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At Gorilla Accounting, we are always looking for opportunities to stay at the forefront of industry changes and to ensure our clients are supported every step of the way. On 2nd September, we had the privilege of welcoming a very special guest to our offices – Craig Ogilvie, Director of Making Tax Digital (MTD) at HMRC.
Craig joined us for an in-depth discussion on all things MTD, offering valuable insights into HMRC’s vision, their progress so far, and what lies ahead.
For Gorilla, this was an exciting opportunity not only to learn directly from the Head of MTD but also to share our own experiences as one of the firms already testing the system with clients in HMRC’s live pilot trial.
The visit was a positive and collaborative step forward, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring clients remain informed, compliant, and well-prepared for the changes ahead.
Why This Visit Mattered
Craig’s visit was an opportunity for open dialogue and meaningful conversations. With the MTD for Income Tax Self-Assessment (ITSA) rollout starting in April 2026, there is still work to do, both for HMRC and for accountants across the country.
Here are some of the highlights from the day:
- Craig was able to step out of the HMRC office and meet accountants who are already embracing MTD in practice, not just theory.
- Gorilla has clients signed up to HMRC’s MTD trial, giving us real-world insights into how the system works, where it runs smoothly, and where improvements are needed.
- Craig spent time with our team of accountants, learning about our journey so far and listening to feedback on potential challenges.
- Craig provided valuable updates on how HMRC is progressing with MTD, what the next steps look like over the coming months, and how businesses and accountants can prepare.
- The session was a chance to align perspectives, ensuring both Gorilla and HMRC are working towards the same goal – making tax simpler, more accurate, and more efficient for everyone.
A collaborative approach to MTD is crucial, representing a significant change for businesses, landlords, and accountants alike. It also presents opportunities to modernise tax reporting and reduce the likelihood of errors.
Making Tax Digital: Where We Are Now
The Making Tax Digital goal is simple: to move away from paper-based or once-a-year submissions and instead introduce a system where taxpayers keep digital records and provide updates throughout the year.
The phased rollout began with VAT and all VAT-registered businesses are already required to keep digital records and submit returns using MTD-compatible software. The next step is MTD for Income Tax Self-Assessment (ITSA), which will affect millions of taxpayers across the UK.
By engaging with HMRC early and testing the system, Gorilla is positioning itself and our clients ahead of the curve. We believe that preparation now will reduce disruption later, ensuring a smooth transition when MTD becomes mandatory as well as enabling you to benefit sooner from using accounting software.
Who Will Be Affected by MTD and When?
One of the key topics of discussion during Craig’s visit was the upcoming deadlines and who will be impacted first.
- April 2026: From this date, MTD for ITSA will apply to sole traders and landlords with an income of over £50,000. These taxpayers will need to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates via MTD-compatible software.
- April 2027: The scope widens to include those with an income £30,000. This will bring a further wave of taxpayers into the digital system.
- Future Plans: It’s expected that sole traders and landlords earning over £20,000 will have to comply from April 2028. HMRC are yet to confirm the next stages of the rollout but eventually all taxpayers will have to comply.
This phased approach is designed to give taxpayers, accountants, and HMRC itself time to adapt. However, it also means that now is the time to prepare, particularly for those above the £50,000 threshold.
At Gorilla, we are already supporting clients in the pilot scheme so they can familiarise themselves with quarterly reporting, understand the software requirements, and avoid a last-minute scramble when April 2026 arrives.
What This Means for Our Clients
For many, MTD represents a significant change in how they interact with HMRC. Instead of one annual return, taxpayers will be expected to:
- Keep digital records of income and expenses using compliant software.
- Submit quarterly updates to HMRC, summarising income and costs.
- Provide an end-of-period statement and final declaration to make any adjustments and confirm total income.
MTD can make life much easier by improving efficiency, accuracy and helping you keep organised to give you a clearer picture of your finances and liabilities throughout the year.
Gorilla Accounting: Ready for the Future
The message from Craig’s visit was clear: Making Tax Digital is coming, and preparation is everything. At Gorilla, we are proud to be ahead of the curve, testing the systems, gathering feedback, and ensuring our clients are ready for the changes ahead.
Whether you are a sole trader, landlord, or small business owner, our advice is simple – don’t wait until the deadline. Start preparing now so you can ensure a smooth transition and the benefit sooner from the huge advantages accounting software provide for small business owners.
With Gorilla by your side, you can be confident that your journey into MTD will be smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
As part of our fixed-fee accountancy packages, FreeAgent and Xero accounting software are included at no extra cost, saving you up to £330 a year. Whichever platform you choose, they are MTD-ready to help you stay compliant.
We also have a Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Deadline Checker on our website, designed for sole traders and unincorporated landlords to clarify when they need to comply with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax so they can prepare early and make the switch to digital.
Making Tax Digital is not just about compliance; it’s about creating a more accurate, efficient and transparent tax system. If you’d like to learn more about how MTD will affect you and how Gorilla Accounting can support you on your journey, get in touch with our team today.
