Guide

What Proof HMRC Needs for MTD Expenses: A DIY Filer's Guide

What receipts, invoices, and records HMRC actually needs for your MTD quarterly update. How to store and organise proof so you're ready for an enquiry.

8 min read
Guide

Q2 After Q1: 5 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Next Quarterly Update

You've filed Q1. Here's how to spot and fix the same mistakes before they happen again in Q2. A post-filing checklist for sole traders and landlords.

5 min read
Guide

What Does MTD Actually Require? A Plain-English Guide

Confused about MTD requirements? Here's what you must file, what you don't, and what's just nice-to-have.

6 min read
Eligibility

MTD Exemptions After Q1: When You Can Delay Your Quarterly Updates

Do you qualify for an MTD exemption? Find out who can delay quarterly updates and how to apply — after 7 August.

5 min read
Guide

How to Set Up a Record-Keeping System for MTD Quarterly Updates

Step-by-step guide to organizing records for MTD quarterly filings. No accounting software needed—just the essentials.

8 min read
Guide

How to Complete Your MTD Final Declaration: Step-by-Step for Sole Traders

Step-by-step guide to completing and submitting your MTD final declaration (end of year tax return). For self-employed sole traders filing alone.

8 min read
Guide

After Q1 Filing: How to Organize Your Records for Q2

Post-Q1 checklist for sole traders and landlords: organize your records, spot errors early, and prepare cleanly for your Q2 quarterly update in November.

7 min read
Guide

Before You Sign Up for MTD: What Records to Gather First

Get your records ready before registering for MTD. What to gather, how to organize, and why it matters. A practical pre-filing checklist.

6 min read
Guide

Self-Employed Business Expenses in MTD: What You Can Actually Claim

A practical guide to allowable expenses for self-employed filers doing MTD quarterly updates. Home office, phone, equipment, subscriptions - what HMRC allows.

8 min read
Guide

HMRC Compliance Enquiry After Q1 Filing: What to Expect

HMRC opens a compliance enquiry after your Q1 MTD update. Here's what happens, what records to send, and what to do first.

7 min read
Eligibility

Who Actually Needs to File MTD? Threshold and Eligibility Myths Debunked

Unsure if you need to file MTD for Income Tax? We debunk 6 myths about thresholds, mixed income, and who's affected. See if you're actually mandated.

7 min read
Guide

Amending Your MTD Quarterly Update After the Deadline: What's Allowed

Can you amend your MTD quarterly update after 7 August? Yes. Here's how, what happens next, and when to leave it alone.

5 min read
Tips

Common MTD Expense Miscategories: Spot and Fix Your Mistakes

After filing your MTD quarterly update, check if you miscategorised expenses. Real examples and fixes for sole traders.

5 min read
Guide

After Your First MTD Quarterly Update: What Happens Next

You've filed your Q1 MTD update. Here's what happens next, what records to keep, and how to prepare for Q2.

5 min read
Tips

Just Filed Your Q1 MTD Update? What Mistakes Actually Matter

Filed your MTD quarterly update? Here's what errors actually trigger HMRC action and what you can safely leave until your final declaration.

5 min read
Tips

MTD Filing Errors: Which Ones to Fix Now and Which to Leave

Find out which MTD quarterly update errors need amending and which can wait. A practical guide for filers who've already submitted.

5 min read
Guide

MTD Quarterly Updates vs Self Assessment: What's Actually Required

Confused about MTD and Self Assessment? Learn what quarterly updates replace, what you still need to file, and when.

4 min read
Guide

Landlord Repairs vs Capital Works: What MTD Allows

When can you claim landlord repairs in MTD? Learn the HMRC difference between allowable repairs and capital works, with examples.

5 min read
Guide

What Backup Records to Keep for Your MTD Quarterly Update

After filing your MTD quarterly update, keep these specific documents. A practical guide to which records HMRC expects.

6 min read
Guide

Preparing for Your MTD Final Declaration: What to Gather Now

What is the MTD final declaration and what records do you need to prepare? A self-employed and landlord guide to year-end filing.

6 min read
Guide

After Your Q1 MTD Quarterly Update: Organise Your Records for Q2

Just filed your Q1 quarterly update? Here's what to do with your files, records, and templates before Q2 starts on 6 July.

