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As the 31st of January tax return deadline rapidly approaches, this will be the final submission before major changes to the self-assessment process are introduced. 

From April 2026, as part of the government’s plans to modernise the tax system, self-employed business owners with a qualifying income over £50,000 will no longer submit a single annual tax return, and will instead be required to submit quarterly updates.

**Rob Rees, Divisional Director at Markel Direct**, our insurance partners and the specialist insurer of freelancers and small businesses, breaks down what HMRC’s Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment is, gives guidance on who will be impacted by the switch and how to best prepare.

## What is the proposed change?
HMRC’s Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD for ITSA) will transform how self-employed individuals and landlords report their income. Instead of one yearly submission with a deadline of January 31st, those earning over the qualifying threshold will be required to send quarterly digital updates throughout the year, which is then followed by a final end-of-year declaration. 

By addressing the most common avoidable mistakes, such as missing deadlines or failure to declare all income, MTD for ITSA aims to improve accuracy. The changes could ensure the correct amount of tax is paid and reduce the tax gap, which is thought be around 18.5%, or £5billion for self-assessment businesses. 

## Who Will Be Affected by the April 2026 Changes?

The first phase of Making Tax Digital applies to:

* Freelancers and sole traders earning over £50,000 
* Landlords with property income above £50,000

The threshold will be based on the income reported in the 2024/25 tax return, with the government projecting around [780,000](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/extension-of-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax-self-assessment-to-sole-traders-and-landlords/making-tax-digital-for-income-tax-self-assessment-for-sole-traders-and-landlords#:~:text=ITSA%20to%20partnerships.-,Policy%20objective,better%20tailor%20services%20to%20customers) people will fall into this category. Those earning between £30,000 and £50,000 will follow from April 2027, based on the income reported in the 2025/26 tax return, whilst those earning under £30,000 are still under review and have the option to sign up voluntarily.

## How to Prepare for the Switch to Digital

Tax returns can be daunting for any business, especially for sole traders who manage their tax affairs without an accountant. To help you stay ahead of the game, here are four key takeaways to consider ahead of the transition, to ensure a seamless shift.

1. Adopt HMRC-compatible software early: From April 2026, all quarterly submissions will need to be made using HMRC-approved accounting software by sole traders, freelancers and landlords who exceed the qualifying threshold. Spreadsheets and manual uploads will no longer be acceptable.

    Implementing accounting software before it becomes compulsory will ensure those impacted by the changes can familiarise themselves with the system early on. By removing the need for manual entry, the changes could reduce the potential for errors, closing the tax gap between what tax should be paid and what people actually pay.

2.	Get into the habit of tracking expenses monthly: Instead of storing receipts and invoices for submission at the end of the tax year, get into the habit of recording business transactions monthly. 

    This creates an accurate and up-to-date digital ledger, which will make quarterly reporting a smoother process once MTD begins.

3.	Seek professional accounting support: An accountant will be able to provide guidance on whether a self-employed person is meeting the new MTD reporting standards. Engaging one early on, before the system changes, gives time to address gaps in current record keeping and/or software setup.

4.	Set reminders for quarterly submission dates: From April 2026, sole traders and landlords earning over the £50k qualifying threshold will no longer have just one tax deadline to consider, but instead five. To allow adequate preparation time, individuals should set reminders to avoid any potential late penalties.

You can find more information about Making Tax Digital for Income Tax [here](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/making-tax-digital-for-income-tax). 

## What tradesman still need to do for January 31st: Four final-hour checks before the 2026 deadline

For now, self-employed individuals must complete and submit their 2024/25 tax return (covering income earned between the 6th of April 2024 and 5th of April 2025) by the 31st January 2026. The Basis Period Reform took effect in 2023-24 which means that profits must now be calculated on a strict tax year basis, regardless of the accounting date. Anyone who previously used a different accounting year end should have already transitioned and applied overlap relief where applicable.

Here are four tips to consider before the deadline.

**1.	Double-check income sources**

Ensure all self-employed and freelance earnings have been accounted for; this includes any taxable ‘side hustle’ income via digital platforms for the period between the 6th of April 2024 and the 5th of April 2025.

**2.	
Revisit allowable expenses**

Review business-related costs, such as utilities, travel, software, insurance and training, to ensure you’re claiming everything permitted by HMRC to help reduce your tax bill. An extensive list can be found on the HMRC website. 

**3. Confirm payment details with HMRC**

Check that your Government Gateway account information, including payment methods and contact information are all up to date.

**4. Back up records**

Save copies of receipts, invoices, and financial statements securely (digitally and physically) in case of an HMRC audit.

As the move to Making Tax Digital draws closer, the key for freelancers, sole traders and landlords is preparation. Familiarising yourself with Making Tax Digital-ready accounting software, maintaining accurate expense records, and understanding reporting obligations are vital steps to avoid unexpected penalties.

