You can handle Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax yourself — there's no legal requirement to use an accountant. The real question is whether it's worth your time and the risk of getting it wrong. Here's a straight look at both sides.
What MTD actually asks of you
From your start date, you'll need to keep digital records using compatible software, submit four quarterly updates to HMRC, and file a final declaration after year end. That's five touchpoints a year instead of one annual return — each with its own deadline and points-based penalties for lateness.
You might be fine doing it yourself if…
- Your affairs are simple — one income source, few transactions.
- You're comfortable with software and keeping on top of digital records.
- You'll reliably remember and meet every quarterly deadline.
- You're confident about what's allowable and how to categorise things.
Help makes sense if…
- Your time is worth more spent on your business or property than on quarterly admin.
- You have multiple properties or income sources to keep straight.
- You'd rather not risk penalties from a missed or incorrect filing.
- You don't want to learn and maintain new software.
- You want a qualified, regulated professional reviewing figures before they go to HMRC.
It's not all-or-nothing. Some people want full hands-off help; others just want the filings handled while they keep their own records. A done-for-you MTD service sits in the middle: you keep records flowing in, and a regulated firm does the bookkeeping, the reviews and every submission.
What to look for in any help you choose
If you do use a service or accountant for MTD, check they are regulated (for example, ACCA-regulated), that they use HMRC-recognised software, and that pricing is clear with no lock-in. MTD Go is run by Brookman, an ACCA-regulated chartered certified accountancy firm, and handles HMRC registration, software setup and all five submissions for a fixed monthly fee.
This is general guidance, not personal advice. Your circumstances may differ — confirm what's right for you with a qualified accountant.