5 min read
Guide

MTD Myths Explained: 5 Things MTD Doesn't Actually Require

Confused about MTD? Here are 5 common misconceptions about Making Tax Digital for Income Tax and what it actually needs.

5 min read
Guide

How Long to Keep MTD Records After Filing: HMRC Retention Rules

What happens to your records after you submit your MTD quarterly update? HMRC record retention explained for sole traders and landlords.

4 min read
Landlords

Service Charges and Ground Rent: What Landlords Can Claim in MTD

Can you claim service charges and ground rent in your MTD quarterly update? Yes—here's how to include them correctly.

5 min read
Guide

HMRC Compliance Check After MTD Filing: What Records to Keep

Learn what records HMRC may ask for after your MTD quarterly update, how long you have to respond, and how to prepare now.

5 min read
Guide

After Your MTD Quarterly Update: What Records You Must Keep and Store

HMRC requires you to keep MTD records for 6 years. Learn which records to store, how long to keep them, and simple storage options for sole traders and landlords.

5 min read
Guide

MTD Allowable Expenses: What You Can Actually Claim

Which expenses count under MTD for self-employment or rental income? Myth-busting guide to what HMRC allows, with real examples.

8 min read
Guide

Sole Trader Q1 MTD Filing Checklist: What to Gather in 14 Days

Self-employed? Here's exactly what income and expenses to verify before submitting your first Q1 MTD quarterly update on 7 August.

5 min read
Guide

Mixed-Use Expenses and MTD: Claiming the Business Percentage

How to claim phone, broadband, vehicle and home office expenses as a percentage of business use in your MTD quarterly update.

5 min read
Guide

Multiple Self-Employment Businesses and MTD: Threshold Rules Explained

How do MTD income thresholds work if you have two or more self-employment businesses? Rules for side hustles, freelance streams, and combined income.

5 min read
Guide

Amend Your MTD Quarterly Update After Submission: Step-by-Step

Realised an error after filing your MTD quarterly update? Here's how to amend it with HMRC, what happens to your original submission, and when to do it.

6 min read
Guide

What to Include in Your MTD Quarterly Update: The Bare Essentials

What actually goes in an MTD quarterly update? A plain-English guide to the 4 mandatory sections for sole traders and landlords.

5 min read
Guide

Trading Allowance for Sole Traders: MTD Q1 Explained

What is the trading allowance? How it works in MTD quarterly updates, when to claim it, and whether it's worth using instead of expenses.

6 min read
Guide

Mixed Income MTD: Which Expenses Count for Self-Employment vs Property

A guide to tracking and reporting expenses correctly when you have both self-employment and rental income in your MTD quarterly update.

7 min read
Guide

How to Submit Your Q1 MTD Quarterly Update: Step-by-Step

Nervous about filing your first MTD quarterly update? This step-by-step walkthrough shows exactly what to do from login to submission.

7 min read
Deadlines

What Happens If You Miss the 7 August MTD Deadline

Missed the 7 August 2026 Q1 MTD deadline? Here's what happens next, how penalties work, and how to recover.

6 min read
Eligibility

Self-Employment vs Property Income: Which Counts Toward Your MTD £50k Threshold?

Confused about which income counts toward the £50k MTD threshold? Learn how self-employment and rental income are treated differently and if you need to file quarterly updates.

4 min read
Guide

Import Your Expenses Fast: CSV Upload and AI Categorisation Guide

How to bulk-import expenses into AffordableMTD using CSV. Format guide, AI categorisation, and common mistakes to avoid.

6 min read
Guide

What Counts as a Landlord Expense in Your Q1 MTD Quarterly Update

Allowable landlord expenses for MTD quarterly updates. What you can claim in Q1: repairs, insurance, letting fees, council tax, utilities.

5 min read
Guide

After Your Q1 MTD Submission: What Records You Must Keep

After filing your Q1 quarterly update, what happens next? Record-keeping rules, HMRC timelines, and when Q2 officially starts.

5 min read
Guide

Q1 MTD Record Fixes: 29 Days to Clean Up Before 7 August

Found errors in your Q1 records with 29 days left? Here's how to spot and fix MTD mistakes before the 7 August deadline.

