Making Tax Digital – Dead Simple Has You Sorted

Let’s walk you through what Making Tax Digital means — whether it applies to you, what the deadlines are, and exactly what you need to do. And of course, we’ll be here to help every step of the way.

What is Making Tax Digital?

It’s the government’s plan to drag tax into the 21st century — by keeping digital records and using software to send your tax info to HMRC. No more paper records. No more hassle.

When Is It Happening?

April 2022

All VAT-registered businesses now have to follow MTD rules.

April 2026

MTD for Income Tax will apply to self employed individuals and landlords with income over £50,000

April 2027

MTD for Income Tax will apply to self employed individuals and landlords with income over £30,000

April 2028

MTD for Income Tax will apply to self employed individuals and landlords with income over £20,000

To follow the Making Tax Digital rules, you’ll need to keep digital records and file your tax info using HMRC-approved software.

But don’t stress — at Dead Simple Accounting, we’ve already tested the best options out there.

On our site, you’ll find our honest breakdowns of what’s best, from ease of use to pricing and features.

We’ll help you find the right fit — whether you’re a side hustler, landlord, or full-time self-employed

What Software Should I Use?

	Preferred
Price	Free if you bank (or switch) with NatWest, RBS, or Mettle	£7p/m but likely have a discounted period	£10p/m but likely have a discounted period
Ease of Use	Excellent	Excellent	Pretty good
HMRC-recognised	✅	✅	✅
Invoices you can send a month	Unlimited	10, then you have to upgrade	Unlimited
Mobile app	Excellent	Excellent	Pretty good
Support	Excellent – in app chat, email, telephone	Good – see our review	Not good – see our review
Our verdict	🥇	🥈	🥉
Review	Read our Review	Read our Review	Coming Soon

We’re currently beta testing the above software, and it’s looking very promising from both a customer perspective and for us as your super duper accountant sidekick…!

Based on our early access, we believe FreeAgent is currently the best MTD accounting software.

What Are the MTD Deadlines?

Reporting Income & expenses for*

Deadline to submit to HMRC

Quarter 1

6th April to 5th July

7th August

Quarter 2

6^th April to 5^th October

7^th November

Quarter 3

6^th April to 5^th January

7^th February

Quarter 4

6^th April to 5^th April

7^th May

*There’ll be an option to change it to 30 June, 30 September, 31 December & 31 March if that’s simpler for you

What Is the Self-Assessment Deadline?

This remains 31 January after the end of the tax year – so no change!