MTD for Income Tax: Software Set-up & Training

We choose and set up MTD-compatible software, connect your bank feeds, sign you up with HMRC and show you how to keep digital records.

Get ready for Making Tax Digital with the right software

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax requires digital records and compatible software. Choosing a package, connecting your bank accounts and getting set up with HMRC can feel like a lot to take on.

We help you choose software that suits the way you work, set it up properly and show you how to use it, so you can keep your records with confidence.

What getting set up involves

Getting ready for MTD for Income Tax usually involves:

  • Choosing software that is compatible with HMRC’s MTD service
  • Setting up categories for your income and expenses
  • Connecting bank feeds and importing existing records
  • Signing up for MTD for Income Tax with HMRC
  • Learning a simple routine for keeping records up to date

We will tailor the set-up to your income sources and how you prefer to work.

Who it's for

This service is for people preparing for MTD for Income Tax, including:

  • Sole traders and the self-employed
  • Landlords with one or more properties
  • People moving from paper records or spreadsheets
  • Anyone who wants to keep their own records with our support

What you get

We get you set up and confident, including:

  • A software recommendation that suits your needs
  • Software set-up, including categories and settings
  • Bank feed connections
  • Sign-up with HMRC for MTD for Income Tax
  • One-to-one online training on keeping digital records
  • Follow-up support for your first quarterly update

How our set-up and training works

  • Review your records
    We review your income sources and current records.
  • Choose your software
    We recommend software and agree the set-up with you.
  • Set up and connect
    We set up the software, connect bank feeds and import records.
  • HMRC sign-up and training
    We sign you up with HMRC and train you online on the routine.
  • First quarter support
    We support you through your first quarterly update.

What we need from you

  • Your UTR and Government Gateway details, or authority for us to act as your agent
  • Your existing records, such as spreadsheets or a previous software file
  • Details of the bank accounts you use for your business or property income
  • An hour or two for your online training session

Timescales and key dates

  • Allow time to sign up before your first quarter starts. If MTD applies to you from 6 April 2027, aim to be set up in early 2027
  • We agree a timetable for set-up and training with you once we know your records and software

How it works

Your first conversation is a Discovery & Scoping Call. Its purpose is to understand your situation and agree where IB&Co can help. From there, the process follows five clear steps.

01

Discovery

We start by understanding your circumstances and objectives.

02

Scope

We identify the areas requiring further consideration.

03

Review

Where appropriate, we undertake a detailed advisory review.

04

Recommendations

We provide professional guidance based on the agreed scope of work.

05

Ongoing Support

Where required, we provide ongoing planning and advisory support.

Meet your adviser

Ishmael Bangura, Managing Partner

Ishmael Bangura FFA, a qualified accountant, tax adviser, business adviser and entrepreneur with 15 years’ experience across corporate finance and practice. Having built several businesses and exited one himself, he brings hands-on experience of start-ups, entrepreneurship and business processes to every client. He and his team have helped more than 950 clients. IB&Co Accountants is regulated by the IFA and IPA.

Other Making Tax Digital and tax return services

Once you are set up, we can also send your updates for you. Explore related services below.

MTD for Income Tax: Quarterly Updates

For sole traders and landlords within Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. We keep your digital records in order and send your quarterly updates and final declaration to HMRC on time.

Making Tax Digital

For sole traders, landlords and VAT-registered businesses unsure what Making Tax Digital means for them. We explain the rules, check when they apply to you and suggest the right level of support.

Self Assessments & Tax Returns

For landlords and property owners who need to report rental income to HMRC. We prepare and file your Self Assessment return, claim the expenses you are entitled to and keep you ahead of the deadline.

Self Assessment

For contractors, freelancers and the self-employed. We prepare and file your Self Assessment return, deal with HMRC on your behalf and tell you what to pay and when, so there are no surprises.

Bookkeeping for Property Owners

For landlords with one property or a growing portfolio. We record rental income and costs property by property, so you can see how each one is doing and your tax return rests on accurate figures.

Bookkeeping Services

For new businesses that want their records right from the start. We keep your books simple and accurate, so you always know where you stand and your first accounts are straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

We usually work with QuickBooks and Xero. Ishmael is a QuickBooks and Xero ProAdvisor. We can also help with other HMRC-recognised MTD software if you already use it or it suits you better.

Yes. Many clients keep their own records and send updates themselves, with us on hand for questions and the year end.

Yes. We can import records from spreadsheets or other software where the data allows.

Yes, we can handle the sign-up for you as your agent, or guide you through it.

It depends on how many income sources you have and the state of your records. We give you a timetable after your call, before any work starts.

Software subscriptions are paid to the software provider and are separate from our fees. We explain the likely cost of each option before you choose.

Training is online, by video call, at a time that suits you. We share your screen so you can practise on your own records.

Fees are agreed in advance, after your Discovery & Scoping Call, based on the scope of work. You will receive a written proposal before any work starts.

Request a callback

Prefer us to call you? Leave your details, the service you are interested in and a convenient time, and a member of the IB&Co team will call you back to talk through your circumstances.

    Get set up for Making Tax Digital

    Book a Discovery & Scoping Call to talk through your records and software, or ask for a quote and we will come back to you with a proposal.

    Checked on 30 October 2026.

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