The Chancellor's Spring Statement has confirmed something that many in the industry expected: Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) is expanding—both in scope and in scale.

From April 2026, sole traders and landlords earning over £50,000 will be required to digitally record their income and submit quarterly updates to HMRC. A year later, this will include those earning £30,000+, and in 2028, the threshold will fall again—to just £20,000.

This might seem like another compliance shift. But for anyone working in, or thinking about entering, the bookkeeping profession, this change brings something else: opportunity.

Who Will Be Affected by MTD ITSA?

HMRC has confirmed the rollout will take place in three stages:

• From April 2026, if your gross income from self-employment or property is £50,000 or more, you must follow MTD rules.    
• From April 2027, the threshold drops to £30,000.
• A new announcement confirms that from April 2028, anyone earning £20,000+ in gross trading or property income will also need to comply.

This means the number of individuals legally required to keep digital records and use MTD-compatible software will rise dramatically:

• Around 780,000 affected by April 2026    
• Close to 970,000 by April 2027    
• Up to two million by April 2028

That’s two million people who will need to keep proper records, use compatible software, and submit multiple reports a year.

And for many, this will be unfamiliar territory.

If you're considering retraining, or you already have some experience, our home-study bookkeeping courses are the perfect way to get prepared.

What MTD Means for Bookkeepers

This isn’t just a policy shift. It’s a complete change in how small businesses and landlords manage their finances. For many, this will mean hiring someone with the right skills to keep their records in order, manage their submissions, and make sure everything lines up with HMRC’s expectations.

Bookkeepers who understand MTD will be in high demand—not just for year-end returns, but for ongoing support throughout the year.

Each individual affected will need to:

• Keep digital records using MTD-compatible software    
• Submit quarterly reports    
• File a final declaration that includes all income (including PAYE and dividends)

 For self-employed clients and landlords juggling multiple incomes sources, this is a big ask. Which is why they'll increasingly look to trained, certified bookkeepers to manage it for them. 

Our ICB Bookkeeping Courses are specifically designed to prepare you for this kind of work—including software, tax knowledge, and the compliance skills that MTD will demand.

A Growing Career Path with Flexibility

This change isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about looking ahead. With millions more people needing help with digital bookkeeping, it’s a fantastic time to start a new career or refresh your current skills.

Whether you’re returning to work, planning a career change, or want to offer more to your existing clients, the demand for qualified bookkeepers is only going to grow.

Many Ideal Schools students choose bookkeeping for its flexibility—you can work from home, fit your hours around family life, and even build your own client base. And with changes like MTD increasing the need for support, there’s never been a better time to get started.

Want to see where a bookkeeping qualification can take you? Learn more about ICB Bookkeeping Courses and Packages and how it could fit into your future.

What You Can Do Now

You don’t need to wait until 2026 to act. In fact, those who start training now will be ready before the demand peaks. Here’s how to get ahead:

• Choose a qualification pathway that covers MTD-compatible software like Sage, or Xero  
• Understand the reporting requirements, so you can support clients with quarterly submissions    
• Join a recognised body like ICB—not just for credibility, but to stay up to date with changes and CPD opportunities

Our CPD & Software Training Courses can help you stay current while building confidence with digital tools. As more self-employed individuals and landlords look for support, bookkeepers who have the right qualifications—and understand the practical realities of MTD—will be at the front of the queue.

Ready to retrain or upskill? Browse our full course range at Ideal Schools and take the first step towards a future-ready career.