A new year always brings fresh starts, new goals and, for many business owners, a longer to do list.
This January, Making Tax Digital (MTD) preparations are likely sitting on that list. If you have been putting it off or feeling unsure about where to begin, now is the time to take action.
It is time to get your MTD software up and running. We know this might feel like a big step, but you have got this. And more importantly, you have got us. At Turas Accountants in Telford, we are here to guide you through the process with practical advice, clear steps and ongoing support.
A quick reminder about January deadlines
Before diving fully into Making Tax Digital, there is one very important January deadline to keep front of mind. Self Assessment for the 2024/25 tax year is due on 31st January, along with any tax payments owed.
If you are still finalising figures or feeling the pressure of that deadline, we strongly recommend getting this wrapped up first. Once your Self Assessment return is submitted and payments are made, you can focus fully on setting up your MTD software without distraction.
Why January is the perfect time to start with MTD
January is about getting your software running and loading your data. It might feel like a lot, especially after a busy end to the year, but starting now puts you in the strongest possible position.
This month, we recommend loading your 2025/26 tax year data into your MTD compatible software. Yes, it is eight months all at once and it does take time and effort. However, this approach has real advantages.
By loading several months of data at once, you can:
- Get properly familiar with how the software works
- Identify any issues with categories, bank feeds or data imports early
- Understand how quarterly reporting will look before it really matters
- Build confidence well before submissions become mandatory
Think of this as a practice run. You are learning the system in a low pressure situation rather than scrambling later when deadlines are tighter and data input needs to be 100% accurate and correct.
You are not behind and you are not alone
If Making Tax Digital is feeling overwhelming right now, take a breath. You are not behind, and you are certainly not alone. Many business owners are in exactly the same position, unsure how it all fits together or worried about getting something wrong.
At Turas Accountants, we have helped many businesses just like yours through this exact transition. From sole traders and landlords to limited companies, we have seen the same concerns come up time and again.
We receive questions like:
- Which software should I be using?
- Do I need to change the way I keep records?
- What happens if I make a mistake?
- How much extra time will this take each quarter?
These are all normal questions, and there are clear answers. You do not need to figure this out on your own.
Choosing the right MTD software
One of the biggest decisions with Making Tax Digital is choosing the right software. There are plenty of options available, and it can be difficult to know which one suits your business.
The right choice depends on factors such as:
- The size and complexity of your business
- Whether you are VAT registered or only dealing with income tax
- How comfortable you are with digital tools
- Whether you want to do the bookkeeping yourself or outsource it
We can help you compare options, explain the pros and cons in plain English, and make sure the software you choose is fully compliant with HMRC requirements. No jargon, no sales pressure, just practical guidance based on how you actually work.
Getting your data loaded correctly
Once your software is in place, the next step is loading your 2025/26 data. This is where January’s effort really pays off.
Uploading eight months of data in one go might feel daunting, but it allows you to see the bigger picture. You can review income and expenses, check that everything is being categorised correctly, and make adjustments early.
This stage is also the ideal time to:
- Set up bank feeds so transactions flow in automatically
- Check opening balances are correct
- Make sure expense categories match your business activities
- Review reports so you understand what the numbers are telling you
Getting this right now will save hours later and reduce the risk of errors when quarterly updates begin.
Training and hands on support when you need it
Need training? Stuck on something? Give us a shout. We are here to make this as straightforward as possible.
Some clients just need a short training session to feel confident using their software. Others prefer more hands on support during the setup stage. And some would rather hand the whole thing over and let us take care of it from start to finish. We can help with all three.
We offer:
- One to one training tailored to your business
- Step by step guidance through setup and data loading
- Ongoing support when questions crop up
- A full bookkeeping and MTD compliance service if you want it off your plate
- There is no one size fits all solution, and that is exactly how it should be.
Making Tax Digital is a change, but it does not have to be a struggle. With the right support, it can be a smooth transition that sets you up well for the future.
There are three months to go before quarterly reporting becomes a reality for many businesses. That might sound close, but it is plenty of time if you start now.
By using January to get your software running and load your data, you give yourself room to learn, ask questions and adjust.
Get in touch with us today to start your Making Tax Digital transition.