{"id":22524,"date":"2025-05-29T12:05:02","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T11:05:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=22524"},"modified":"2026-02-26T15:07:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T15:07:13","slug":"making-tax-digital-for-income-tax-upgrade-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/making-tax-digital-for-income-tax-upgrade-practice\/","title":{"rendered":"Use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax to upgrade your practice and meet new rules"},"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\/technology-innovation\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Technology &amp; Innovation<\/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\tUse Making Tax Digital for Income Tax to upgrade your practice and meet new rules\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=\"2025-05-29T12:05:02+01:00\">29 May, 2025<\/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=\"Use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax to upgrade your practice and meet new rules\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/making-tax-digital-for-income-tax-upgrade-practice\/\"\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\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\/asavinwattanajantra\/\">\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\/2026\/03\/Asavin-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Asavin\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-810x810.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Asavin Wattanajantra<\/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>With Making Tax Digital for Income Tax starting in April 2026 for many sole traders and landlords, accountants and bookkeepers need to be more than aware of the new legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You need to be ready for it to support your clients in the best possible way and help your practice thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some accountants are already testing and segmenting their clients, and reshaping how they deliver services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The real question now isn\u2019t when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/mtd-for-income-tax-complete-guide\/\">MTD for Income Tax<\/a> will impact your practice, but how well prepared you\u2019ll be when it does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/accountex-ai-future\/\">Accountex London 2025<\/a>, the message came through loud and clear\u2014from HMRC, industry leaders, and accountants alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While it may bring some challenges, MTD for Income Tax is an opportunity to modernise your practice, elevate client relationships, and run a smarter, more profitable practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s what we cover in this article:<\/p>\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-1-nbsp-know-your-mandate-segment-your-clients-and-get-ahead\" data-level=\"2\">1.&nbsp;Know your mandate, segment your clients, and get ahead<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-2-nbsp-quarterly-updates-not-tax-returns-but-a-real-shift-in-behaviour\" data-level=\"2\">2.&nbsp;Quarterly updates: Not tax returns but a real shift in behaviour<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-3-nbsp-why-you-should-start-testing-now\" data-level=\"2\">3.&nbsp;Why you should start testing now<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-4-nbsp-the-tools-and-support-are-here\" data-level=\"2\">4.&nbsp;The tools and support are here<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-final-thoughts-the-time-to-act-is-now\" data-level=\"2\">Final thoughts: The time to act is now<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\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\">E-Book: MTD for Income Tax\u2014The final countdown playbook for practices<\/h2>\n\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-983aa507-78de-4b74-bc4d-ca90a0b2ff1f\"\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>Get Making Tax Digital: The Final Countdown Playbook<\/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=\"1215\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1392324314-1215x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1392324314-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-nbsp-know-your-mandate-segment-your-clients-and-get-ahead\">1.&nbsp;Know your mandate, segment your clients, and get ahead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>MTD for Income Tax comes into force in April 2026 for self-employed individuals and landlords earning over \u00a350,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This applies to income earned from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/check-if-youre-eligible-for-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax\">2024\/25 tax year<\/a> onwards\u2014so many of your clients are already on track to fall into scope, even if they haven\u2019t realised it yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Practices ahead of the curve have already segmented their client base and are providing tailored MTD communication and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Chris Downing, director for accountants and bookkeepers at Sage, said, \u201cIf you\u2019ve not started yet, it\u2019s not a disaster. But if you don\u2019t start soon, you risk falling behind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Client segmentation is the foundation of any strong MTD for Income Tax plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help, you need to ask three questions of your clients:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Who is mandated in April 2026?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who comes in later waves (in April 2027, self-employed individuals and landlords with incomes over \u00a330,000 will need to follow MTD for Income Tax; from April 2028, it will include those with incomes over \u00a320,000)?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who might benefit from more proactive support or advisory services?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Carianne Pope of Pope Accountancy Services is a Sage customer. She explained how she uses spreadsheet mapping and now AI-powered tools such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/accountants\/\">Sage for Accounting<\/a> to help tag and prioritise clients by MTD for Income Tax wave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This allows her to have the right conversations at the right time, with the right level of support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Carianne says, \u201cSome clients are receptive, others not so much\u2014it depends on the industry. Construction\u2019s been one of the more resistant ones. But if you stay positive and show the benefits, they come around.