For more information and further guidance, visit the [Markel Direct website](https://www.markeluk.com/).

*Please note: This article provides guidance for information purposes only. It should not be relied upon wholly when making or taking important business decisions – always seek the services of an appropriately qualified professional.*

A tradesman sat on the side of his van looking on his phone

Tax Return Deadline 2026: What tradesmen need to know

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title: What is the Theft of Tools of Trade Bill?
excerpt: A brief excerpt about what is the theft of tools of trade (sentencing) bill?.
author: Izzy Barnes
date: '2025-08-26'
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Tool theft is a plight on tradespeople throughout the UK, with 4 in 10 having experienced the crime. However, significant changes could be on the horizon, with the second reading of the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill set to take place on the 4th July.

A common issue raised is the sentencing of the thieves that are responsible, with many in the construction sector feeling that the punishment isn’t severe enough for the crime, due to the significant impact tool theft has on tradespeoples’ livelihoods. However, the Bill looks to impose harsher penalties for the theft of tools used in trades.

**Rob Rees, Divisional Director at Markel Direct**, our insurance partners and the specialist insurer of tradespeople, explains the Bill and outlines how tradespeople can proactively prevent their tools being stolen.

## What does the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill aim to do?

The purpose of this Bill is to amend current sentencing guidelines to impose harsher penalties for the theft of tools used in trades.

Currently, tool theft is categorised as ‘harm category 3’, because most instances of theft are of a value under £10,000.
The Bill proposes that tool theft should be reclassified as causing ‘significant additional harm’ to the victim of the theft, which would enable magistrates to increase the severity of the offence to ‘harm category 2’ when it comes to the sentencing – even if the value of the theft is under £10,000.

Additionally, the Bill is looking to standardise the calculation of financial loss to include not only the physical cost of the tool itself, but the additional costs that often come with tool theft such as:

* The cost of repairs to any vehicle from which the tools were stolen – such as fixing damage to a van’s locks
* Loss of earnings resulting from the theft – such as being unable to work
* The cost of any interruption of business resulting from the theft – such as being unable to fulfil a contract

## What is the current status of the Bill?

The second reading takes place on the 4th July 2025, and will be the first opportunity for MPs to debate the main principles of the Bill. 

Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North and the MP responsible for the bill, will open the second reading debate. When the debate concludes, the Commons decides whether a Bill should be progressed to the next stage by voting.

For more details on the Bill and its progress, you can visit the UK Parliament's official page: [https://Bills.parliament.uk/Bills/3908](https://Bills.parliament.uk/Bills/3908).

## How can tradespeople prevent their tools from being stolen?

While the Bill is a positive step towards deterring tool theft, the process for it to become law will take time and is several months away (should the Bill proceed). However, tool theft is often conducted by opportunists, so by taking measures to secure their tools, tradespeople can put off potential thieves. We have outlined our top five recommendations below.
1.	**Enhanced security measures on vehicles**
Installing alarms or enhanced van locks (e.g. double deadlocks, slam locks or lock protection plates) can help to deter thieves. Consider installing dashcams or interior cameras in the van itself, and ensuring that the area the van is parked in is well-lit and secured area where possible. 
2.	**Remove tools from vehicles overnight**
41% of tool theft occurs from vans that are parked at home – yet only 2% of tool theft occurs inside the home itself. Whilst it may seem like an inconvenience, parked vans are a target for tool thieves and taking your tools out of your vehicle at the end of the day will significantly reduce the risk of them being stolen.

3. **Invest in video security if you park at home**
Installing video doorbells and CCTV at home not only acts as a visible deterrent to would-be thieves, but can also act as evidence should the worst happen. With the introduction of battery powered devices in recent year, it is a relatively low-cost and straightforward way to put off tool thieves.

4.	**Tool marking, registration and tracking**
Taking a proactive approach that makes tools unattractive to criminals can include:

     * Property marking: Use UV pens, engraving tools, or forensic marking products (e.g.ImmobiMark, SmartWater or SelectaDNA) to mark tools with identifying information.
     * Install trackers: For larger, expensive equipment you could consider installing discreet trackers and for valuable hand tools, Bluetooth or RFID tags linked to a smartphone app could come in useful.
    * Register your tools: Register tools with Immobilise, which is a free online registration service that allows the public to record ownership details of their valued possessions. This means that theft alerts are immediately visible on police system and if your registered items are recovered by police, they can return them with ease.

5. **Arrange tools insurance**
By arranging an appropriate level of [tools insurance](https://www.tradesmaninsure.co.uk/cover/tools-insurance/), you can cover the cost of replacing your equipment if it is stolen. It’s worth checking that your policy can provide cover on a 24-hour basis should you need it, and choosing an insurer with a reputable claims team that settle claims quickly to minimise disruption to your business. 

The Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill will be a positive step for the trades and construction sector, with harsher penalties acting as a potential deterrent for thieves. However, it’s never been more important for tradespeople to protect their tools through proactive measures to prevent theft, and insurance cover that will provide peace of mind should the worst happen.

To find out more, visit the [Markel Direct website](https://www.markeluk.com).

A man trying to break into a vehicle using tools

What is the Theft of Tools of Trade Bill?

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excerpt: A new study reveals how the trades shortage in the UK is leading homeowners to attempt DIY repairs themselves.
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A new study by our insurance partners [Markel Direct](https://markeluk.com), the specialist insurer of tradespeople, has revealed how the shortage of tradespeople in the UK is leading homeowners to attempt DIY repairs themselves.

The survey, which explores the growing shortage of tradespeople in the UK, asked 1,187 UK homeowners to share their experience of hiring a tradesperson, as well as the DIY jobs they had attempted themselves that went wrong and later needed a professional tradesperson to fix. 

The data showed that nearly half of homeowners had struggled to find a tradesperson for a job, whilst 52% had been turned away by tradespeople who were too busy (or fully booked) to take on a new job.

This shortage resulted in 29% of respondents attempting repairs themselves, which caused more damage than there was originally. 

The study comes against a backdrop of a decline in the number of trades businesses in the UK, which also contributes to an existing trades skills gap. Analysis shows that plastering businesses saw the largest year-on-year decrease at 9%, followed house building (-7%) and painting (-6%) companies.

**<caption>Top-five domestic trades businesses seeing the biggest declines**

<table>
  <tr>
    <th>Ranking</th>
    <th>Trade</th>
    <th>YoY</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>1</td>
    <td>Plastering</td>
    <td>-9%</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>2</td>
    <td>House building</td>
    <td>-7%</td>
  </tr>
 <tr>
    <td>3</td>
    <td>Painting</td>
    <td>-6%</td>
  </tr>
 <tr>
    <td>4</td>
    <td>Demolition</td>
    <td>-4%</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
    <td>5</td>
    <td>Flooring and wall covering</td>
    <td>-2%</td>
  </tr>
</table>

Rob Rees, Divisional Director at Markel Direct, commented: 

> Whilst it’s essential for homeowners to possess basic DIY skills, knowing when to call in a professional tradesperson is equally crucial. As tempting as it may be to attempt a repair to save money or time, it can often result in higher costs and extended timelines. For peace of mind, hiring a qualified and insured tradesperson is the best course of action for more challenging tasks.

## Urgent repair? Some Brits wait up to 2 weeks

The study also explored the locations with the longest wait times for a tradesperson to fix an urgent issue. Plymouth topped the list, reporting a 10-day wait. Nottingham and Sheffield were next, with a 9-day wait, followed by Glasgow with an 8-day wait. 

<table>
  <tr>
    <th>UK City </th>
    <th>Average wait time, in days</th>
 
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Plymouth </td>
    <td>10</td>
 
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Nottingham</td>
    <td>9</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Sheffield</td>
    <td>9</td>
  </tr>
 <tr>
    <td>Glasgow</td>
    <td>8</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
    <td>Belfast</td>
    <td>7</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
    <td>Birmingham</td>
    <td>7</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
    <td>Cardiff</td>
    <td>6</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
    <td>Brighton</td>
    <td>6</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
    <td>Edinburgh</td>
    <td>6</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
    <td>Southampton</td>
    <td>6</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
    <td>Manchester</td>
    <td>5</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
    <td>London</td>
    <td>5</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
    <td>Liverpool</td>
    <td>4</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
    <td>Bristol</td>
    <td>4</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
    <td>Leeds</td>
    <td>4</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
    <td>Newcastle</td>
    <td>4</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
    <td>Norwich</td>
    <td>3</td>
  </tr>
</table>

As a result, 40% of Britons reported that the lack of available tradespeople affects their ability to maintain their homes, while 32% stated they would leave a household issue unresolved if they were unable to fix it themselves.

The survey also explored the cost of fixing DIY disasters in cities across the UK. Brighton topped the list at £351.82, followed by Edinburgh (£344.67) and Nottingham in third place (£272.39).
The mix of locations reporting long wait times and high repair costs are spread throughout the UK, underlining that the shortage of tradespeople is not a localised problem for any particular region(s).

**To read the full study, visit the [Markel Direct website](https://markeluk.com/world-without-trades).**

A carpenter in his workshop cutting down wood

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Tax Return Deadline 2026: What tradesmen need to know

What is the Theft of Tools of Trade Bill?

Study reveals how the trades shortage is affecting the UK