Free Making Tax Digital Readiness Review launched as first HMRC quarterly deadline approaches

Image credit: Photo courtesy of David Howard Chartered Accountants

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David Howard has launched a free online Making Tax Digital Readiness Review to help over 864,000 sole traders and landlords prepare for the first HMRC quarterly update deadline on 7th August. This service aims to ensure taxpayers have the correct software and digital records to meet new tax reporting requirements. The initiative is crucial as it addresses common questions and helps reduce the risk of missed deadlines, easing the transition to the new system.

EDITORIAL INSIGHT: Context, industry insight and market perspectives of this news story

The introduction of quarterly digital tax reporting for sole traders and landlords marks a significant shift in the way many small businesses and individuals manage their tax affairs. With the first HMRC deadline for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax now weeks away, the focus for many will be on ensuring their systems and processes are compliant, particularly as the transition demands a move away from traditional spreadsheets and manual records.

For those affected, the availability of free support services such as the Making Tax Digital Readiness Review offers a practical route to understanding and meeting the new requirements. As the rollout expands to cover more taxpayers in the coming years, early preparation is likely to reduce the risk of missed deadlines and additional administrative burden, especially for those unfamiliar with digital tax software or quarterly submissions.

Press Release

Weybridge, Surrey - July 29, 2026

More than 864,000 sole traders and landlords must submit their first quarterly update by 7th August, with David Howard offering free support to help them prepare.

With HMRC’s first quarterly Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax deadline approaching on 7th August, David Howard has launched a free online Making Tax Digital Readiness Review.

Running throughout July and August, the review is available to sole traders, landlords and other taxpayers who want to check they’re ready for their first quarterly update.

The new service comes as more than 864,000 sole traders and landlords with qualifying income above £50,000 complete their first quarterly update under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, one of the biggest changes to UK tax reporting in decades. The review helps taxpayers check they’re ready for Making Tax Digital, confirming their software and digital records meet HMRC requirements before the first deadline.

HMRC estimates that around 7 million people receive income from self-employment or property, with almost 2.9 million expected to join Making Tax Digital for Income Tax as the rollout continues over the next two years.

According to David Howard, many sole traders and landlords are still asking basic questions about the new reporting requirements. Common questions include whether Making Tax Digital applies to them, which software to use, how to keep digital records and what information needs to be included in each quarterly submission. Answering these questions before 7th August reduces the risk of missed deadlines and gives taxpayers time to put the right systems in place.

Simon Bishop, Managing Partner at David Howard, said:

“Making Tax Digital is one of the biggest changes to tax reporting for many years, and for many sole traders and landlords quarterly reporting feels like another administrative burden. We’re still speaking to people who aren’t sure if they’re using the right software or whether their records meet HMRC’s requirements.

Businesses still relying on spreadsheets or manual bookkeeping will have four filing deadlines a year instead of one. Setting up the right systems now can make those submissions much quicker.

Many banks now offer free business bank accounts that connect directly to cloud accounting software. Once everything is set up, transactions flow straight into the software and, after a quick review,it’s ready to submit directly to HMRC. For many businesses, that removes the need for separate spreadsheets, cuts administration and helps keep compliance costs down.

Our free Making Tax Digital Readiness Review helps taxpayers identify any gaps before the first deadline, giving them time to put the right systems in place while reducing unnecessary administration and future compliance costs.”

Established in 1973, David Howard supports businesses and individuals from 12 offices across Surrey and the South East. The firm is a Xero Platinum Partner, QuickBooks Platinum ProAdvisor and Sage Accredited Partner, providing accountancy, tax, bookkeeping, payroll, audit and business advisory services.

Sole traders, landlords and other taxpayers preparing for the 7 August deadline can book a free Making Tax Digital Readiness Review by contacting their local David Howard office or visiting the firm’s website.

Notes to editors

About David Howard

David Howard is an independent firm of chartered accountants providing accountancy, tax, bookkeeping, payroll, audit and business advisory services to businesses, landlords and private individuals across Surrey and the South East. Established in 1973, the firm has grown to 12 offices across the region, including Weybridge, Staines, Hampton Wick, Horsham, Cranleigh and Bagshot. David Howard combines experienced advisers with modern technology to help clients stay compliant, improve financial performance and make informed business decisions.

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