Making Tax Digital Is Coming. Let's Make Sure You're Ready.

Making Tax Digital is one of the biggest changes to UK tax reporting in a generation, and for a lot of sole traders and small business owners across Cornwall, it's still something they're not fully prepared for. The way you record your income and report it to HMRC is changing, and the timeline is closer than many people think. The good news is that with the right support in place, getting ready doesn't have to be stressful. We'll manage the whole process for you from start to finish.

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Getting You Set Up

We'll set up compliant cloud accounting software tailored to your business and migrate any existing records across to a digital system, so you're ready well before the deadline.
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Quarterly Submissions to HMRC

Under MTD, income tax reporting moves from once a year to quarterly. We'll handle every submission on your behalf so nothing gets missed and you're never late.
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Ongoing Compliance Support

MTD isn't a one-off job. We'll keep your records accurate and up to date throughout the year, manage your submissions, and make sure you stay compliant as the rules continue to evolve.
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What Is Making Tax Digital
and Why Does It Matter?

Making Tax Digital is a government initiative designed to move the UK tax system online. The idea is to replace the current system of a single annual tax return with digital record keeping and regular quarterly updates submitted directly to HMRC.

It's already in place for VAT-registered businesses, and it's being extended to income tax for sole traders and landlords. If you earn above the relevant threshold from self-employment or property, MTD for Income Tax will apply to you. Missing the deadline or failing to comply can result in penalties, so getting prepared now is far better than leaving it until the last minute.

What Actually Changes for Your Business

For most sole traders and small business owners in Cornwall, the biggest change is the shift from one annual tax return to four quarterly updates, plus a final end-of-year declaration. You'll also need to keep digital records throughout the year rather than pulling everything together at year-end.

If that sounds like more work, it doesn't have to be. With the right software and the right support, the day-to-day process can actually be simpler and less stressful than the current system. The key is getting set up properly so that the quarterly submissions are just a routine part of how your finances are managed.

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How We Manage the Process for You

We take care of everything so you don't have to. That starts with setting up compliant cloud accounting software, either FreeAgent or another suitable platform, and making sure it's configured correctly for your business. If you've already got records in another system, we'll migrate those across properly so nothing gets lost in the transition.

From there, we keep your bookkeeping up to date throughout the year and handle each quarterly submission to HMRC on your behalf. We'll also make sure you're thinking about tax planning under the new system, so there are no surprises when it comes to what you owe at year-end.

Don't Wait Until It Becomes Mandatory

One of the most common things we hear from business owners is that they'll sort it out when they have to. The problem with that approach is that by the time MTD becomes mandatory for your business, there's very little runway to get everything in place without it becoming a panic.

Getting set up early means you go into the new system with accurate records, compliant software, and a process that's already working. It also means we can identify any issues with your current bookkeeping and put them right before they become a problem under the new reporting requirements.

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What About Tax Planning Under MTD?

Quarterly reporting actually creates a real opportunity for better tax planning. Because your finances are being looked at four times a year rather than once, it's much easier to spot trends, manage cashflow, and make sure you're not caught off guard by a large tax bill.

We'll use the regular touchpoints that come with MTD to give you a clearer and more up-to-date picture of your tax position throughout the year. For a lot of our clients across Cornwall, that ongoing visibility has been one of the most valuable parts of making the switch.

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Not Sure Where You Stand With Making Tax Digital?

Whether MTD already applies to your business or you're trying to work out when it will, the best thing you can do right now is get some clarity. We offer a straightforward consultation where we'll look at your current setup, tell you exactly what you need to do, and put a plan in place to get you there without the stress.

Book a consultation to prepare for Making Tax Digital.

Every Business We Work With Has a Story. Here Are a Few of Them, in Their Own Words.

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Andrew worked tirelessly to help me launch my cosmetic business, I knew I wanted to work for myself but didn’t have a clue where to start! He helped me Launch a website, with brand pack for marketing set up bank accounts and how to manage myself as a sole trader. He has recently helped me with my accounts and helped with self assessments which was invaluable, he’s one of the good guys in business for sure, thank you 🙏

Bex Morton

Getting the financial foundations right from the start is exactly what MTD preparation is about. The businesses that make the transition smoothly are the ones that don't leave it too late.

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We Manage the Whole Process

From setting up your software to submitting your quarterly updates, we handle every part of the MTD process. You don't need to learn a new system or worry about deadlines. We take care of it all.
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FreeAgent Accredited, MTD Ready

As a FreeAgent Accredited Partner, we use one of the most reliable and MTD-compliant platforms available. Your software will be set up correctly from the start and your submissions will go through smoothly every quarter.
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Local Support Across Cornwall

We work with sole traders and small businesses right across Cornwall. We understand the pressures of running a small business in the South West and we're here to make compliance as straightforward as possible, without the jargon and without the stress.

This service is a great fit if you are:

  • A sole trader or landlord in Cornwall who earns above the MTD income threshold and needs to get compliant
  • A VAT-registered business that needs help making sure your current process meets MTD requirements
  • Someone who has heard about Making Tax Digital but isn't sure what it means for their business specifically
  • A business owner who currently does their own books and wants to hand the process over to someone they can trust
  • Anyone who wants to get ahead of the changes now rather than scrambling to catch up later

If any of that sounds familiar, let's have a conversation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does Making Tax Digital for Income Tax apply to me?
The rollout is happening in stages based on income level. Rather than give you a date that could change, the best thing to do is get in touch and we'll tell you exactly where you stand based on your current situation.
I already submit my own self-assessment. Does MTD mean I have to change how I do things?
Yes, for most sole traders and landlords MTD will replace the annual self-assessment process with quarterly digital submissions. It's a significant change to the way things work, which is why getting set up with the right support early makes a big difference.
Do I have to use a specific type of software for Making Tax Digital?
HMRC requires that you use MTD-compatible software to keep your records and submit your updates. Not all bookkeeping tools meet this requirement. We'll make sure the software you're using is fully compliant and set it up correctly for your business.
What happens if I miss a quarterly submission?
HMRC operates a points-based penalty system for MTD. Miss enough submissions and you'll face a fine. Having someone manage your submissions on your behalf is the simplest way to make sure that never happens.
I'm already using FreeAgent. Does that mean I'm MTD compliant?
FreeAgent is MTD-compatible, which is a great start. But having the right software is only part of it. Your records need to be accurate, your submissions need to go out on time, and the setup needs to be correct. If you're not sure whether everything is in order, we can review it and let you know.
Is this just for sole traders or does it apply to limited companies too?
MTD for VAT already applies to VAT-registered businesses including limited companies. MTD for Income Tax primarily affects sole traders and landlords at this stage. If you're unsure which applies to your situation, get in touch and we'll give you a straight answer.
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