Making Tax Digital (MTD) is no longer a distant change on the horizon – it is only two months away. From April, many more businesses will be required to keep digital records and submit updates to HMRC on a quarterly basis. If you are a sole trader or landlord affected by the next phase of MTD, now is the perfect time to get your bookkeeping practices into shape.
At Turas Accountants in Telford, we know that change can feel daunting, especially when it involves new software, new routines and new deadlines.
The good news is that you do not need to be perfect by April. You just need to be prepared enough to feel confident and supported. With the right habits in place, Making Tax Digital can become a manageable part of running your business rather than something that keeps you awake at night.
Software is just the starting point
If you have already chosen and set up your bookkeeping software, you are off to a great start. This is a big step, but software on its own will not magically make your bookkeeping easier. The real benefit comes from learning how to use it in a way that suits you and your business.
Think of February and March as your practice months. This is the time to explore your software properly, not just to input figures, but to understand how it works day to day. Watch the tutorial videos, test out features, and see which reports are useful to you. Most cloud accounting software is far more powerful than many people realise, but only if you know where to look.
It can feel frustrating at first, especially if you are used to doing things a different way. That is completely normal. Learning new systems always feels slower before it feels faster.
Little and often really does work
One of the biggest changes Making Tax Digital encourages is more regular bookkeeping. Instead of saving everything up for year end, MTD works best when records are kept up to date throughout the year.
Little and often is the secret. Setting aside ten or fifteen minutes a couple of times a week is far less stressful than facing a full day of paperwork every few months. Regular bookkeeping helps you stay organised, reduces the risk of missing expenses, and makes quarterly reporting much simpler.
It also gives you a clearer picture of how your business is performing. When your figures are up to date, you can see cash flow issues earlier, plan ahead with more confidence, and make informed decisions rather than guessing.
Get comfortable before quarterly reporting begins
Quarterly submissions can sound intimidating, but in reality they are simply a summary of information you should already have to hand (if you are keeping on top of your bookkeeping). The key is to get comfortable with the process before the pressure is on.
Use the next couple of months to run through the motions without worrying about deadlines. Try entering invoices, reconciling bank transactions, and generating reports. Make mistakes and fix them. This is how confidence is built.
Learning new software can feel a bit like learning to drive. At first, there is a lot to think about and everything feels slightly awkward. With practice, it becomes second nature. The goal right now is familiarity, not perfection.
Ask questions early and often
One of the most important things to remember is that it is okay to have questions. It is okay if something does not click straight away. Bookkeeping software is designed to handle a wide range of businesses, which means it can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Asking questions now, while the pressure is off, can save a lot of stress later. Whether it is about how to categorise an expense, how to deal with a particular type of income, or how to fix an error, support is available.
At Turas Accountants, we see our role as more than just preparing accounts and tax returns. We are here to walk this road with you. That means helping you understand what is required, offering reassurance when things feel confusing, and being on hand when you need guidance.
Building habits that will last
Making Tax Digital is not a one-off change. It is a shift towards more regular reporting and better record keeping as a standard way of working. That is why building sustainable habits now is so important.
Try to create a simple routine that fits around your working life. This might mean updating your records every Friday afternoon, reconciling your bank weekly, or setting calendar reminders for bookkeeping time. The best system is one you will actually stick to.
Shortcuts within your software can also save valuable time. Many platforms allow you to set up repeating invoices, bank rules, and automated reminders. Spending a bit of time learning these features now can pay off significantly over the coming year.
When outsourcing makes sense
For some business owners, no matter how user friendly the software is, bookkeeping is still something they would rather not deal with. That is absolutely fine.
Running a business already involves wearing many hats. If bookkeeping is not where you want to spend your energy, outsourcing can be a sensible option. Full bookkeeping support means your records are kept up to date, your submissions are handled correctly, and you have peace of mind that everything is compliant.
At Turas Accountants in Telford, we offer flexible bookkeeping services tailored to your needs. Some clients prefer to do most of the work themselves with occasional support. Others would rather hand over the digital side entirely. There is no right or wrong approach, only what works best for you.
Looking ahead to April with confidence
With two months to go until Making Tax Digital goes live for the next group of taxpayers, now is the time to take action. If you are practising regularly, learning your software, and asking questions when you need to, you are doing exactly what you should be doing.
Making Tax Digital is a change, but it does not have to be a negative one. With the right bookkeeping practices in place, it can lead to better visibility, improved organisation, and fewer surprises at year end.
If you would like support getting ready for MTD, or if you would prefer someone else to take care of your bookkeeping entirely, we are here to help. Turas Accountants is proud to support businesses across Telford and beyond, offering clear advice, practical support, and a friendly approach every step of the way.