To be ready for Making Tax Digital (MTD), your practice needs four things in place: MTD-compatible software, reliable internet for more frequent submissions, properly configured digital links between systems, and dependable backups. MTD for Income Tax begins in April 2026 for clients earning over £50,000, with lower thresholds following, so getting the IT right now avoids a scramble later.
MTD moves affected clients to quarterly updates plus a final declaration, which is a big jump in volume and in how much you depend on your systems working at deadline time. Here’s what to check.
1. MTD-compatible software
Your clients’ records need to flow through software that works with HMRC’s MTD system, whether that’s QuickBooks, your CCH tools or compatible bridging software. Now is the time to confirm every affected client is on a supported product and to plan any moves before the rush.
2. Reliable internet for quarterly submissions
Quarterly updates mean your practice depends on a steady connection far more often. A resilient internet setup, ideally with a backup line that takes over automatically, keeps you submitting on time even if your main connection drops.
3. Digital links between systems
MTD requires data to move digitally between systems rather than being retyped. If you move figures between spreadsheets and software, those links need to be set up correctly so the chain from record to submission is unbroken and compliant.
4. Backups and security
More client data flowing through your systems means more to protect and more to lose if something fails. Encrypted, tested backups and strong security keep client data safe and keep you working through any problem.
A real example: systems built to scale
Handling more frequent submissions is far easier on systems designed to cope with growth. We were closely involved in developing the business systems that helped a client grow from 20 users to 100 over five years. The same approach, building IT that scales smoothly, is what makes a change like MTD manageable rather than stressful.
For most music and entertainment accountancy firms, this sits within fully managed IT at about £45 to £100 per user per month, billed per user, with secure remote access and the protection client data needs built in.
Why London music accountancy firms choose First Stop IT
First Stop IT has supported businesses since 2002, including London music and entertainment accountancy firms, and we know the software your practice runs every day: CCH, QuickBooks, payroll software (including QTAC), and document management with FYI and INVU. Our credentials include:
- Cyber Essentials Certified
- IASME Cyber Assurance (Gold)
- NCSC Assured Service Provider (Cyber Advisor for Cyber Essentials)
- Microsoft Partner
- Crown Commercial Service Supplier (G-Cloud)
- Quality Principles Certified
We look after more than 2,000 endpoints across 50 companies, we’ve been named a Top 50 UK MSP for three years running, and we support practices across Essex, Hertfordshire and London, including Harlow and Bishop’s Stortford.
Book a free IT and MTD readiness review
Want to be confident your practice is ready for MTD? Book a free IT and cyber security review with First Stop IT and we’ll check your software, connectivity and backups.