5 min read
Guide

Q1 Final Reconciliation Checklist: 30 Days to August 7

7-point checklist to reconcile your Q1 records before 7 August. Spot errors, fix mismatches, and submit with confidence.

5 min read
Tips

Managing Q1 Final Edits While Starting Q2 Records

How to handle Q1 amendments and Q2 setup at the same time. Deadline juggling guide for MTD users.

5 min read
Tips

Q2 First Week: Spot and Fix Expense Problems Early

Catch expense mistakes in week one of Q2 (6-12 July). Simple checks to avoid bigger problems before the October deadline.

5 min read
Tips

Q2 Week One: Setting Up Clean Records Now Prevents Chaos Later

First week of Q2 is live (6 July). Avoid common setup errors. Clean records now prevent last-minute panic before November deadline.

4 min read
Deadlines

Final Week Q1: Last Chance to Fix Records Before 7 August

You have 34 days to amend Q1 MTD records. Here's what to check and when you need to do it.

5 min read
Guide

Q2 Bank Reconciliation for MTD: Matching Records to Reality

Learn how to reconcile your bank account with MTD quarterly updates. Avoid common Q2 mistakes and ensure accurate income reporting.

6 min read
Guide

Q2 Rental Income Reconciliation: Managing Deposits and Allowances

Understand what counts as taxable rental income in Q2: deposits, voids, repairs. Avoid HMRC enquiries with correct quarterly reconciliation.

6 min read
Tips

Q2 MTD Week 1: Get Your Records Right From Today (6 July 2026)

Q2 starts today. Set up your income and expense tracking now to avoid mistakes before November. Practical week-by-week guide for sole traders and landlords.

4 min read
Guide

Property Accounts and MTD Quarterly Updates: Managing Both

Landlords managing MTD quarterly updates and property accounts together. How to keep records aligned and meet both deadlines.

6 min read
Deadlines

MTD Quarterly Updates vs Payments on Account: July Deadline Explained

Confused about MTD deadlines and Self Assessment payments? Here's what you must pay by 31 July and when your Q1 MTD update is due.

4 min read
Guide

Final-Week Q1 Reconciliation: Mixed Income Check Before August

Six weeks to the August deadline. Reconcile your self-employment and rental income together. Spot-check expenses, allowances, and filing readiness.

6 min read
Guide

HMRC Record-Keeping Standards for MTD: What You Must Keep

HMRC has clear rules on what records to keep for MTD. Understand audit triggers, retention periods, and how digital storage protects you.

6 min read
Deadlines

Q2 MTD Preparation: Start Now (July Quarter Begins 6 July)

Q2 MTD quarterly update starts 6 July 2026. Plan now to avoid Q1 mistakes. Timeline, quarter types, and setup guide.

4 min read
Tips

Sole Trader Q1 MTD Income Mistakes: How to Avoid Them

Common income recording errors in MTD Q1 filings and how to fix them before 7 August 2026 deadline.

6 min read
Guide

If HMRC Asks About Your Rental Income: What to Do

HMRC sending rental income enquiries? Here's what they're asking for, how to respond, and why quarterly MTD filing helps.

6 min read
Guide

Recommending MTD to Mixed-Income Clients: Accountants' Guide

How accountants can recommend the right MTD software to sole traders and landlords earning over £50k. Practical guide to client qualification and software fit.

8 min read
Guide

First MTD Q1 Filing: What Landlords Must Include (Property Income)

Landlord's guide to submitting UK property income in your first MTD quarterly update. What HMRC expects, common mistakes, and how to avoid delays.

6 min read
Guide

After Your Q1 MTD Filing: Prepare Records for HMRC Enquiries

HMRC may enquire into your Q1 filing. Here's what records to keep, how to prepare, and what you don't need to volunteer.

5 min read
Guide

Mileage Allowances for MTD: Claiming Simplified Rates in Q1

How to claim mileage allowances under MTD quarterly updates. Simplified rates vs actual expenses. Q1 2026 guide for sole traders and landlords.

5 min read
Guide

HMRC Rental Income Enquiries: Records You Need to Keep

What records HMRC expects from landlords in rental income enquiries. How MTD software helps you stay compliant.

