MTD Compliance Cost Estimator

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax requires quarterly digital reporting. Estimate your total cost: software, accountant uplift, time, and migration.

£20k£55,000£200k

Your MTD Deadline

April 2026

Year One Cost

£1,130

Software£180/yr
Training (8hrs)£200
Accountant uplift£350/yr
Quarterly filing time (8hrs)£200/yr
Data migration (one-off)£200

Ongoing Annual Cost

£730 /year

Recommended Tool

FreshBooks

Accounting software built for small business owners. Invoicing, expenses, tax reporting — MTD-compatible from day one.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does Making Tax Digital start?
MTD for Income Tax applies from April 2026 for self-employed and landlords with income above £50,000, and from April 2027 for income above £30,000.
What software do I need for MTD?
You need HMRC-compatible software that can maintain digital records and submit quarterly updates. Options include FreshBooks, Xero, QuickBooks, and others.
Can my accountant handle MTD for me?
Yes, but accountants will typically charge more for the additional quarterly filing work. Budget for £300-£500 extra per year in accountant fees.