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular quarterly updates\u2014enabled by MTD for Income Tax-recognised software\u2014make it easier to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Surface bookkeeping gaps before they become problems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Track income trends and any seasonal fluctuations in real time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Step in with cash flow or tax planning advice before your clients need to ask.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For your clients with MTD for Income Tax obligations, Carianne says, \u201cYou\u2019ll be speaking with them more often, staying in regular contact, and that means you can provide better business insights on a consistent basis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s not just better compliance\u2014it\u2019s better advisory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-practical-tips-for-your-mtd-for-income-tax-segmentation-plan\">Practical tips for your MTD for Income Tax segmentation plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use software to segment clients and speed up communicating with them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use digital tools (such as tagging features in Sage for Accountants) to group clients by wave<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Automate communication using AI-driven email templates and task tracking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Classify clients based on service need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cDo it for me\u201d (full-service)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cDo it with me\u201d (collaborative)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cShow me how\u201d (DIY with guidance).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>MTD for Income Tax requires quarterly updates\u2014built-in moments to engage with clients. Use segmentation to focus those conversations where they matter most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sam Mitcham of SJCM Accountancy is a Sage customer. She pointed out that segmentation is essential for client readiness when it comes to MTD for Income Tax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She said, \u201cYou need to be looking at your client base. You need to be segmenting the client types and then you need to be taking a stepping stone approach with clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou don&#8217;t want clients to be receiving HMRC correspondence before you&#8217;ve approached them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sam also emphasised the importance of managing change positively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She said, \u201cMTD is happening. HMRC is writing to clients. So, for us, it\u2019s about saying \u2018we\u2019re ready, we\u2019re here to support you, and we\u2019re going to simplify this step by step\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/my.sage.co.uk\/public\/help.aspx#\/accountant\/support\/mtd\/category\/mtd-for-income-tax\">Sage MTD for accountants and bookkeepers help centre<\/a> for advice and tools on segmenting your clients.<\/em> Alternatively, visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/making-tax-digital\/accountants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MTD for accountants<\/a> hub page for further advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-nbsp-quarterly-updates-not-tax-returns-but-a-real-shift-in-behaviour\">2.&nbsp;Quarterly updates: Not tax returns but a real shift in behaviour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s still a lot of confusion around what MTD for Income Tax\u2019s quarterly updates actually mean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Accountex London, HMRC clarified that quarterly updates are not tax returns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, they\u2019re rolling summaries of income and expenses, designed to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Encourage good digital recordkeeping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enable real-time tax forecasting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shift practices toward a more agile, advisory-led service model.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Sam pointed out that quarterly updates are much less daunting than many clients fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She said, \u201cThe quarterly update really is just a click of a button\u2014so long as we\u2019re getting the information in from the client in a timely manner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Craig Ogilvie, director of Making Tax Digital at HMRC, explained that these quarterly updates were deliberately designed to spark behavioural change\u2014encouraging clients to build digital habits and improve record accuracy throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He said, \u201cThey are cumulative and adjustable. If you get something wrong, fix it in the next update. The point is to support good digital habits, not punish mistakes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MTD&#8217;s quarterly updates encourage clients to keep records up to date, making it easier for accountants to review and submit data, reducing last-minute admin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-shift-to-mtd-is-a-chance-to-build-a-better-practice\">The shift to MTD is a chance to build a better practice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More accurate, real-time tax estimates<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Clients gain early visibility into their likely tax bill, helping them plan and avoid last-minute panic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>HMRC is also starting to prepopulate tax liability estimates using submitted quarterly data and information from payroll, CIS, and other sources, making these estimates more comprehensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Regular touchpoints enable proactive advice<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than speaking to clients once a year, accountants can shift to quarterly check-ins\u2014turning compliance into an advisory opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Upsell opportunities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>More frequent contact creates natural openings to offer cash flow forecasting, tax planning, and budgeting services (among others)\u2014especially when positioned as risk-reduction or strategic planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Early detection of issues<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Quarterly reviews help you spot anomalies such as missing data, miscategorised expenses, or underreported income long before year-end. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means fewer problems for you to solve down the line and a better experience for your clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Better use of HMRC nudging and prompts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>With more timely data, HMRC can alert practices to missing submissions or late filings\u2014giving accountants and bookkeepers even more reason to stay ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Craig from HMRC summarised, \u201cIt\u2019s not just a filing requirement, it\u2019s about unlocking better conversations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, quarterly updates will support better decisions, deeper relationships, and a more modern, responsive practice model for you and clients alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-nbsp-why-you-should-start-testing-now\">3.&nbsp;Why you should start testing now<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the strongest and most consistent calls to action at Accountex London was this: start testing MTD for Income Tax now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/cp\/sagehmrcmtdincomepublicbeta\/\">Joining the pilot programme<\/a> is about future-proofing your practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Craig from HMRC explained, practices that participate in testing gain real-time insight, hands-on experience, and tailored support that won\u2019t be available during the full rollout of MTD for Income Tax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He said, \u201cTesting helps you understand your processes, pricing, and how to better serve clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chris from Sage echoed this sentiment: \u201cIf you don\u2019t commit to testing, I think you will be less prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-practices-get-from-testing\">What practices get from testing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dedicated HMRC support\u2014including a priority phone line and guidance from experienced customer service teams based in the UK.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No penalties for late filings during the test period, offering a low-risk space to learn.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practical insight into how your practice operates under MTD for Income Tax\u2014before it\u2019s mandated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-testing-helps-you-answer-critical-operational-questions\">Testing helps you answer critical operational questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How will we structure our MTD for Income Tax pricing\u2014fixed fee, bundled, or usage-based?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What level of bookkeeping will clients expect or need?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who does what? Will clients enter their own records, or will my team manage it all?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can our current tech stack handle MTD for Income Tax submissions smoothly, or do we need to change software or retrain staff?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Craig also highlighted that participating in testing gives you access to automated reminders, HMRC prompts, tax estimation tools, and visibility over cumulative quarterly updates\u2014allowing you to shape a more predictive, not reactive, service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sam\u2019s practice is part of the MTD for Income Tax beta programme, so she\u2019s seen the system evolve in real time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She said, \u201cWe\u2019ve had a client in the beta with HMRC right from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere have been some issues along the way, but HMRC and Sage have worked together to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Carianne Pope from Pope Accountancy Services advised: \u201cStart now, even if it means giving up some time to take part in the beta testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTo make things easier for my clients, I\u2019m making sure I\u2019m involved in the beta to gain the knowledge and support them moving forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<a\n\t\tclass=\"button button--primary gate-0fffa372-27da-4c83-b370-078e6c62e153\"\n\t\trole=\"button\"\n\t\tdata-button-location=\"content_area\"\n\t\thref=\"#gate-0fffa372-27da-4c83-b370-078e6c62e153\"\n\t>Download your free copy of The accountant&#8217;s guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-nbsp-the-tools-and-support-are-here\">4.&nbsp;The tools and support are here<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most reassuring takeaways from the MTD Q&amp;A session at Accountex London was this: you\u2019re not expected to do it alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>HMRC has made significant strides to ensure that practices have the tools, support, and flexibility to succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-from-hmrc\">From HMRC:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Multiple agent access:<\/strong> changing the game for collaborative practices. Bookkeepers (as &#8220;support agents&#8221;) can handle day-to-day updates, while accountants manage the final submission. As Craig from HMRC put it: \u201cIt\u2019s been one of the strongest pieces of feedback we\u2019ve had. We\u2019re building it now so you can allocate access across roles before mandation begins.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Agent services account upgrades:<\/strong> a simplified setup flow for linking existing clients and gaining MTD for Income Tax access\u2014removing previous friction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>New penalty system:<\/strong> a fairer, points-based approach to late filings and payments, designed to encourage learning, not punish early mistakes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, a single missed quarterly update doesn\u2019t trigger a fine, but multiple misses will accumulate points, leading to a penalty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During testing, no penalties are applied, giving you space to learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-simplify-mtd-for-income-tax-workflows\">How to simplify MTD for Income Tax workflows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re supporting sole traders, landlords, or complex hybrid clients, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/making-tax-digital\/accountants\/\">software ecosystem is ready to help<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Client segmentation and tagging:<\/strong> group clients based on their MTD for Income Tax wave, track progress, and automate follow-ups, all from one view, without switching between spreadsheets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prebuilt communication templates: <\/strong>use Sage for Accountants to notify clients about deadlines, request missing information, or explain the impact of MTD.