Making Tax Digital Poole

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Making Tax Digital Poole

Accountants for MTD in Poole

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is live. If your income exceeds £50,000, MTD for Income Tax is now mandatory. Income over £30,000? You’re next in April 2027. Don’t leave it to chance; get set up with us today.

Our Poole-based MTD team supports clients across Dorset and the South Coast, from Bournemouth and Christchurch to Wimborne and Ringwood — and we also work with clients nationwide, ensuring full compliance with the new digital record-keeping requirements.

MTD is transforming how sole traders and landlords manage and report their tax affairs to HMRC. We take care of everything, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Our service includes HMRC-recognised, fully MTD-compliant accounting software, helping you maintain accurate digital records and submit your MTD tax returns seamlessly. Whether you have business or property income, including UK property income or overseas property, we support you every step of the way.

With digital links between your accounting software and HMRC, and options for bridging software if you use existing spreadsheets, we make the transition smooth and stress-free. Plus, we help you avoid inaccuracy penalties and receive penalty points by ensuring timely submissions.

Get ahead of the Autumn Budget changes and ensure your tax affairs are fully digital and compliant with the latest MTD requirements.

Get MTD-ready today

Service pricing

The biggest change to tax reporting in a generation – explained simply

What is MTD?

Simply put, HMRC’s initiative is to move tax reporting online and in real time. Instead of filing one Self Assessment tax return each year, sole traders and landlords will need to submit digital updates to HMRC four times a year – followed by a final year-end declaration.

Think of it as swapping the annual paperwork scramble for a steady, organised flow throughout the year. It may seem like more work, but with the right accountant and MTD compatible software in place, it’s genuinely less stressful – and we handle it all for you.

MTD for Income Tax applies to sole traders and landlords. If you run a limited company, this particular change doesn’t affect you just yet – but if you’re self-employed or earn rental income, read on.

In plain English: What changes?

What we do

Right now, you file one tax return per year – usually in a last-minute rush in January.

Under MTD you’ll keep digital records throughout the year and send four concise updates to HMRC each quarter. At the end of the year, you confirm everything with a Final Declaration. Your tax payment dates remain unchanged. It’s the reporting process that changes – not when you pay.

When does MTD apply to me?

MTD is being phased in by income level. The threshold is based on your gross income – before expenses – and combines self-employment and property income. From April 2026, sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 must comply. Those with a qualifying income over £30,000 will need to comply from April 2027, and from April 2028 the threshold will be lowered to £20,000. These thresholds apply to gross income (turnover), not profit.

If your qualifying income falls below the threshold for three consecutive years, you may be exempt from MTD obligations. MTD requires the use of MTD compliant software to keep digital records and submit separate quarterly updates to HMRC.

Now live

April 2026

Income over £50,000

Sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000 combined (before expenses) must comply from 6 April 2026, based on their 2024/25 tax return.

Coming soon

April 2027

Income over £30,000

The next wave brings in those earning over £30,000. If you’re in this bracket, now is the perfect time to prepare – not scramble.

On the horizon

April 2028

Income over £20,000

The government has confirmed the threshold will drop further to £20,000, bringing even more sole traders and landlords into the MTD system.

⚠️ The threshold applies to gross income (turnover), not profit. If you earn £35,000 from self-employment and £18,000 from rental income, your combined qualifying income of £53,000 puts you in scope from April 2026 – even if your profit is much lower.

Why Accrue Accounting?

Our MTD pricing

MTD for sole traders and landlords in Dorset – we know your world

We work closely with two groups who are most affected by MTD in Poole: self-employed sole traders and property landlords. Here’s why it matters for each of you, including the impact on self-employment turnover and the need to record income digitally for tax purposes.

MTD for Sole Traders

Based in Poole, we support self-employed professionals across Dorset and the South Coast. Whether you’re a consultant, contractor, creative, tradesperson or healthcare professional, MTD for Income Tax will change how you report your earnings to HMRC. Managing your own books on top of running a business is already a stretch – MTD adds quarterly deadlines to the mix.