5 min read
Guide

Amending Your Q1 MTD Update Before 7 August: Step-by-Step

How to correct and amend your Q1 MTD quarterly update before the 7 August 2026 deadline. Fix errors, late expenses, and categorisation mistakes.

6 min readAffordableMTD is live and HMRC-recognised - sign up and start filing for free
Tips

Q1 MTD Submission Errors: 5 Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Avoid Q1 filing delays. Learn the 5 most common MTD quarterly update mistakes and exactly how to fix them before your August deadline.

6 min read
Guide

MTD Quarterly Updates vs Full Tax Return: What's the Difference

MTD quarterly updates cover self-employment and property income only. Final declarations and full tax returns require additional reporting. Here's how it works.

4 min read
Guide

Importing Q1 Expenses: CSV Format and AI Categorisation

How to import your expenses into MTD software before August. CSV format guide and AI categorisation explained for Q1 filing.

5 min read
Deadlines

Q2 MTD Deadlines: What Changes After Your Q1 Filing

Q2 MTD deadline is 7 November 2026. Learn what to expect, how quarterly updates work, and how to stay on track after Q1 filing.

5 min read
Guide

Q2 Planning: Prepare Your Records Now (July Deadline Starts 6 July)

Q2 MTD deadline is 7 November 2026. Start tracking from 6 July now. Avoid Q1 mistakes. Practical Q2 record-keeping guide.

5 min read
Guide

After Q1 Filing: What to Do Once Your August Update Is Submitted

Filed your Q1 MTD update? Learn what to do next - record-keeping, Q2 planning, and deadline preparation for 7 November.

4 min read
Guide

Q1 Allowances and Adjustments: What to Claim in August 2026

Guide to capital allowances, trading allowance, and adjustments for MTD Q1 filing. What sole traders and landlords can claim before 7 August.

5 min read
Deadlines

June Q1 Reconciliation: Final Month Before 7 August

Last-minute Q1 checklist for June reconciliation. What to do if receipts are missing, how to use bank statements, and final reconciliation steps.

5 min read
Guide

Fixing Messy Expense Records Before August: A Q1 Reality Check

Your Q1 expenses need to be recorded and categorised by 7 August. Here's how to tidy up loose spreadsheets and get compliant in time.

6 min read
Guide

Q1 Income and Expense Reconciliation: 65 Days to the August Deadline

Check your Q1 income, expenses and allowances are correct before 7 August. A practical reconciliation checklist for MTD users.

5 min read
Guide

Mixed Income and MTD: Landlords with Self-Employment (Q1 Setup Check)

Make sure your MTD software separates self-employment and property income correctly. Q1 deadline is 7 August. Checklist inside.

5 min read
Guides

HMRC Software Developer Newsletters: What Accountants Need to Know

HMRC released 3 new software developer newsletters in May 2026. Here's what they reveal about MTD priorities and what it means for your clients.

5 min read
Guide

MTD Exemptions and Reasonable Excuse: Can You Delay Your Q1 Filing?

Discover MTD exemptions, temporary reliefs, and reasonable excuse provisions for Q1 2026. Know your options before the 7 August deadline.

5 min read
Tips

Common Q1 MTD Filing Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Avoid costly errors before 7 August. See the top Q1 MTD filing mistakes, how to spot them, and how to correct them.

8 min read
Guide

Multiple Income Sources and MTD: Self-Employed and Landlord Together

Learn how MTD quarterly updates handle mixed income. Complete guide for sole traders with rental income filing together.

8 min read
Guide

Setting Up Your MTD Bookkeeping System: A Practical 75-Day Guide

Learn how to set up a simple bookkeeping system for MTD quarterly updates. Income, expenses, records checklist.

6 min read
Guide

Q1 Final Checks Before 7 August: Pre-Submission Checklist

Missing Q1 deadline costs £100+ penalty. Use this pre-submission checklist to catch errors before filing your MTD update.

5 min read
Guide

What Income Types MTD Quarterly Updates Accept (And What They Don't)

MTD quarterly updates only cover self-employment and UK property income. Here's what you must report separately to HMRC.

5 min read
Guide

Quarterly Updates vs Final Declaration: MTD ITSA Filing Explained

Understand the difference between MTD quarterly updates and your final tax return declaration. Clear guide for sole traders and landlords.

