With the news that MTD for ITSA has been delayed until 2026 and the eligibility criteria have been changed, you might be considering winding down your MTD ITSA communications for the time being. However, the more proactive accountancy firms are already taking a stance of ramping up their communications.
Build on the MTD momentum
When I’ve talked to some of my accountancy clients about this, they are adamant they need to keep the pressure on. Their reason is that they have already invested time and effort into informing their clients about the forthcoming changes. Some have already moved their clients onto MTD compatible reporting systems, be that accounting software or spreadsheets that will link with bridging software.
The aim now is to keep that momentum going and to help more clients transition to digital record-keeping software.
The new message
Up until HMRC’s MTD for ITSA announcement in December 2022, the focus had been on making people aware of the new income tax system which was coming into force in April 2024. The message was about how to comply and that taxpayers should start the transition sooner rather than later.
However, with the news that it has been pushed back to April 2026 (for those earning more than £50,000 a year), the message needs to change. Over the coming months, your communications need to focus on the benefits of moving to a digital record-keeping system and how this will:
- enable them to better manage their cashflow;
- improve their understanding of how well their business is performing throughout the year and not just after the year-end;
- help them to make better-informed decisions more quickly;
- give an indication as to their likely tax bill as the year goes on, so they can set money aside for this; and
- get them used to digitally recording their income and expenditure so the transition to MTD for ITSA filing will be hassle-free for them (and you!).
Keep the MTD for ITSA communications flowing
Now is not the time to stop your MTD for ITSA communications. Instead, you need to keep your clients and potential clients informed of the changes and how and when they will affect them. Use the following marketing channels to demonstrate your knowledge of the changes and why self-employed people and landlords need to start moving to digital record-keeping:
- Website
- Social media channels
- Emails
- Newsletters
- Adverts
- Newspapers/magazine/trade press editorial
- Leaflets
- And so on
Need a hand?
If you’re not sure what to write, where to write, or when to write it, I’m here to help. Simply Get in Touch by phone, email, or enquiry form and we can have a chat and come up with a cunning MTD for ITSA cunning communication plan.
