The Making Tax Digital initiative by the UK government has changed the face with which businesses relate to tax reporting. At this new phase of MTD, businesses need to stay ahead not only in regard to compliance but also in penalty avoidance and continuous enhancement of their internal financial processes. At Integra, we ensure that clients have a seamless and smooth transition while adapting businesses toward digital tax reporting systems.

This article breaks down what’s continuously developing with the MTD initiative: what to expect and how Integra is able to ease this transition.

What is Making Tax Digital?

Making Tax Digital is the Government’s vision for transforming the UK’s tax system into a fully digital and integrated platform from what is fundamentally a manually and paper-based process. It was launched in 2019 for VAT-registered businesses whose turnovers are over the VAT threshold limit, but over time, more and more taxes and businesses have fallen within its ambit.

The MTD initiative aims at reducing the amount of tax errors, improving its accuracy, and making it friendlier for any business to deal with. With the next phase now being moved to 2026, companies across the UK have to tune themselves to this changing landscape of tax.

Key Phases of MTD

Since its rollout, MTD has been implemented in phases and to date includes the following:

MTD for VAT (2019): Initially applied to businesses registered for VAT whose taxable turnover exceeds the £85,000 threshold. For VAT-registered businesses, the requirement for MTD will become effective in April 2022.

MTD for Income Tax (2026): This phase was initially intended to be implemented in April 2024. It has been postponed and will go live in 2026, covering those self-employed and landlords with annual income above £50,000. The threshold will, in subsequent stages of the rollout, drop to £30,000.

MTD for Corporation Tax (TBC): Timings are not yet confirmed, though consultations on the matter remain ongoing; MTD for Corporation Tax is expected to take hold by the end of the decade.

Why has the timeline for MTD changed?

This was originally due to go live in 2024 for MTD for Income Tax, but the timeline has been pushed out to 2026 because there were concerns businesses will not be ready and systems will not be sufficiently comprehensive. HMRC accepted that many small businesses were still at the very early stages of digital accounting and extended this.

This delay gives businesses more preparation time but also increases the stakes: businesses that have not adopted MTD-compliant systems by the new deadline will be penalised and will invite greater scrutiny. These phases have been crafted in such a way that companies are given enough time to adapt, but as 2026 approaches, the pressure mounts.

What does the next phase of MTD mean for businesses?

As MTD extends beyond VAT to incorporate income tax and corporation tax, its scope will broaden to bring within its scope many more businesses and people. Such an extension of scope is likely to have wide-ranging repercussions, in particular for SMEs and the self-employed, whose systems are often less sophisticated.

Under MTD for Income Tax, businesses will need to:

• Record its business income and expenses in digital form.
• Send updates quarterly to HMRC via MTD-compatible software.
• Provide a year-end summary at the end of the year.

These are requirements that would make the reports made for taxation purposes more accurate, less fraudulent, and with fewer errors-a staggering amount estimated at £8.5 billion in lost taxes due to avoidable errors in 2022 alone, according to HMRC.

How can Integra help?

We at Integra understand that, for most businesses, especially those who have been accustomed to more traditional methods of maintaining their books and accounts, the leap into digital tax reporting is intimidating. This specialist support has allowed thousands of companies across the UK to make the transition smoothly with our tailored MTD-compliant solutions.

Here’s how we can help:

Assessment and Consultation

We start by evaluating the current accounting systems of your business and understand what you need as far as tax reporting is concerned. Our experts offer a clear, personalised roadmap with regard to transitioning to MTD-compliant software. This ensures that your business remains ahead in compliance deadlines.

Software Integration and Training

Fully MTD-compatible accounting software is implemented to ensure seamless integration with your existing systems. We provide complete training for your team so that they will feel confident and able to carry out quarterly updates and year-end summaries with ease, free of stress.

Real-Time Support

Tax reporting deadlines can be stressful. Our real-time support service ensures that you’ll have a team of experts available to answer your questions and resolve any issues that arise as you submit your tax returns digitally.

Reduced Errors and Increased Compliance

MTD has been designed to minimise errors, and through our guidance, your business will be able to minimise the risk of mistakes that may result in adverse penalties. Integra ensures that your digital records are accurate and submissions made to the required standards of HMRC on accuracy, thus helping one avoid expensive errors.

Is your business ready for the 2026 deadline?

While the delay in MTD for Income Tax gives businesses more time to prepare, 2026 will arrive quickly. Businesses should begin the transition now to avoid the last-minute rush and ensure a smooth, stress-free switch.

Key steps to get ready include:

• Reviewing current accounting practices and identifying areas for improvement.
• Choosing MTD-compliant software that fits your business’s needs.
• Training staff on how to use digital systems and maintain accurate records.
• Working with a trusted partner like Integra to ensure full compliance.

The future of digital tax reporting

One thing is for sure as MTD is developed: digital tax reporting is here to stay. The UK government remains committed to making the whole tax system more effective and easier for businesses and HMRC. Its ultimate vision is one of a fully digital system in which all relevant data on tax is automatically linked and updated in real-time.

For businesses, this means fewer headaches around compliance, quicker submission processes, and the ability to make more informed decisions based on accurate real-time financial data. With Integra by your side, this transition to MTD can be smooth and successful.

Making Tax Digital is that great stride changing the way businesses in the UK report their taxes. The next stage, starting in 2026, brings more businesses into the digital reporting regime. Such changes can be overwhelming; however, working with experienced partners such as Integra Global Solutions smoothes such a transition and makes it more manageable.

Preparation now, along with choosing the right software and advice from experts, will be the means for your business to not only meet these new regulations but thrive in this new digital tax era.