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Practice success managers: <\/strong>one-to-one support is still key. Sage experts work directly with practices to tailor MTD rollout plans, blending technology with a personal touch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AutoEntry for record-keeping: <\/strong>receipt capture and invoice entry are no longer manual chores. With AutoEntry, practices automate digital recordkeeping\u2014helping clients meet the new requirements without friction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sage Accounting: <\/strong>real-time dashboards, seamless quarterly submissions, and built-in AI insights give practices a complete picture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sage Copilot: <\/strong>you can use it to tailor emails, flag missing data, address upcoming client deadlines, and identify new advisory opportunities, surfacing the correct info before you need it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, these tools give you back what matters most: time\u2014to spend advising clients, growing your practice, or simply breathe easier during tax season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sam from SJCM Accountancy shared how her practice tailors software onboarding based on client needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She said, \u201cWe can put clients into software that starts at a suitable level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIf they\u2019re growing their business, they can move into the next level once they\u2019re comfortable and confident.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-top-tip\">Top tip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before April 2026, consider doing a tech audit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Is your software integrated and ready for MTD for Income Tax workflows?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do your clients know which tools or software they\u2019ll work with, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/sage-business-cloud\/sage-accounting\">Sage Accounting?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have you turned on multiple-agent access for bookkeepers and internal teams?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts-the-time-to-act-is-now\">Final thoughts: The time to act is now<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Making Tax Digital for Income Tax offers you the perfect opportunity to rebuild workflows, reshape client relationships, and redefine your value as a modern accountancy practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Practices that embrace <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/making-tax-digital\/\">MTD for Income Tax<\/a> today will not only stay compliant but also use it as a springboard to run more efficient, profitable, and scalable businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the experts at Accountex London 2025 made clear, the support, tools, and insights are already here, but you need to act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>&nbsp;\u201cThis is our opportunity to really work with clients to push forward\u2014and get our practices running exactly how we want them to\u201d <\/p><cite>Sam Mitcham, SJCM Accountancy<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your 3 step action plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-segment-your-clients\">1. Segment your clients<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Use digital tools to identify which clients fall into the April 2026 wave and start those conversations now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-join-the-mtd-for-income-tax-testing-programme\">2. Join the MTD for Income Tax testing programme<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Get hands-on experience, early access to support, and a stress-free space to refine your approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-use-digital-tools-to-remove-friction\">3. Use digital tools to remove friction<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Automate data collection, streamline communications, and prepare your team for advisory-led service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>&nbsp;\u201cIn five years, I think we\u2019ll look back and say this transformed the way we work, for the better\u201d <\/p><cite>Chris Downing, Sage<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The only question is: will your practice be ahead of the curve or playing catch up? Now\u2019s the time to act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\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\">E-Book: MTD for Income Tax\u2014The final countdown playbook for practices<\/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><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Accountants and bookkeepers still have time to create a repeatable plan for MTD success. This e-Book explains how, via a fast-track mindset, and a 5-phase countdown to April 2026\u2014and beyond.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/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-983aa507-78de-4b74-bc4d-ca90a0b2ff1f\"\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>Get Making Tax Digital: The Final Countdown Playbook<\/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=\"1215\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1392324314-1215x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1392324314-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\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","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn why MTD for Income Tax offers is the perfect opportunity to reshape client relationships and redefine your value as a modern accountancy practice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":356,"featured_media":22534,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","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":[11],"tags":[223,224,226,23,135,16,29,27],"business_type":[115],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[67],"imagine_tag":[220,221,222,726,77,727],"coauthors":[351],"class_list":["post-22524","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology-innovation","tag-accountant-accounting","tag-accountant-automation","tag-accountant-tax","tag-bookkeeping","tag-business-finances","tag-grow-accounting-practice","tag-mtd-accountants","tag-tax","business_type-accountants"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Asavin Wattanajantra","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/Accountex-MTD-panel.jpg","imagine_tags":{"220":"Accountant accounting","221":"Accountant automation","222":"Accountant tax","726":"Accountants","77":"Accounting software","727":"Self Assessment and 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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