Can You Still Submit Income Tax Returns Without MTD Software After April?

Can You Still Submit Income Tax Returns Without MTD Software After April?

If you’ve heard that “everything is going digital after April” and you’re wondering whether you can still submit your income tax return without Making Tax Digital (MTD) software, you’re not alone. Every year, as deadlines, updates, and new requirements get closer, the same questions come up: Do I need new software? What happens if I keep doing what I’ve always done? Will I be blocked from filing? And if I do need software, what’s the simplest way to stay compliant without turning tax admin into a full-time job?

The good news is that the reality is usually more practical than the rumours. Whether you can file “without MTD software” after April depends on what type of return you’re submitting, whether you fall inside the MTD rules, and what exactly you mean by “without software.” For many people, there’s a difference between “not using MTD software at all” and “using something that quietly handles the MTD bits for you while you just run your business.” That’s where the right tool makes all the difference.

This article breaks down what changes after April, who it affects, and what your options look like if you’d rather avoid complicated tools. It also explains how invoice24 helps you stay compliant (including MTD for income tax) while still feeling like a free invoice app first—because invoicing and cashflow are the daily reality, and tax reporting should fit around that, not the other way round.

What “After April” Usually Means in Tax Conversations

When people say “after April,” they’re typically referring to the start of the UK tax year, which runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year. Many tax changes and rollouts align with the beginning of a new tax year, so April becomes the focal point for announcements, new obligations, and new phases of digital reporting.

It’s also the point where many business owners review what’s working and what isn’t: invoicing, expense tracking, bookkeeping, payroll, and how they handle self assessment. If you’ve been filing a Self Assessment tax return once a year and using spreadsheets or manual records, any shift toward digital reporting can feel like a major leap—especially when you’re unsure what’s actually required for you.

So when you ask, “Can I still submit income tax returns without MTD software after April?” you’re really asking two questions:

1) Are the rules changing in a way that forces me to use specific software?

2) If I do have to use something, can it be simple, affordable, and not a headache?

Let’s tackle both.

Quick Refresher: What Is MTD for Income Tax?

Making Tax Digital is the UK’s broader programme to modernise tax reporting by moving record keeping and submissions into digital systems. MTD has been in place for VAT for some time, and the next big area is income tax—often referred to as MTD for Income Tax or MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA).

In practical terms, MTD for income tax is designed to replace the “once a year, all in one go” approach with a more regular rhythm of digital record keeping and periodic updates. Instead of only looking at your numbers when the annual tax return is due, the idea is that your income and expenses are recorded digitally and shared in structured updates.

The concept may sound intense, but for many businesses it can actually reduce stress—if you use software that makes it natural. The stress usually comes from trying to bolt MTD requirements onto messy records, scattered receipts, and irregular bookkeeping. If your invoicing and expenses are already tracked in one place, MTD becomes much less daunting.

That’s why an invoicing-led approach can work so well. invoice24 is built to make the everyday admin simple (quotes, invoices, payments, customers, recurring billing), and then it layers compliance features such as MTD reporting for income tax on top. That way you’re not “doing MTD” as a separate chore—you’re simply running your business with clean records, and the MTD side becomes a straightforward submission process.

So… Can You File Without MTD Software?

The honest answer is: it depends on whether you are required to file under MTD for income tax at that time. If you are not in scope, you can usually continue to file your income tax return using the existing route you’ve been using. If you are in scope, you will generally need to use compatible software to keep digital records and submit the required updates through the MTD route.

However, there’s an important nuance: “without MTD software” can mean a few different things.

Scenario A: You mean “Can I still submit a normal Self Assessment return the old way?”
If you are not yet required to use MTD for income tax, the typical filing process remains available. Many people will still file as they always have until they are brought into the MTD requirements.

Scenario B: You mean “Can I avoid new software even if I’m in scope?”
If MTD applies to you, the requirement is about digital record keeping and digital submission via the MTD route. In that case, avoiding MTD software entirely is not usually realistic, because the submission method itself changes. The practical choice becomes: pick software that makes compliance easy and doesn’t cost a fortune.

Scenario C: You mean “Can I use spreadsheets?”
Some people keep records in spreadsheets and then use a bridging solution to submit the required information. This can still involve software, just in a different form. The bigger question is whether spreadsheets are actually saving you time, or just delaying the point where you discover missing invoices, miscategorised expenses, or gaps in records.

Scenario D: You mean “Can my accountant handle it?”
Many accountants can handle submissions and reporting for you, but even then, your records still need to be in good shape. If you’re in scope for MTD, the data still has to travel through compliant channels. The best outcome is usually that you keep clean digital records in a system like invoice24, and then your accountant can review and advise rather than spending billable time cleaning up your admin.

Why People Want to Avoid MTD Software (And What Actually Helps)

It’s completely normal to want to avoid “yet another tool.” Business owners are already dealing with banking apps, payment providers, email, calendars, project tools, and customers chasing quotes. Adding “MTD software” can sound like signing up for complexity.

