Here’s a number that should make you sit up: 354,600.
That’s how many landlords and sole traders are heading into Making Tax Digital in April 2026 without an accountant to help them. HMRC said so themselves, in answers to a parliamentary committee. And honestly? They’re a bit worried about it.
Of the 864,600 people due to start using the new MTD process from April 2026, around 510,000 have accountants in their corner. The rest (that huge 354,600 number) are going it alone. Some by choice, some because they don’t know they need help, and some because they haven’t quite got round to it yet.
If you’re a landlord or sole trader earning over £50,000 from self-employment or rental income, this affects you. The question is: are you ready?
What does “MTD without an accountant” actually mean?
It means you’re responsible for everything yourself. Choosing the right software. Setting it up correctly. Keeping digital records that meet HMRC’s requirements. Filing quarterly returns on time. Avoiding penalty points. And ultimately, submitting your End of Period Statement and final declaration.
For some people, that’s absolutely fine. If you’re already using cloud accounting software, you’re reasonably tech-savvy, and you’ve got the time, you can do this.
But for a lot of people? Facing MTD without an accountant is going to be a headache. Especially when you’re also trying to run a business or manage properties.
Why is HMRC worried?
Because the stakes are real. Miss your quarterly deadlines and you’ll start racking up penalty points. Get four points and you’ll get a fine. Keep poor records and you could face penalties of up to £3,000 per quarter.
HMRC aren’t worried because they’re kind-hearted (bless them). They’re worried because if hundreds of thousands of people get this wrong, it creates problems for everyone, including them.
What are your options?
You’ve basically got three choices:
1. Do it yourself: If you’re confident, go for it. Get yourself set up with MTD-compatible software, register with HMRC, and start filing. Just make sure you understand what’s required before April 2026 arrives.
2. Get help with the setup, then do it yourself: This is a good middle ground. We can help you choose the right software, get everything configured properly, and show you how to keep records and file returns. Then you take it from there. You’re not facing MTD without an accountant, you’re just doing the day-to-day yourself with a solid foundation.
3. Hand the whole thing over: If you’d rather not think about it at all, we can handle the lot. Bookkeeping, quarterly filings, the End of Period Statement – all of it. You get on with your life; we get on with the tax.
Don’t leave it too late
The worst thing you can do is ignore this until the deadline’s breathing down your neck. Setting up software takes time. Learning how it works takes time. And if you discover a problem before your first quarterly deadline, you won’t have much room to fix it.
If you’re one of those 354,600 people currently facing MTD without an accountant, now’s the time to decide what kind of support you actually need.
| Want help getting ready for MTD, whether that’s full support or just a setup? Get in touch and let’s work out what’s right for you. |