5 min read
Deadlines

Late Q1 Filing: What Happens If You Miss the 7 August Deadline

Missed the 7 August Q1 deadline? Here's how penalties work, what to do next, and how to file late updates.

5 min read
Guide

How to Correct a Submitted Q1 MTD Update: Amendment Guide

Made a mistake on your Q1 MTD update? Learn how to amend submitted quarterly figures before the next deadline.

5 min read
Guide

MTD Service Down? What to Do If HMRC Issues Affect Your Deadline

HMRC MTD service issues happen. Here's what they mean for your Q1 deadline and how to protect yourself.

5 min read
Guide

Q1 Record-Keeping: What HMRC Actually Needs

Unsure what records to keep for MTD? Here's exactly what HMRC needs to see for your Q1 filing.

4 min read
Deadlines

Mid-May Q1 Check: Are You on Track for August?

It's mid-May. Here's what you should have tracked by now and how to catch up if you're behind on Q1.

5 min read
Tips

Q1 Tracking Mistakes to Avoid Before 7 August 2026

Most sole traders and landlords make the same Q1 tracking errors. Here's what to fix now to avoid HMRC penalties.

5 min read
Guide

Recommending MTD Software to Mixed-Income Clients: A Practical Guide

How to choose MTD software for clients with both self-employment and rental income. Bridging vs end-to-end explained.

6 min read
Guide

Choosing MTD Software by Income Type: What HMRC Recommends

Find the right MTD ITSA software for your income type. Solo income vs combined self-employment and property? See what works for your situation.

6 min read
Comparison

How to Choose MTD Software: A Practical Guide

Choosing MTD software is confusing. This guide explains what features matter, what doesn't, and how to pick the right one for your income type.

6 min read
Deadlines

When Does MTD Start? The 6 April 2026 Deadline Explained

MTD ITSA starts 6 April 2026 for UK sole traders and landlords earning over £50k. Understand the threshold, key dates, and what to do now.

4 min read
Guide

Allowable Expenses for MTD: What You Can Claim as a Sole Trader or Landlord

A complete guide to which expenses are allowable for MTD reporting in 2026-27. Covers self-employment and landlord deductions.

8 min read
Deadlines

Your MTD ITSA Checklist: What to Do Now (6 April 2026 Onwards)

MTD ITSA has started. Here's what you need to do immediately: set up software, gather records, and prepare for your first quarterly update on 7 August 2026.

6 min read
Eligibility

Do I Need to File Making Tax Digital for Income Tax? Free Checker

Find out in 60 seconds if MTD applies to you. Enter your income sources and get an instant answer — includes a plain-English guide to the qualifying income rules.

6 min read
Guide

What Is Making Tax Digital for Income Tax? The Plain-English Explanation

MTD for Income Tax is mandatory from April 2026. Here's exactly what it means, who it affects, and what you actually need to do - explained without the jargon.

10 min read
Comparison

MTD Software for Sole Traders in 2026: Every Option Compared

We compared every MTD-compatible software option by price. From free tiers with catches to paid plans that cost less than a coffee. Here's what you'll actually pay.

12 min read
Guide

MTD Bridging Software: What It Is and Why It's All Most People Need

You don't need a full accounting platform to comply with MTD. Bridging software connects your spreadsheets to HMRC - and it's a fraction of the cost.

8 min read
Landlords

Making Tax Digital for Landlords: A Complete Guide to Quarterly Reporting

If you earn rental income over £50,000, MTD applies to you from April 2026. Here's what landlords specifically need to know about quarterly updates, expenses, and software.

11 min read
Deadlines

MTD Quarterly Deadlines 2026-27: Every Date You Need to Know

The first MTD quarterly deadline is 7 August 2026. Here's the full schedule, what "cumulative" means, and what happens if you miss one.

7 min read
Penalties

MTD Penalties Explained: What Happens If You File Late or Miss a Deadline?

HMRC's new points-based penalty system replaces the old £100 flat fine. Here's how penalty points work, what late payment costs, and how to reset your record.

9 min read

Ready to get ahead of the deadline?

The first MTD quarterly update is due 7 August 2026. AffordableMTD is live and HMRC-recognised - sign up and start filing for free.

Start using AffordableMTD for free