Making Tax Digital for Trades
Why “Making Tax Digital” matters and what it means for trades in Shropshire.
If you’re a builder, plumber, electrician, carpenter, decorator or any other trade in Shropshire and run your own business day‑to‑day, here’s something you need to know. The UK tax system is changing.
HMRC is rolling out Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self‑Assessment. The rules are simple but strict: keep digital records, report income and expenses digitally, and submit regular updates. If you're not the most organised then this can sound really stressful.
What it means is you’ll no longer just fill in one annual Self‑Assessment. Under MTD you will have to log data more frequently (quarterly) but the upside is clarity, less admin chaos and fewer surprises come tax time.
What this means in reality
From April 2026 (depending on income), expect to send quarterly updates to HMRC rather than rely on one yearly return.
You’ll need to start using HMRC‑compatible software or accounting tools to track income and expenses digitally.
Spreadsheets are possible but only if they maintain a proper digital link in the form of bridging software.
If you’re already VAT‑registered, then quarterly bookkeeping should feel more familiar.
You’ll need to start using HMRC‑compatible software or accounting tools to track income and expenses digitally.
Spreadsheets are possible but only if they maintain a proper digital link in the form of bridging software.
If you’re already VAT‑registered, then quarterly bookkeeping should feel more familiar.
What this means for trades in Shropshire
We know you don’t have time to wrestle with spreadsheets, bank statements and crumpled receipts. You’re on site all day, managing a team, chasing jobs, not tax codes. But MTD doesn’t care what your day looks like.
If you earn above the threshold, you’ll need to to keep digital records, quarter after quarter. Miss a deadline? You risk fines and HMRC headaches.
But done right, it’s actually an opportunity. A chance to get your cash‑flow, expenses and paperwork in order. To finally see real numbers, what you earn, what you spend, what you owe. That clarity can protect you from nasty surprises come tax time.
How Dilloway Accounting takes the pain out of MTD
We know tradespeople don’t wake up wanting to mess around with receipts and spreadsheets. They want to get on with jobs, hand over an invoice and get paid.
At Dilloway Accounting we take the admin chaos off your hands, set you up with MTD‑compliant digital bookkeeping, keep you organised, and make sure you stay compliant with HMRC. You carry on doing what you do best. We’ll handle the rest.
At Dilloway Accounting we take the admin chaos off your hands, set you up with MTD‑compliant digital bookkeeping, keep you organised, and make sure you stay compliant with HMRC. You carry on doing what you do best. We’ll handle the rest.
Adam Dilloway
Don’t wait until you think you might have hit the threshold.
If you don't have a good grip on your numbers it's easy to go over without realising.
I can help you with your bookkeeping and accounts submission, so you don't need to worry about what HMRC will expect.
Adam
If you don't have a good grip on your numbers it's easy to go over without realising.
I can help you with your bookkeeping and accounts submission, so you don't need to worry about what HMRC will expect.
Financial clarity for trades isn't just a luxury it's essential for cashflow and profitability.
Book a call with me or send me a message below.
Adam