By Jason Raynes
The first MTD quarterly filing deadline is fast approaching. If you're preparing to submit your first updates, the good news is that the filing process itself may be simpler than you think.
By now, most accountants will be familiar with the rules, deadlines and client obligations. The challenge now is practical: getting quarterly updates prepared, checked and submitted efficiently.
If you're using TaxCalc, the process is designed to work with the figures you've already prepared, rather than forcing you into a completely new workflow. Here's what that looks like in practice.
1. Make sure the client is ready
Before filing anything, check that:
- The client is signed up for MTD
- You're authorised to act through your Agent Services Account
- Every relevant business has been added to the client's TaxCalc record
That could include self-employment, UK property or foreign property income. If a client has multiple businesses, each one should be added separately.
2. Link businesses to HMRC
Once you've opened MTD Quarterly Filer, you'll be prompted to link each business to HMRC.
This isn't just a filing requirement. It's what gives you visibility throughout the year. Once connected, TaxCalc can retrieve obligation information directly from HMRC, showing you:
- Which quarterly updates are due
- Which have already been submitted
- Upcoming deadlines
- Any outstanding obligations
For firms juggling dozens or hundreds of clients, that visibility can be just as valuable as the submission process itself. It's also particularly useful when taking on a client mid-year, as you can quickly see what's already been filed and what's still outstanding.
3. Check what needs filing
Before creating an update, visit the Quarterly Statuses screen.
This gives you a clear overview of open obligations, completed submissions, due dates and anything overdue for each connected business. Because the information is pulled directly from HMRC, you can quickly confirm exactly what needs attention before you start preparing figures.
Want to learn more about TaxCalc MTD Quarterly Filer?
4. Confirm the quarterly basis
Each business will need to be set to either:
- Standard basis
- Calendar basis
This doesn't change the filing process or how figures are imported. It simply tells HMRC which reporting periods you're using. Most firms will already have made that decision, but it's worth checking before filing the first update. Ensure you check this choice early, as HMRC won't allow you to change it after the first update.
5. Import the figures
This is where many accountants will find the process refreshingly familiar.
TaxCalc uses a spreadsheet import approach, allowing you to upload figures you've already prepared. You can use the TaxCalc template or adapt it to suit your own processes.
For firms that already work extensively in Excel, that means there's no need to overhaul existing workflows simply because quarterly reporting has arrived. The software acts as a bridge between the figures you've prepared and the information HMRC needs.
6. Create the quarterly update
Once the figures are ready:
- Open Data Submissions
- Select Create New Update
- Choose whether the submission will be detailed or summarised
- Upload your spreadsheet
If turnover is expected to exceed £90,000, you'll need to use the detailed format. Below that threshold, either option can be used.
7. Review and submit
After importing the spreadsheet, TaxCalc displays the figures from your spreadsheet so you can drag and drop the HMRC boxes to the relevant cells. You'll also be able to adjust for any disallowable amounts.
Once you're happy with the data, submit the update to HMRC.
That's the filing process complete.
Want to learn more about TaxCalc MTD Quarterly Filer?
Book a demo to see it in action, or get a quote.
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