Four quarterly submissions to HMRC every year
Digital record-keeping required (no more shoeboxes)
HMRC-approved software is a must
Final Declaration replaces your Self Assessment return
Penalties for missed deadlines from Year 2 onwards
Supporting agents can assist with compliance, easing the burden
Use of MTD software products ensures digital links and accurate reporting

MTD for Landlords

With a strong client base of landlords across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch, we understand the local rental market. Rental income counts as qualifying income under MTD – and if it pushes your combined earnings above the threshold, you’re in scope. For landlords with properties and a day job or other self-employment income, the combined totals can catch people off guard.

Property and trading income are combined for threshold purposes
A separate quarterly submission is needed for each income source
Joint ownership? Only your share counts towards your threshold
No exemption for ‘small’ portfolios at the £50k level
Getting organised now saves a lot of stress later
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) subcontractor income must also be recorded digitally under MTD rules

Get in touch

FAQ for MTD

We don’t just set you up – we take care of everything

Our MTD service is designed to be completely hands-off for you. We handle submissions, software, and compliance – you get on with running your business or managing your properties.

Quarterly MTD Submissions

We prepare and submit your four quarterly income and expense updates to HMRC on your behalf, accurately and on time, every time.

Final Declaration

We handle your end-of-year Final Declaration – the MTD equivalent of your Self Assessment return – making sure everything balances and is filed correctly.

FreeAgent Software & Training

Your FreeAgent subscription is included. We set it up, connect it to your bank account, and show you how to use it – it really is as easy as it sounds.

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Our prices

FreeAgent: Your MTD-ready accounting software

MTD requires HMRC-approved software – and FreeAgent is one of the best on the market for sole traders and landlords. As FreeAgent Platinum Partners, we’re trusted experts in helping you get set up and make the most of it.

FreeAgent connects directly to your bank account, automatically pulls in your transactions, and submits your quarterly MTD updates straight to HMRC. You don’t need to be tech-savvy – it’s genuinely straightforward, and we’ll walk you through everything when you join.

Your FreeAgent subscription is included in your monthly fee. No hidden extras.

What FreeAgent does for you

Connects to your bank and pulls in transactions automatically
Keeps your digital records in the format HMRC requires
Submits your quarterly MTD updates directly to HMRC
Gives you a real-time view of your income, expenses and tax position
Allows you to raise invoices and manage expenses on the go

More accounting services

Get in touch

Fixed monthly pricing.

No surprises.

One clear monthly fee covers your MTD compliance, your software, and your dedicated accountant. Everything you need – nothing you don’t.

Book a consultation

MTD Sole Trader Package

Everything you need to comply with MTD for Income Tax

£75 + VAT/month

What’s included:

Four quarterly MTD submissions to HMRC
MTD Final Declaration (replaces your Self Assessment)
FreeAgent software subscription and onboarding
Dedicated personal accountant – your own point of contact
Unlimited advice and support (phone, email, WhatsApp)

Optional add-ons

VAT filing – an extra £10 per month
CIS subcontractor submissions – an extra £10 per person per month
Payroll for up to two employees – an extra £10 per month

Why Poole sole traders and landlords choose us for MTD

We’re a modern accounting firm based in Poole, with an old-fashioned approach to service – genuinely helpful, always proactive, and plain-speaking from start to finish. We’re part of the local business community and are familiar with the challenges facing self-employed people and landlords across Dorset.

MTD Accountants in Poole

We’ve been helping sole traders and landlords prepare for MTD long before it became mandatory. We know what you need to do – and we’ll make sure it’s done.

Genuinely Personal Service

You’ll work with one dedicated accountant who knows your business, not a rotating cast of strangers. We’re available when you need us – and proactive when you don’t expect it.

Ongoing Support, Not Just Setup

We don’t disappear after onboarding. Quarterly submissions, year-end declarations, questions in between – we’re with you every step of the way.

