AU & NZ
SG
MY
US
IE
Financial management software
Making Tax Digital Software
Be ready for MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment with Access Digital Tax.
Access Digital Tax is HMRC-recognised, MTD software that is fully prepared to support MTD ITSA. Ensure that your business is compliant with its income and corporation tax returns, and enable secure data transfer from your finance software.
Organisations see greater efficiency and productivity as a result of Making Tax Digital
What is Making Tax Digital?
Making Tax Digital is HMRC’s programme to modernise the UK tax system, replacing manual and paper-based processes with digital record-keeping and online submissions.
Under MTD, affected taxpayers must:
- Keep digital records of income and expenses
- Submit updates to HMRC quarterly, rather than annually
- Use MTD-compatible software to maintain a complete digital journey with no manual re-keying
MTD already applies to VAT. From April 2026, it expands to Income Tax Self Assessment. Making Tax Digital software like Access Digital Tax is designed in close conjunction with HMRC, as part of powerful core accounting software, like Access Financials, that brings together all your accounting and financial operations into one place.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA)
MTD ITSA, launching 6 April 2026, applies to self-employed individuals and landlords with qualifying income above specific thresholds. Instead of submitting one annual tax return, affected taxpayers will need to:
- Keep digital records throughout the year
- Submit quarterly updates to HMRC
- Provide an end-of-period statement and final declaration
Quarterly submission deadlines Under MTD ITSA, quarterly updates must be submitted to HMRC by:
- 7 August
- 7 November
- 7 February
- 7 May
Access Digital Tax supports digital record-keeping and quarterly submissions, helping ensure deadlines are met without last-minute pressure.
Soft landing penalty relief (2026–27)
To support the transition, HMRC has confirmed a soft landing period for penalties during the 2026–27 tax year. This provides a degree of flexibility while businesses adapt, but it does not remove the requirement to comply. Early preparation remains essential to avoid future penalties and disruption.
Benefits of Making Tax Digital software
HMRC's ambition is that a digital tax system will make it easier for businesses to get their tax right.
Reducing the number of avoidable errors will also reduce the cost, uncertainty and worry that businesses face when HMRC is forced to intervene.
Using MTD-compliant software like Access Digital Tax is the only way to comply with HMRC's digital requirements. So, it’s essential to choose a platform that has all of the features you need to manage your taxes and finances.
- Completely digital - by producing and storing all your records digitally, you get immediate access allowing you to view, review and check all your tax data with ease.
- Fewer errors - encounter fewer surprises as you can calculate as you go, check whenever you need to, and eliminate the risk of an unexpectedly high tax bill by using the Making Tax Digital-compliant software.
- Spread the burden - alleviate the stress and decrease the pressure on end-of-the-year tax filing by processing and filing throughout the year via Access Making Tax Digital Software.
Who needs Making Tax Digital VAT software?
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses and, from April 2026, for self-employed individuals and landlords with qualifying income under MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA).
MTD requires that all tax records and submissions are digital, with data transferred between accounting, invoicing, and tax software via a secure digital link, eliminating manual spreadsheets and paper processes.
If you are already using one of Access’ suite of applications, like Access Dimensions or Access Financials, the transition is very smooth. If you’ve yet to make use of our digital finance software, don’t worry, Access can help you every step of the way.
Why choose Access Digital Tax?
Access Digital Tax is an HMRC-recognised solution designed to support both MTD VAT and MTD ITSA.
It enables:
- Secure digital submission of quarterly updates and returns
- Seamless integration with accounting systems
- A complete digital audit trail compliant with HMRC requirements
Delivered through the Access Workspace platform, Access Digital Tax works seamlessly with Access Financials. When used together, they bring record‑keeping, reporting, and compliance into one connected solution.
If you already have a digital account with HMRC, Access Digital Tax can connect directly to it, streamlining submission even further. The platform is always available when you need it, allowing you to update and modify information as required.
Access Digital Tax App
The Access Digital Tax App is recognised by HMRC and allows you to digitally submit VAT returns by connecting seamlessly to any accounting systems or spreadsheets.
Access Suite
Access Digital Tax is delivered through the Access Workspace platform and works seamlessly with Dimensions or Access Financials.
Connect
If you already have a digital account with HMRC, Access Digital Tax can connect with it, streamlining the process even more.
Always prepared
Access Digital Tax can be accessed as and when you need it, so you can update and modify as you see fit.
Beyond compliance: turning MTD into an opportunity
MTD ITSA isn’t just a regulatory change, it’s an opportunity for you to modernise processes and gain better insight.
If you prepare early, you can benefit from:
- Greater efficiency and productivity
- Improved cash flow forecasting
- Reduced compliance risk
- Stronger financial decision-making
Those who delay risk unnecessary disruption when the new rules take effect.
Making Tax Digital FAQs
How does Making Tax Digital VAT work?
You must use the Government gateway to submit your VAT returns. Your accounting software should be able to use an in-built MTD facility to submit via the Government Gateway. If your software is non-compliant, you can use 'bridging' software to enter manually, or your accountant can help you.
What is Making Tax Digital bridging software?
Making tax digital bridging software allows you to enter information into a basic front-end package and submit your VAT return to the Government Gateway, usually used if your accounting software does not have an MTD facility.
Do I have to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA)?
Yes, if you are a self-employed individual or landlord whose income exceeds the phased thresholds. MTD ITSA replaces the traditional annual Self Assessment with quarterly updates submitted digitally.
What are the phases of MTD ITSA?
MTD ITSA will be introduced in phases based on the annual gross income:
- From April 2026 – income over £50,000
- From April 2027 – income over £30,000
- From April 2028 – income over £20,000
If your income meets these thresholds, you must comply using MTD-compatible software like Access Digital Tax.
Does Access Digital Tax support MTD ITSA?
Yes. Access Digital Tax is fully MTD ITSA-ready and supports both quarterly reporting and digital record-keeping. Combined with Access Financials, it provides a seamless digital link from accounting through submission, helping you meet HMRC requirements from day one.
What is a digital link under Making Tax Digital?
A digital link is an electronic connection between systems or software used to maintain and submit tax records. Under Making Tax Digital, data must flow digitally from your accounting or invoicing system through to HMRC, without manual copying or re-keying. This ensures accuracy, reduces errors, and meets HMRC’s compliance requirements. Access Digital Tax maintains a fully compliant digital link for both VAT and MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment.
How can Access Digital Tax help me prepare early?
Early adoption reduces last-minute compliance stress, ensures accurate record-keeping, and allows you to take advantage of HMRC’s soft landing period for 2026–27.
Book a demo of our Maxing Tax Digital & MTD ITSA software today.