How accountants can turn MTD for Income Tax into an opportunity

• Automate your reminders.
• Optimise your clients’ processes.
• Build relationships.
• Unlock new revenue streams for your practice.

Sentiment is mixed, and it’s no surprise accountants are wary of the upcoming change, after multiple delays from HMRC and some confusion around the topic.

With the April 2026 MTD for Income Tax deadline getting closer and closer, many accountants will be shaking their heads in dismay at the thought of all the preparation and change involved in getting MTD compliant.  

However, it doesn’t need to be as complicated as you think, and with the right preparation put in ahead of the deadline, you’ll stand in good stead to set your practice up for growth and success. MTD doesn’t need to be a pain, instead, it can be an opportunity to build trust with your clients and implement new—and easier—processes.  

These are our suggestions for turning MTD into an opportunity for business growth, instead of letting it become a headache.

4 ways you can turn MTD for Income Tax into an opportunity—an accountant’s guide

Automate your reminders

You’ll know that one of the most annoying things about busy season is chasing your clients for the information you need to file their tax returns. And with quarterly updates meaning the need for this data will come around four times a year, getting the process smoothed out has never been so important.  

This is a great opportunity to use a trusted MTD compliant software provider to send out automated reminders to your clients for when you’re missing information.

While some accountants are considering submitting rough estimates for the quarterly returns, and waiting for the end of year declaration for the finalised figures—this will be considered compliant—you make your life easier if you’re automatically getting the right data each quarter.

Particularly if they’re inputting this data on a digital system and all your bookkeeping is done digitally. With automated reminders, the process flows easily, making this an opportunity for accurate record keeping throughout the year—no more chasing clients for their info at the end of the year.

Optimise your clients’ processes

By helping your clients transition to digital systems, you can ensure that their tax records are accurate, compliant, and accessible at all times. Digital bookkeeping allows for better organisation and reduces the chances of errors that can arise from manual processes.

MTD is the perfect opportunity to introduce clients to more efficient, automated solutions that will not only make MTD compliance easier but will also streamline their entire bookkeeping process.

For those clients who still bring in a bag of receipts, MTD is a prime chance to show them the advantages of digital record-keeping. Moving away from paper receipts to cloud-based accounting software will simplify their process and keep them organised. Clients may initially be unsure about change, but with your support, you can guide them through the transition and help them see the long-term benefit for themselves, which in turn will benefit you.

Use MTD as an opportunity to build relationships

MTD is not just about compliance; it's an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with clients by offering valuable services beyond tax preparation.  

One way to do this is through regular, proactive communication, such as providing quarterly updates on their financial health. These updates can cover key insights, potential tax-saving strategies, and any adjustments that may need to be made to ensure continued compliance with MTD requirements.

By offering quarterly check-ins, you're not only keeping your clients informed but also positioning yourself as a trusted advisor who genuinely cares about their financial success.

Digital recording and analytical tools can play a big role here, allowing you to access real-time data and make the process of checking in with clients much smoother and more efficient. This is a great opportunity to discuss their financial goals and help them stay on top of any changes that might affect their business.  

By offering this proactive service, you can strengthen your relationships with clients and turn MTD into an opportunity to provide even more value.

Unlock new revenue streams for your practice
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MTD also offers opportunities to diversify your revenue streams as a service provider. As businesses shift toward digital accounting systems, there’s an increasing demand for ongoing support and advisory services.

This could mean offering subscription-based services for real-time bookkeeping, monthly financial reviews, or even providing training on how to use new software.  

With MTD's regular reporting requirements, and final declaration replacing Self Assessment, clients will likely need guidance to navigate filings and ensure compliance. By becoming a go-to resource for these services, you can generate a more consistent income stream while deepening your client relationships.  

Plus, as clients move to digital systems, you could upsell other services such as business planning or financial forecasting, ultimately helping clients maximise the full potential of their digital transformation.

Ready to make the most of MTD and prepare for the change? Get your copy of our MTD for Income Tax checklist.