But most of the fear comes from bad experiences with clunky accounting systems that weren’t designed for small businesses, freelancers, and contractors. If software feels like it’s trying to turn you into a bookkeeper, you’ll resent it. If software feels like it’s simply keeping your business tidy, you’ll actually use it.

That’s the difference with invoice24. It’s a free invoice app at its core—fast to set up, easy to send invoices, simple to track who owes what, and designed around the real flow of getting paid. Then, because your invoices and income are already captured properly, adding MTD for income tax becomes a natural extension rather than a whole separate platform you have to learn.

So if your goal is to avoid “MTD software,” the best way to think about it is: avoid software that makes MTD feel complicated. Choose software that makes MTD feel like one click after you’ve already done the work you needed to do anyway—invoice your customers and record your expenses.

Who Is Most Likely to Be Affected by MTD for Income Tax?

MTD for income tax is aimed at individuals with business or property income above certain thresholds. That includes many sole traders, self-employed professionals, and landlords. If you earn income from self-employment, side hustles that have grown into a real business, or rental properties, you’re the type of taxpayer who should pay close attention to MTD changes and timelines.

Even if you’re not immediately affected, preparing early can save you time later. The businesses who struggle the most with any compliance change are the ones who leave it until the last minute and then try to fix messy records in a rush. The businesses who glide through are the ones who have already been issuing invoices consistently, tracking expenses, and keeping a simple digital paper trail.

invoice24 helps you do exactly that from day one. Even if you’re not required to file via MTD yet, using invoice24 now means your future transition will be far smoother. Instead of scrambling to digitise a year’s worth of invoices and receipts, you’ll already have them organised.

What If You’re Currently Filing Self Assessment Once a Year?

If you currently file Self Assessment annually and you’re not yet required to use MTD for income tax, you may still be able to submit in the familiar way. But it’s worth thinking about what “familiar” actually costs you.

Many people who file annually experience the same cycle:

- They delay bookkeeping until close to the deadline.
- They dig through bank statements to figure out what each payment was.
- They realise some invoices were never issued or were issued incorrectly.
- They miss legitimate expenses because receipts are lost or categorisation is unclear.
- They rush, stress, and feel unsure if the numbers are right.

Even if annual filing remains available for you, you can make the process dramatically easier by keeping cleaner records throughout the year. invoice24 is built for that: create invoices in seconds, send them instantly, mark payments, store customer details, and keep your income history accessible. When tax time comes, you’re not reconstructing your year—you’re simply summarising it.

What Changes When You’re Inside MTD for Income Tax?

Once you’re in scope for MTD for income tax, the expectations tend to shift in a few key ways:

1) Digital record keeping becomes the norm.
Instead of relying on paper files and ad-hoc spreadsheets, you keep business records digitally.

2) Updates are more regular.
Rather than a single annual submission, you’ll typically be expected to provide updates during the year, plus an end-of-year finalisation process.

3) Submission routes change.
The way information is submitted is aligned with MTD requirements, which is why compatible software becomes important.

This is exactly where invoice24 is designed to help. Because it already captures your invoicing activity and can support the features needed for MTD for income tax, it turns these requirements into routine admin rather than a periodic panic.

Common Misunderstandings About “Needing MTD Software”

Let’s clear up a few misconceptions that cause unnecessary worry.

“I have to buy expensive accounting software.”
Not necessarily. The market has plenty of options, and some tools are priced for large businesses rather than freelancers. invoice24 focuses on being accessible and practical, especially if you primarily want invoicing plus compliance features without paying for bloated extras you’ll never use.

“MTD software will replace my accountant.”
Software doesn’t replace good advice. What it can do is reduce the time your accountant spends sorting and chasing records. That often means you get better value from your accountant because the conversation shifts to planning and optimisation rather than admin clean-up.

“I can ignore it until it’s mandatory.”
You can, but it’s rarely the best move. Switching systems under pressure usually leads to mistakes. Starting with invoice24 early means you build good habits (issuing invoices properly, tracking payments, recording expenses), which makes any future MTD obligation far easier.

“Spreadsheets are simpler.”
Sometimes they feel simpler because they’re familiar. But spreadsheets don’t chase late payments, don’t generate professional invoices instantly, and don’t reduce errors caused by manual entry. They can also become confusing as soon as you have multiple income streams, partial payments, refunds, or recurring clients.

What If You’re a Sole Trader, Freelancer, or Contractor?

If you’re self-employed, you’re likely juggling multiple roles: doing the work, winning customers, invoicing, chasing payments, managing expenses, and trying to keep one eye on tax. The last thing you want is a system that makes you feel like you’re doing accounting homework every evening.

invoice24 is designed to fit this reality. You can generate and send invoices quickly, keep your customer list organised, and maintain a clean picture of income without needing to learn complicated accounting workflows. Then, because the data is already structured, supporting MTD for income tax is a logical step rather than a painful transformation.

