Checklists

MTD ITSA – Practice Checklist

Support your clients with a clear, practice-level checklist that keeps your entire team aligned with the latest MTD ITSA requirements and submission processes.
Preview Checklist

MTD ITSA — Practice Checklist

1. Internal Setup and Strategy

☐Review HMRC’s MTD for Income Tax guidance. ☐Create an MTD strategy plan (e.g., target dates for client migrations, pricing, service levels). ☐Train your entire team on:
    • What MTD for Income Tax means.
    • Who is affected.
    • How quarterly updates and digital record-keeping work.
☐Nominate an MTD Champion internally (person/team leading the transition).

2. Agent Services Account (ASA) Setup

☐Create an Agent Services Account (ASA) if you do not already have one. ☐Maintain separate ASA login credentials distinct from your old HMRC agent account. ☐Link existing client authorisations (Self-Assessment) to ASA where required.

3. Software and Digital Tools Readiness

☐Select MTD ITSA-compatible software for practice use (single or multiple vendors). ☐Ensure software can:
    • Connect with HMRC MTD APIs.
    • Handle quarterly updates, final submissions, and multiple income sources.
☐Train staff on new software or bridging tools. ☐Arrange bridging software if you or clients use spreadsheets.

4. Client Analysis and Segmentation

☐Review your client base and segment them:
    • Self-employment only clients.
    • Property rental clients.
    • Mixed income (self-employment + property).
☐Identify:
    • Clients with qualifying income over £50,000 (mandatory from 2026).
    • Clients with qualifying income over £30,000 (mandatory from 2027).
    • Clients below threshold (no immediate action, future planning).
☐Record key data for each client:
    • Income sources
    • Gross qualifying income
    • Digital record-keeping status
    • Accounting method (cash/traditional)
    • Current software (if any)

5. Client Communication Plan

☐Prepare standard MTD awareness communications (emails, letters, calls). ☐Create an MTD landing page on your website (optional but professional). ☐Schedule client webinars or briefings (optional but powerful). ☐Develop simple client explainer materials:
    • What MTD means.
    • Their new obligations.
    • How your practice will support them.
☐Offer clients voluntary sign-up (early adopters).

6. Service Packages and Pricing

☐Create MTD-specific service packages (Starter, Compliance, Full Support). ☐Define pricing for:
    • Initial MTD setup.
    • Quarterly updates.
    • Final tax return submissions.
    • Additional bookkeeping if needed.
☐Offer flexible payment plans (monthly/annual billing).

7. Client Onboarding Process for MTD

☐Standardise internal steps for onboarding clients:
    • Eligibility check.
    • Client permission obtained.
    • Client software setup and linking.
    • Digital record-keeping reviewed or set up.
☐Confirm clients’ accounting period (standard or 1 April–31 March). ☐Record client authorisations digitally through ASA.

8. Quarterly and Year-End Workflow Setup

☐Define internal quarterly deadlines for receiving client data. ☐Assign quarterly filing responsibilities across your team. ☐Build standard quarterly review checklists:
    • Ensure all income and expenses are captured.
    • Correct any digital record errors before submission.
☐Prepare year-end workflows for:
    • Making final adjustments.
    • Completing final MTD tax return.
    • Claiming allowances and reliefs.

9. Compliance and Risk Management

☐Keep records to show MTD compliance for each client (audit trail). ☐Monitor deadlines strictly to avoid client penalties. ☐Develop internal controls to catch common risks:
    • Missing quarterly updates.
    • Non-digital records.
    • Incorrect categorisation of expenses.
☐Prepare to apply for client exemptions where necessary (e.g., digital exclusion).

10. Continuous Improvement and Monitoring

☐Review HMRC MTD updates regularly. ☐Update internal templates, engagement letters, and procedures as needed. ☐Gather feedback from team and clients on MTD processes. ☐Continuously refine pricing, communications, and workflows based on real-world experience.

📌 Summary: Internal Practice MTD Essentials

Area Must Have Before 2026
ASA account
Compatible software
Client segmentation list
Standard onboarding process
Quarterly filing process
Client pricing structure
Client communication templates
Team training
Compliance monitoring

Final Tip

✅ Treat MTD ITSA like launching a new service line inside your firm. ✅ Those practices who systemise early (software, pricing, client process) will dominate the market when compulsory deadlines hit.

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What is an MTD ITSA practice checklist for accountants?

It’s a structured checklist designed to help accounting practices manage MTD ITSA compliance across all clients, ensuring consistent processes and submissions.

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