Step 1: Understand Your MTD Obligations
If your total turnover (not profit) from self-employment £50,000 or above, MTD applies to you from April 2026. If your turnover is £30,000 and below £50,000: it kicks in from April 2027.
Step 2: Choose an MTD-Compliant Software
I recommend Xero Simple Start for sole traders. Why?
- Bank feed connections
- Digital invoice and receipt uploads
- Simple interface for beginners
Step 3: Keep Digital Records Monthly
Don’t wait for quarter-end. Get into the habit of:
- Logging expenses as they happen
- Uploading digital copies of receipts
- Reconciling your bank feeds every week
This avoids end-of-quarter rushes and errors.
Step 4: Learn the Quarterly Submission Schedule
You’ll need to submit updates on:
- 30 June (due 7 August)
- 30 September (due 7 November)
- 31 December (due 7 February)
- 31 March (due 7 May)
Step 5: Avoid Common Mistakes
- Relying on spreadsheets alone (they won’t cut it!)
- Ignoring the deadlines
- Waiting until 2026 to take action
Final Thought: Start Now, Win Later
You could even use the software this year (2025) to start submitting digitally and get ahead of the game.
Are you ready for MTD?
Find out more about MTD here
Or book a discovery call to chat through how the upcoming MTD changes could affect you and your business.