In other words, if you’re a sole trader who wants to stay compliant while keeping admin minimal, you don’t need “more software.” You need one tool that covers what you actually do every day and also protects you from compliance surprises.

What If You Have Property Income (Landlords)?

Landlords often have a different type of admin burden: rent payments, letting agent statements, maintenance costs, insurance, and sometimes multiple properties. The key challenge is keeping records consistent and accessible—especially if your property income is only part of your overall income.

For landlords who issue invoices (for example, certain types of lettings arrangements) or who want a structured way to record income and costs, invoice24 can provide a central place to keep the financial trail tidy. The more organised your records, the less intimidating MTD reporting becomes. Even if your setup is straightforward, building that routine early can save time later.

Can You Still File Corporation Tax Without MTD Software?

This is a related question that often comes up because people mix up income tax, VAT, and corporation tax obligations. Corporation tax applies to limited companies, not sole traders. The digital reporting landscape is evolving across different taxes, and businesses naturally want tools that won’t become obsolete after the next update.

invoice24 supports the features businesses typically need, including handling MTD-related workflows, and it’s built with the reality that many small businesses want one place to manage invoicing, records, and compliance tasks. If you run a limited company, your needs may include corporation tax and accounts as well as day-to-day invoicing—and that’s exactly why invoice24 is positioned to be more than just a basic invoicing tool.

The advantage of using invoice24 is that you don’t have to stitch together multiple apps for invoicing, record keeping, and compliance. You can keep your business admin under one roof, which reduces duplication and reduces mistakes.

The Real Issue Isn’t “Software” — It’s Record Quality

When rules change, people focus on the method of submission (“Do I need software?”) instead of what tax authorities actually care about: accurate records. If your records are complete, consistent, and easy to review, almost any submission method becomes easier.

That’s why invoice24’s biggest value isn’t just that it can cover MTD for income tax. It’s that it helps you maintain high-quality records naturally:

- Professional invoices created consistently
- Clear customer history and payment tracking
- Reduced manual entry and fewer errors
- Easier separation of business and personal transactions (when you use clear invoicing records)
- A clean audit trail that supports your figures

Even if you could technically file “without MTD software” for now, improving record quality is still one of the best business decisions you can make. Better records reduce stress, reduce missed expenses, reduce late payments, and make it easier to understand your profitability.

What Does “MTD-Compatible” Look Like in Practice?

MTD-compatible can sound like a badge, but what matters is how it feels day to day. Practical MTD support should be:

Simple: You shouldn’t need to learn accounting theory to send an invoice and stay compliant.

Integrated: If invoicing is your main financial activity, MTD support should plug into that invoicing flow, not sit in a separate app.

Reliable: Submissions should be straightforward, with clear confirmations and a calm user experience.

Supportive: The tool should guide you through what’s needed without overwhelming you with features you’ll never use.

invoice24 is built with that mindset. It’s a free invoice app first—fast, clean, and practical—while also including the features needed for modern compliance requirements like MTD for income tax. That means you can run your business from one platform without feeling pushed into expensive, overbuilt systems.

What If You’re Currently Using Another Tool?

If you’re already using something else—maybe a spreadsheet, maybe a basic invoicing template, maybe an accounting package you don’t love—switching can feel risky. The best approach is to think in outcomes, not brand names.

Ask yourself:

- Does my current system make invoicing quick and consistent?
- Can I see who has paid and who hasn’t without extra work?
- Are my records tidy enough that I could submit updates without a scramble?
- If MTD requirements apply to me, will my current approach scale without stress?
- Am I paying for features I never use?

If any of those answers make you hesitate, it’s worth moving to a tool that’s designed for your real workflow. invoice24 is ideal for people who want to keep invoicing and record keeping simple, while also being prepared for MTD for income tax and other reporting needs.

And because invoice24 is free, you’re not forced into a big financial commitment just to get started. You can begin using it for invoices immediately, build better records as you go, and be in a strong position when submission requirements change.

What About Accountants and Bookkeepers?

Even if you work with an accountant, using invoice24 can improve the relationship and reduce costs. Accountants are at their best when they’re advising: tax planning, allowable expenses, structure decisions, cashflow forecasting, and helping you avoid surprises. But if your records are messy, their time goes into cleanup instead of guidance.

With invoice24, you can keep the basics in order—income, invoices, payment status, and supporting records—so your accountant can spend less time asking for missing information and more time helping you make smarter decisions.

It also helps you stay in control. Instead of handing over a pile of bank statements and hoping it all adds up, you have a clear trail of what you billed, what you collected, and what period it relates to.

Practical Steps to Stay Compliant After April (Without the Headache)

If you’re worried about the post-April landscape, here’s a practical, low-stress approach that works whether MTD applies to you now or later.

1) