial-the-new-ai-yourself-first\" data-level=\"3\">2. Trial the new AI yourself first<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-3-start-getting-24-7-fast-flows-of-client-data\" data-level=\"3\">3. Start getting 24\/7 fast flows of client data<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-practice-of-now\" data-level=\"2\">Practice of Now<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax\" data-level=\"2\">Making Tax Digital for Income Tax<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-final-thoughts\" data-level=\"2\">Final thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ai-is-here-right-now\"><strong>AI is here, right now<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s been top of mind for professionals around the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of the keynote <strong>\u201cAI is not the future; we\u2019ll show you how it\u2019s transforming the Accounting industry today&#8221;<\/strong>, Sage CTO, Aaron Harris, said of the latest advancements in AI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p><em>\u201cBusiness accounting stands on the brink of a transformative era, driven by the rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence. <\/em><br><br><em>AI is poised to redefine the role of accountants even further, shifting from the traditional, numerical tasks, to becoming strategic advisors who drive business growth.\u201d<\/em><\/p><cite>Aaron Harris, Chief Technology Officer, Sage<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a1c2c5343d96&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a1c2c5343d96\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/AccountexHeroMAIN2-1440x810.jpeg\" alt=\"A photo of Aaron Harris, Sage CTO, delivering a talk at Accountex Manchester 2024.\" class=\"wp-image-19620\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/AccountexHeroMAIN2-1440x810.jpeg 1440w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/AccountexHeroMAIN2-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/AccountexHeroMAIN2-684x384.jpeg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/AccountexHeroMAIN2-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/AccountexHeroMAIN2-2048x1152.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>He explained how a recent report from Sage and ACCA, along with the upcoming Sage Practice of Now report, has revealed a wave of optimism among accountants and bookkeepers regarding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/ai-potential-accounting-practice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">artificial intelligence in accounting<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An impressive 61% of respondents anticipate more opportunities than risks, and 68% feel assured about their ability to adapt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Building on the previously mentioned research, Aaron projected the future AI landscape and its impact on accounting through to 2030:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Increased creation of new roles and opportunities for accountants:<\/strong>\u202fAI will automate routine tasks, freeing up accountants to focus on strategic thinking and providing valuable business insights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The end of the monthly close:<\/strong> real-time data will replace the traditional monthly close, with 75% of SMBs transitioning to dynamic, continuous accounting practices. The transition hinges on the success of continuous assurance. As AI revolutionise risk management, real-time reconciliation and other assurance capabilities will become possible.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Real-time data will fuel finance decisions:<\/strong>\u202fover 70% of SMBs will integrate real-time data into financial decisions, empowering them to drive growth and innovation helping them thrive in the competitive landscape of 2030.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ethical AI leadership will be priority:<\/strong>\u202fwith 80% of SMBs having adopted robust AI ethics policy, by 2030 ethical AI will be non-negotiable. However, businesses won&#8217;t just adopt ethical AI policies\u2014they will become the leading force in ethical AI assurance.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-action-points\"><strong>Action points<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Karen Ainley, SVP of Accountants for Sage, joined Aaron in the keynote discussion to explain how the business is working closely with customers to develop Sage Copilot, our new AI assistant tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is done via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/sage-copilot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Accountants Early Adopter Programme for Sage Copilot<\/a>, and signing-up today is highly advisable if you&#8217;re eager to experience this groundbreaking technology firsthand and start the essential process of upskilling yourself and your team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, there are 3 imperatives for any accountant or bookkeeper, moving forward:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-get-a-position-on-the-new-ai\"><strong>1. Get a position on the new AI<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You need to understand what\u2019s on offer and how it will impact workflows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your clients are fascinated by AI, just like you are, and have the same challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Can you answer their questions? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After all, you are the route to new accounting technology for most of your clients and always have been.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-trial-the-new-ai-yourself-first\"><strong>2. Trial the new AI yourself first<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>See how well the new AI works in your own business and on your own finances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This allows for upskilling, too, letting you get ahead of the curve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned, the Sage Copilot early access programme is ready and waiting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Accountants and bookkeepers can sign up to the free plan for Sage for Accountants, and then request via the early adopter programme to add-in Copilot to the free Sage Accounting license you\u2019ll get as part of the package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-start-getting-24-7-fast-flows-of-client-data\"><strong>3. Start getting 24\/7 fast flows of client data<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Data is the oxygen of AI, and without it the AI tools will simply not be as effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Digitising clients is just no longer optional, especially in this age of Making Tax Digital, as we\u2019ve already discussed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Can you be sure your clients are providing the flow of data you require for an AI-powered future? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How can you make that happen?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a1c2c5344e28&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a1c2c5344e28\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_CopilotOutdoors_AXM2024-1440x810.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19639\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_CopilotOutdoors_AXM2024-1440x810.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_CopilotOutdoors_AXM2024-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_CopilotOutdoors_AXM2024-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_CopilotOutdoors_AXM2024-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_CopilotOutdoors_AXM2024-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-practice-of-now\"><strong>Practice of Now<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As already discussed, Sage used Accountex Manchester to tease some fascinating data points from its new Practice of Now report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Practice of Now is a global trends update for 2024 and 2025, showing how accountants and bookkeepers are navigating a changing world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It looks at ways to embrace these shifts and unlock potential to become an accountant or bookkeeper of the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s just a small selection of the findings, ahead of its upcoming publication:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>96% of accountants say the industry and their role will change in the next 5 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>92% spend too much time on manual admin and compliance tasks, diverting their focus from strategic or advisory roles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>89% say integrating AI-powered tools or machine learning would make a real difference in improving their roles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>85% wish for more opportunities in advisory and strategic work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a1c2c53457c7&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a1c2c53457c7\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_Indoors2_AXM2024-1440x810.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19647\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_Indoors2_AXM2024-1440x810.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_Indoors2_AXM2024-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_Indoors2_AXM2024-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_Indoors2_AXM2024-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_Indoors2_AXM2024-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax\"><strong>Making Tax Digital for Income Tax<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>And finally, we\u2019re now less than 2 years away from the introduction of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/mtd-for-itsa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MTD for Income Tax for sole traders and landlords<\/a> who have income of more than \u00a350,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In his \u201cAn Update From HMRC\u201d keynote, Jonathan Athow, director general of customer strategy and tax design, discussed the organisation\u2019s \u201cdigital first\u201d approach that is manifested in the imminent arrival of MTD for Income Tax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe want to make it easy to get tax right and hard to get it wrong, and that links through to our digital journey,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He reiterated HMRC\u2019s belief that there will be free software available for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, but added it would only be for those with \u201cthe simplest affairs\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe have a commitment that will we have some sort of free software. But I don\u2019t want to give a sense that there\u2019s going to be free software for everybody [\u2026] We are asking people to invest in software.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He said he expected bridging software\u2014usually plugins for Microsoft Excel to allow MTD submission\u2014to be available as part of a \u201crich and vibrant\u201d software offering, but added caveats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe want to make it as easy as possible for people to get into the system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For some people it\u2019ll be the right solution but whether it\u2019ll be the long-term solution for everyone, I don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s been a lot of uncertainty around MTD for Income Tax, including its introduction date and specifics of how it works. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both have been adjusted several times in recent years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Athow said that there\u2019s no reason why HMRC will not hit the April 2026 deadline but warned that it was a \u201clarge and complex programme\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat we would do if we had problems is we would probably take out particular groups,\u201d he added. \u201cIf nothing goes wrong with our IT build, we will deliver for April 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He further explained how, since April 2024, HMRC have been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/use-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax\/introduction\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">inviting sole traders and landlords<\/a> to voluntarily sign-up, adding: \u201cThat is working. We\u2019ve got people doing quarterly updates. So, we know the technology works.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Signing-up early makes a lot of sense and gives accountants a chance to test drive the new requirements and work out any bugs ahead of legal mandation, when penalties will also apply should errors creep in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other discussion points Athow mentioned include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>There will be no specific exemptions for pensioners, outside of existing ones around disabilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There was no mention of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/making-tax-digital-deadlines\/#:~:text=The%20soft%20landing%20period%20ended,linking%20rules%20from%20day%20one.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">soft-landing period<\/a>, as with Making Tax Digital for VAT, with Athow explaining: \u201cThe moment you move onto MTD [for Income Tax], you move into the penalty version.\u201d This is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/hmrc-penalty-making-tax-digital\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">points-based system<\/a> already established for VAT.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The upcoming multiple agents authorisation system should mean agents can access more client data, but while a separate stream of work is ongoing around allowing agents more insight and abilities, that is not part of MTD\u2014so agents will remain fundamentally limited for the moment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The key requirements of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax are summarised in our guide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/making-tax-digital\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-action-points-0\"><strong>Action points<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s little doubt that Making Tax Digital for Income Tax needs to be taken seriously by accountants and bookkeepers. Here\u2019s some suggested ways to get started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Start testing MTD for Income Tax with clients<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A full tax cycle is 22 months, from its start through to latest possible payment date.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, it&#8217;s already too late to test a full MTD for Income Tax cycle with a client before it&#8217;s mandatory in April 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But as they say, the best time for action was yesterday but the second-best time is today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You and your clients have been able to voluntarily sign-up to MTD for Income Tax since April this year. If you haven\u2019t already, you can start today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Start segmenting your client list<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key to surviving MTD\u2019s introduction for VAT back in 2019 was understanding how clients felt about technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use that experience for MTD for Income Tax planning and start segmenting your client list so you can calculate the workload required to assist clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, some clients will be tech savvy and welcome MTD for Income Tax without a second thought. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They will require hardly any input from you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many others will be comfortable with technology, and already be using digital ledgers, but are not experts. They will require education, at least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And finally, there will be a sizeable proportion to whom accounting and the technology involved are abhorrent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are the clients who will require most work, and therefore should be prioritised well ahead of April 2026 (if they have incomes over \u00a350,000).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. It\u2019s time to educate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As with MTD for VAT, HMRC are rather cheekily relying on accountants and bookkeepers to do most of the legwork of client communications around MTD for Income Tax. