MTD Quarterly Filing Service – Submit Your Digital Tax Updates On Time
Quarterly Reporting Is the New Reality Under Making Tax Digital
One of the biggest operational changes introduced by Making Tax Digital is the move away from annual reporting toward quarterly submissions.
For many businesses and individuals, this is the most noticeable shift.
Instead of filing once per year, you’re now required to report income and tax data multiple times throughout the year.
This applies to both:
- VAT-registered businesses
• Self-employed individuals
• Landlords within MTD ITSA
If you’ve been searching:
- Quarterly tax updates UK
• Submit MTD quarterly return
• MTD filing service
You’re likely trying to understand what needs to be filed, when it’s due, and how to manage the workload.
This is exactly where our quarterly filing support comes in.
What MTD Quarterly Filings Actually Include
Quarterly submissions vary slightly depending on whether they relate to VAT or Income Tax — but both follow structured digital reporting cycles.
For VAT, quarterly filings include full VAT return submissions based on recorded sales and purchases.
For Income Tax (ITSA), quarterly filings include summary updates of income and expenses.
Each submission provides HMRC with ongoing visibility into financial activity — rather than waiting until year end.
Who Needs Quarterly MTD Filings
Quarterly reporting applies to different groups under the MTD framework.
This includes:
- VAT-registered businesses
• Sole traders above income thresholds
• Landlords with qualifying rental income
• Partnerships (in future MTD phases)
Each group has specific reporting requirements, but all must submit digitally via HMRC-compatible software.
VAT Quarterly Returns Under MTD
VAT-registered businesses typically file returns every three months.
Under MTD, these returns must be submitted digitally through compliant software.
VAT quarterly submissions include:
- Total sales income
• Output VAT charged
• Purchases and expenses
• Input VAT reclaimed
• VAT adjustments
These figures are generated directly from digital bookkeeping records.
Income Tax Quarterly Updates (ITSA)
For self-employed individuals and landlords, quarterly submissions function differently from VAT returns.
They don’t finalise tax liability — but they provide HMRC with ongoing earnings visibility.
Quarterly updates include:
- Income received
• Expenses incurred
• Estimated profit
These updates build toward the End Of Period Statement and Final Declaration at year end.
Why Quarterly Reporting Exists
The shift toward quarterly reporting is part of HMRC’s wider digital tax strategy.
The goals include:
- Reducing reporting errors
• Improving tax accuracy
• Providing real-time income visibility
• Helping taxpayers forecast liabilities
While the system requires adjustment, many businesses benefit from more consistent financial tracking.
Deadlines — Staying Ahead of Submission Dates
Quarterly filings operate on strict deadlines.
Missing submission dates may result in:
- Penalty points
• Financial fines
• Compliance monitoring
Deadlines vary depending on:
- VAT quarters
• Income reporting periods
• Accounting year structures
Tracking multiple reporting dates can quickly become complex without structured oversight.
The Administrative Burden of Quarterly Filings
For businesses used to annual reporting, quarterly submissions can feel like a significant increase in workload.
Each quarter requires:
- Bookkeeping updates
• Expense categorisation
• VAT reviews
• Income summaries
• Submission preparation
Without ongoing bookkeeping discipline, preparing quarterly filings becomes stressful near deadlines.
Benefits of Outsourcing Quarterly MTD Filings
Many businesses choose to outsource quarterly reporting to ensure submissions are accurate and on time.
Outsourcing provides:
- Professional submission preparation
• Deadline monitoring
• VAT and income accuracy checks
• Compliance assurance
It also frees up internal time — allowing business owners to focus on operations rather than reporting admin.
Real-Time Tax Visibility
One unexpected advantage of quarterly filings is financial visibility.
Because income and VAT positions are reviewed regularly, businesses gain:
- Clear tax liability forecasts
• Cash flow insights
• Profit tracking clarity
Quarterly reporting becomes a financial planning tool — not just a compliance task.
