10 min read
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is no longer something to think about “later.” For many sole traders and landlords across the UK, the changes are already here, and more businesses will be brought into the system over the next few years. From April 2026, sole traders and landlords earning over £50,000 must keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC using compatible software.
For many people, that sounds stressful.
We speak to business owners and landlords every week who are worried about:
- keeping up with quarterly reporting
- losing receipts
- managing spreadsheets
- understanding tax figures
- choosing the right software
- making mistakes with HMRC
The good news is that Making Tax Digital does not need to become another burden on your business.
At Golding, we recommend Dext Solo because it gives sole traders and landlords who are not registered for VAT, a much simpler way to stay organised, compliant, and in control of their records without needing complicated accounting systems.
Why we recommend Dext Solo instead of larger accounting software
Many accounting platforms are built for bigger businesses with employees, stock systems, VAT requirements, and complex reporting.
But most sole traders and landlords do not need all of that.
They simply need:
- an easy way to record income and expenses
- a simple method for storing receipts
- software that works with MTD
- support from accountants who understand the rules
- a clear view of their tax position
That is exactly where Dext Solo works well.
Dext Solo was specifically designed for sole traders and landlords who are not VAT registered and are preparing for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
Instead of overwhelming users with features they may never use, it focuses on keeping records simple and accurate.
At Golding Accountancy, we have found that many clients prefer Dext Solo because it feels less intimidating than traditional bookkeeping software.
Simple enough for non-accountants
One of the biggest reasons people avoid bookkeeping is because they think accounting software is too technical.
Dext Solo removes much of that complexity.
You can:
- snap receipts using your phone
- upload invoices quickly
- connect bank transactions
- organise expenses digitally
- send records directly to your accountant
This means fewer paper receipts, fewer spreadsheets, and far less time spent chasing documents at the end of the tax year.
Dext Solo also automates much of the data capture and categorisation process, helping reduce manual entry and errors.
For busy sole traders and landlords, that makes a huge difference.
Built specifically for MTD for Income Tax
A lot of software providers have added MTD features onto existing systems.
Dext Solo was built with MTD for Income Tax in mind from the beginning.
That matters because the rules around MTD are very different from traditional Self Assessment.
Under MTD, businesses need digital records and quarterly submissions instead of simply filing one tax return each year.
Dext Solo allows accountants and clients to:
- maintain digital records
- organise income sources
- manage property income
- prepare quarterly updates
- submit information to HMRC
all within one streamlined system.
For landlords with multiple properties or sole traders with mixed income streams, this can save a significant amount of time.
Better than relying on spreadsheets
Many sole traders still rely on spreadsheets or paper records.
The problem is that spreadsheets often create:
- missing information
- duplicated expenses
- incorrect figures
- lost receipts
- confusion at tax time
As MTD reporting becomes mandatory, relying on manual systems becomes riskier.
Research shows many sole traders are still unprepared for MTD because they believe it will be too time-consuming or complicated.
This is exactly why we encourage clients to move on to Dext Solo early.
The sooner your records become digital and organised, the easier quarterly reporting becomes.
We help you set everything up properly
Software alone is not enough.
A lot of people sign up for bookkeeping platforms and then struggle to use them correctly.
We explain how we help clients use Dext effectively as part of their accounting process.
We do not simply tell clients to “figure it out themselves.”
We help with:
- Dext Solo setup
- onboarding
- connecting accounts
- organising categories
- reviewing transactions
- MTD compliance support
- quarterly reporting
- ongoing advice
That support is important because every sole trader and landlord works differently.
Some clients want to stay fully involved with their bookkeeping. Others prefer us to manage most of the process for them.
We adapt the support around what works best for you.
Real-time visibility instead of year-end surprises
One major advantage of using Dext Solo with Golding Accountancy is that your records stay updated throughout the year.
That means:
- fewer surprises at tax time
- better visibility over profits
- clearer expense tracking
- easier budgeting
- improved cash flow awareness
Instead of waiting until January to discover a large tax bill, you get a better understanding of your financial position throughout the year.
For landlords, especially, this can help when managing:
- maintenance costs
- mortgage interest
- property expenses
- rental income records
For sole traders, it becomes much easier to understand how the business is performing.
A good fit for clients who do not want “heavy” accounting systems
We often speak to clients who tried larger accounting software and stopped using it because it felt too complicated, and they were paying for functionality they were never going to use.
Dext Solo is different.
It is designed for people who want:
- simplicity
- speed
- compliance
- less admin
without needing advanced accounting knowledge.
That makes it particularly suitable for:
- freelancers
- consultants
- tradespeople
- self-employed professionals
- buy-to-let landlords
- side-income businesses
If you are not VAT registered and do not need a full finance system, Dext Solo is often a far better fit than more complex platforms.
Thinking about MTD? Now is the right time to prepare
The earlier you prepare for Making Tax Digital, the smoother the transition will be.
Waiting until deadlines arrive often creates unnecessary pressure and rushed decisions.
With Dext Solo and the support of Golding Accountancy, you can move to digital record keeping gradually and confidently.
If you are a sole trader or landlord looking for a simpler way to manage your records and stay compliant with HMRC, contact us now; our team is here to help.
Anthony Burrell is the Tax Director at Golding Accountancy, specialising in personal tax, compliance, and tax planning. He works closely with business owners and landlords, helping them navigate complex tax rules and ensure they pay the right amount of tax. Anthony is particularly experienced in advising property investors. Outside the office, he is a dedicated West Ham supporter and has been a Season Ticket holder for over 40 years. Anthony often recommends Dext to clients for simplifying bookkeeping and financial processes.
