MTD for VAT
Since April 2022, every VAT-registered business — whatever its turnover — has had to keep VAT records digitally and file VAT returns through MTD-compatible software. For most glaziers that means accounting software such as Xero, fed by the invoices and bills the business raises.
MTD for Income Tax: sole traders and landlords
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies to sole traders and landlords according to their qualifying income — self-employment plus property income, before expenses:
| Qualifying income | MTD for Income Tax from |
|---|---|
| Over £50,000 | 6 April 2026 (based on the 2024–25 tax return) |
| Over £30,000 | 6 April 2027 |
| Over £20,000 | 6 April 2028 |
If you are in, you keep digital records and send HMRC quarterly updates through compatible software, then finalise the year. Limited companies are not in MTD for Income Tax. Check your own position with HMRC's eligibility checker or your accountant.
Where job software fits
The figures HMRC sees start life on your jobs: deposit invoices, final invoices, card payments, supplier bills for glass. The less re-typing between your job system and your accounts, the fewer errors at quarter end. The usual setup is a job system that raises the paperwork, connected to accounting software that holds the books and files with HMRC. Xero says it is recognised by HMRC for both MTD for VAT and MTD for Income Tax — HMRC now lists compatible software through its online finder.
Where Coglass fits
Coglass is not MTD filing software. It raises the paperwork and sends it to Xero, which files with HMRC:
- Deposit, proforma and final invoices from the job, with payments recorded against them and overdue invoices flagged.
- Xero. Invoices, payments and supplier bills push to your Xero organisation, coded to the accounts and tax rates you choose from your own Xero settings — your returns are then done in Xero.
- Customers pay by card from the invoice link when you connect your own Stripe account, and the payment is recorded on the invoice.
- VAT invoices with your VAT number, with UK VAT at 20%.
Want to see it on your own jobs? Book a demo or see pricing in GBP.
Sources
- GOV.UK — Making Tax Digital for VAT
- GOV.UK — Check if you're eligible for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
- GOV.UK — Find software for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
- Xero — Making Tax Digital
This page explains the rules in general terms. Standards and tax rules change, and how they apply depends on the job — check the source, your building control body or your accountant before relying on it.