The Quarterly Filing Process — How Submissions Are Prepared
Submitting quarterly updates under Making Tax Digital isn’t just about pressing “file.”
Each submission must be prepared using structured financial data pulled directly from compliant digital records.
The process begins with reviewing bookkeeping data for the relevant reporting period.
This includes verifying that all income, expenses, and VAT transactions have been recorded correctly.
Once records are reviewed, financial summaries are generated through MTD-compatible software.
For VAT, this produces a full VAT return calculation.
For Income Tax, it generates quarterly income summaries.
Submissions are then prepared digitally and reviewed before filing.
Step-by-Step Quarterly Filing Workflow
A structured workflow ensures submissions are accurate and on time.
Our quarterly filing process typically includes:
- Reviewing recorded income transactions
• Checking expense categorisation
• Reconciling bank transactions
• Validating VAT coding
• Reviewing profit estimates
• Generating submission reports
• Preparing digital filings
• Submitting directly to HMRC
This process ensures filings reflect accurate financial activity — not estimates or incomplete records.
Penalties for Missing Quarterly Filings
Failing to submit quarterly updates on time can result in penalties under MTD compliance rules.
Potential consequences include:
- Late submission penalty points
• Financial fines once thresholds are reached
• Interest on unpaid tax liabilities
• Compliance monitoring
• Increased audit exposure
Because submissions are digital, missed deadlines are identified automatically by HMRC systems.
Ongoing filing support helps businesses avoid these risks entirely.
Correcting Errors in Quarterly Returns
If errors are identified after submission, corrections must be handled properly.
This may involve:
- Adjustments in future filings
• Amendments to VAT returns
• Reconciliation corrections
• Income restatements
Professional oversight ensures corrections are made in line with HMRC reporting rules.
How We Help With Quarterly MTD Filings
Our MTD filing service is designed to remove administrative burden while ensuring full compliance.
We manage the entire submission cycle on your behalf.
Our support includes:
- Bookkeeping data reviews
• VAT calculation checks
• Income reporting summaries
• Quarterly submission preparation
• Digital filing to HMRC
• Payment guidance
• Deadline monitoring
Whether you require VAT filings, ITSA updates, or both — we structure reporting workflows around your obligations.
Integrated Bookkeeping & Filing Support
Many clients combine quarterly filings with outsourced bookkeeping to ensure data accuracy from the start.
This integrated approach includes:
- Transaction entry
• Expense tracking
• Bank reconciliations
• VAT coding
• Submission preparation
When bookkeeping and filings are managed together, reporting becomes more efficient and accurate.
Filing Visibility & Reporting Transparency
Even when outsourcing filings, clients maintain full visibility over submissions.
We provide:
- VAT liability summaries
• Quarterly profit updates
• Submission confirmations
• Compliance status reports
You remain informed without needing to manage the reporting process internally.
Frequently Asked Questions — MTD Quarterly Filings
Who must submit quarterly updates?
VAT-registered businesses and individuals within MTD ITSA thresholds.
Are VAT returns quarterly under MTD?
Yes — typically every three months.
Do income tax updates calculate final tax?
No — they provide income summaries only.
Can you submit filings on my behalf?
Yes — we provide fully managed filing services.
What happens if I miss a deadline?
Penalty points and fines may apply.
Do I need bookkeeping completed first?
Yes — filings rely on accurate financial records.
Can you manage bookkeeping as well?
Yes — integrated support is available.
Ready to Outsource Your Quarterly MTD Filings?
If quarterly reporting feels time-consuming or complex, outsourcing ensures submissions remain accurate and on schedule.
Audit Consulting Group will:
- Prepare your quarterly reports
• Review financial data
• Submit filings digitally
• Monitor deadlines
• Liaise with HMRC
You gain compliance confidence — without the administrative burden.
Speak with our team today and get your MTD quarterly filings fully managed.