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And we can again learn a lot from experiences of MTD for VAT. Email blasts, webinars, social networking posts, in-person events above pubs combined with business networking\u2026all are at your disposal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So too, is simply tacking on a discussion of MTD for Income Tax to any client conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adding a mention to your email signature can also trigger more discussion with clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a1c2c534705d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a1c2c534705d\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_Outside_AMX2024_lores-1440x810.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_Outside_AMX2024_lores-1440x810.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_Outside_AMX2024_lores-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_Outside_AMX2024_lores-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_Outside_AMX2024_lores-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_Outside_AMX2024_lores.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts\"><strong>Final thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It was a bustling Accountex Manchester this year, with plenty of insight into hot topics like AI and MTD for Income Tax providing some real-world insight and useful preparation points for the year to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more updates on the latest news in accounting, check back regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join more than 500,000 UK readers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-b1a63862-3fa0-4a5e-bb67-c76b88bbc6b8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/accountant-accounting\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAccountant accounting\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/ai\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAI\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/mtd-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMaking Tax Digital for businesses\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-30036 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accountant-accounting tag-accountant-automation tag-accountant-tax tag-ai tag-bookkeeping tag-mtd-accountants tag-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax business_type-accountants card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/05\/accountex2026-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Accountex 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/05\/accountex2026-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/05\/accountex2026-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/05\/accountex2026-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-15T16:54:23+01:00\">15 May, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">7 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/accountex-2026\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tAccountex 2026: Accounting work has changed. Most firms are still structured for what it used to be\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tAccountex 2026 revealed a profession under pressure\u2014not from a lack of technology, but from work that has quietly outgrown the operating models most firms were built around.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-29890 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-technology-innovation tag-accountant-accounting tag-accountant-automation tag-ai tag-workplace-technology business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/accountants-bookkeepers-practice-pricing-ai\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1402342490-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1402342490-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1402342490-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1402342490-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-04-29T15:24:07+01:00\">29 April, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">6 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tThe AI pricing trap: How accountants can avoid it\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-29887 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-technology-innovation tag-accountant-accounting tag-accountant-automation tag-ai tag-bookkeeping business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/ai-accountants-bookkeepers-career-skills\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1369412492-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"A woman calculating MRR\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1369412492-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1369412492-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1369412492-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-04-29T15:23:20+01:00\">29 April, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">6 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tStop experimenting with AI: How AI operational skills are defining the accounting profession\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-29099 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accountant-accounting tag-accountant-automation tag-accountant-tax tag-accountants-online-hub-gb tag-mtd-accountants tag-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax tag-tax business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/mtd-for-income-operational-checklist\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/09\/sage-advice-header-2222x1250-1-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"A workplace where microlearning is taking place\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/09\/sage-advice-header-2222x1250-1-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/09\/sage-advice-header-2222x1250-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/09\/sage-advice-header-2222x1250-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-04-20T10:12:53+01:00\">20 April, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">5 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tOperational checklist:\u00a0Before\u00a0you\u00a0price for MTD\u00a0for Income Tax,\u00a0answer\u00a0these\u00a0questions\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-29066 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accountant-accounting tag-accountant-automation tag-accountant-tax tag-mtd-accountants tag-tax business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/mtd-for-income-tax-breaks-pricing-model\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_Financial-Family-office_0746-684x384.jpeg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_Financial-Family-office_0746-684x384.jpeg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_Financial-Family-office_0746-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_Financial-Family-office_0746-1214x810.jpeg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-04-20T09:30:00+01:00\">20 April, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">1 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhy\u00a0MTD\u00a0for Income Tax\u00a0breaks\u00a0your\u00a0pricing model\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Accountex Manchester now rivals its London equivalent, with this year&#8217;s keynotes urging immediate action on 2 vital fronts that will define the next decade of accounting.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":280,"featured_media":19648,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,11,114],"tags":[223,50,30],"business_type":[115],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[67],"imagine_tag":[220,221,77,309,142,334],"coauthors":[369],"class_list":["post-19616","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-growth-customers","category-technology-innovation","category-trends-insights","tag-accountant-accounting","tag-ai","tag-mtd-business","business_type-accountants"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Keir Thomas-Bryant","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Sage_Indoors4_AXM2024_lores.jpg","imagine_tags":{"220":"Accountant accounting","221":"Accountant automation","77":"Accounting software","309":"AI Hub","142":"Making Tax Digital for businesses","334":"Making tax digital for income tax"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice 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