Steven Worrall C.FICB, ICB Vice President calls for more bookkeepers to join the HMRC MTD Income Tax Pilot.
The story so far
As many of you are aware, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax and Self-Assessment (MTD for ITSA) is now into the final stages of implementation. Despite concerns yet another delay, or pushback due to the election, the project is now so far down the road, it will happen. Implementation is still set for 6 April 2026.
Over the last nine months, ICB has been invited to participate in several developmental consultations, workshops and co-creation groups along with various other bookkeeping, accountancy, taxation groups, software developers and market advisors and consultants. These have proved interesting for the development and creation of the systems and identifying potential problems, pitfalls and obstacles. We’re proud that ICB and its members have played a significant part in voicing opinions on software and its continued implementation. Multiple agents, aggregation of the quarters and essential record keeping have all been areas in which the ICB has had significant impact during this period.
HMRC – and specifically the MTD for ITSA development arm – are keen to continue to work with ICB. Basically “we have their ear”.
As implementation is now fewer than two years away, HMRC is keen to involve as many relevant parties as possible in both the private and public beta testing stage. As more and more software developers are gearing up and adapting their products, there will be more an more opportunities to involve the ICB in this testing period.
How you can get involved
I am coordinating a working group of ICB members in practice liaise with HMRC through seminars, webinars and even in person discussion groups. It will be beneficial for both the participant and HMRC, as we work together to iron out potential issues with the implementation of the scheme. HMRC are keen test as many diverse clients as possible.
I am looking for approximately 25/30 volunteers who would be willing to take part, offer their opinions and provide feedback, so that we can assist HMRC through the testing period.
The criteria
In order to take part, members must:
- Have a valid practice licence.
- Prepare and submit Self Assessment Tax Returns for sole traders and / or landlords (rental income) online using third party software.
- Have an Agent Services Account (ASA), with HMRC.
If any member is interested in taking part and joining the group, then please check that you meet the criteria and complete this form.
I look forward to hearing from as many of as possible.
Steven Worrall C.FICB
Vice President
