MAKING TAX DIGITAL
3 min read
Want a simple overview first?
Download the free guide for UK sole traders and understand the key accounting records, deadlines and Making Tax Digital changes in plain English.

Making Tax Digital is a new way for some UK sole traders and landlords to report tax information to HMRC.
Instead of keeping paper records and sending one tax return at the end of the year, they must keep digital records and use approved software.
The software sends income and expense updates to HMRC every quarter. At the end of the year, a final submission confirms the correct figures and calculates the tax due.
Common misconception
Not true.
Quarterly updates are reports of income and expenses. They are not quarterly tax bills.
Think of them only as progress reports.

Making Tax Digital is mainly about keeping records digitally and reporting information more regularly. It is not a completely new tax system, and it doesn't mean sole traders have to pay tax four times a year.

READY to learn?
The complete guide explains accounting, UK tax and Making Tax Digital step by step, with practical examples written specifically for non-accountants.

KEEP READING
Related Articles

MAKING TAX DIGITAL
Do I Need to Use Making Tax Digital?
Find out whether Making Tax Digital applies to your business, when the new rules start, and what you need to do to stay compliant.
Read Article

MAKING TAX DIGITAL
What Actually Changes Under Making Tax Digital?
Discover the biggest changes introduced by Making Tax Digital, from digital record keeping to quarterly updates and year-end submissions.
Read Article

MAKING TAX DIGITAL
Can I Still Use Excel for Making Tax Digital?
A plain-English look at spreadsheets, software and what compatible digital records mean.
Read Article