No Nasty Surprises

Fixed monthly fees mean you always know what you’re paying. We’re transparent about what’s included and upfront about any extras before you commit.

Real Financial Clarity

MTD done well is more than just compliance. With up-to-date records in FreeAgent, you’ll have a clearer view of your finances than ever before – which helps you make better decisions.

FreeAgent Platinum Partners

We’re one of a small number of FreeAgent Platinum Partners in the UK – which means you get expert setup, training, and ongoing support with the software included in your fee.

Your MTD questions, answered

When do I need to comply with MTD?

That depends on your combined gross income from self-employment and property. If your qualifying income exceeded £50,000 in the 2024/25 tax year, MTD for Income Tax became mandatory from 6 April 2026. If your income is over £30,000, you’ll be required to comply from April 2027. The threshold drops again to £20,000 in April 2028.

If you’re not sure where you stand, get in touch – we’re happy to check your position and take it from there.

Does MTD apply to me?

MTD for Income Tax applies to sole traders and landlords who earn above the relevant income threshold. Importantly, the threshold is based on gross income – your total turnover before expenses – not your profit. If you earn from both self-employment and property, those figures are added together.

Limited companies are not affected by MTD for Income Tax. They fall under a separate Corporation Tax system, and no MTD start date has yet been confirmed for companies. If you’re a sole trader considering incorporation, it’s worth having that conversation with us.

What software do I need for MTD?

You’ll need HMRC-approved software that can keep digital records and submit quarterly updates directly to HMRC. We use FreeAgent, one of the best options for sole traders and landlords – your subscription is included in your monthly fee.

We set FreeAgent up for you, connect it to your bank account, and train you on how to use it. Most clients find it straightforward and genuinely useful beyond just the compliance side of things.

Is it easy to appoint or switch an accountant?

It really is straightforward – we make switching as easy as possible. All we need are your previous accountant’s contact details so we can obtain professional clearance, along with some standard ID for our compliance checks. Once you’re onboarded, we handle the rest of the changeover.

We operate on a rolling monthly contract – no lock-in, no exit fees. We believe our service speaks for itself.

What does it cost?

Our MTD sole trader package starts at £75 + VAT per month. That includes your quarterly submissions, Final Declaration, FreeAgent software and training, and unlimited support from a dedicated personal accountant.

Optional extras include VAT filing (£10/month), CIS subcontractor submissions (£10 per person per month), and payroll for up to two employees (£10/month). No hidden fees, no nasty surprises – just one clear monthly figure.

Can you handle everything for me?

Yes, that’s exactly what our MTD package is designed to do. We take care of your quarterly submissions, your Final Declaration, your software setup, and all the compliance in between. You’ll need to keep your bookkeeping up to date in FreeAgent (we’ll show you how), but the heavy lifting is down to us.

You’ll also have unlimited access to your dedicated accountant throughout the year, so if anything comes up, you can always pick up the phone or drop us a message.

What happens if I don't comply with MTD?

HMRC is introducing a points-based penalty system for MTD. Each missed quarterly submission earns you a penalty point, and once you accumulate four points, you’ll receive a £200 fine – with further penalties possible after that. Late payment penalties also apply.

There’s a soft-landing period in the first year (2026/27) where penalty points won’t be issued for late quarterly updates, but late payment penalties still apply. From 2027/28, the full system kicks in. Getting set up properly from the start is by far the easier route.

Where are you based? Do you work with clients across Dorset?

We’re based in Poole, Dorset, and we work with sole traders and landlords across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Wimborne, Ferndown, Ringwood and beyond.

We also support clients remotely across the wider UK.

MTD doesn’t have to be stressful.

Are you a sole trader in Poole? A landlord in Bournemouth, or self-employed anywhere across Dorset and the South Coast?

Let us handle it. Whether you’re already in scope or want to get ahead of the deadlines, we’re ready to help. Book a free, no-obligation chat with our team today.

Book your consultation