What to do before the MTD deadline

1. Set up your HMRC personal tax account and Self Assessment — only you can do this, at gov.uk/personal-tax-account
2. Confirm MTD applies to you and from what date
3. Choose HMRC-recognised compatible software (or a spreadsheet plus bridging software)
4. Register for MTD and authorise your software
5. Get your records for 6 April – 5 July 2026 into the software, categorised
6. Review and file your first quarterly update before 7 August

See the 3 steps to file your MTD →

The one task an accountant can’t do for you is setting up your HMRC personal tax account and Self Assessment. Do this first at gov.uk/personal-tax-account — then we can take over the rest.

If the deadline is close and you’re not set up, don’t panic. Once your personal tax account is in place we can register you for MTD and file your quarterly update quickly. Call 0114 327 1480 or email shjenquiry@msc-g.com.

Last-minute MTD help →

None of it is huge, but leave enough runway:

• HMRC personal tax account / Self Assessment — minutes to start, but if you need a UTR or identity checks, allow a couple of weeks.
• Choosing and setting up software — an hour or two, plus time to connect bank feeds.
• Registering for MTD and authorising software — usually the same day once your account is ready.
• Entering the quarter’s records — depends on volume; far quicker if you have kept up through the quarter.

The lesson from the timings above: the identity and account steps are the ones that can bite, so start those first.

For the quarter you are filing, your software should hold every item of business income and allowable expense, categorised, captured close to the point of each transaction, with a digital link through to the figures you submit. If you have been keeping a shoebox of receipts, this is the point to get them entered — or hand them to us to bring up to date.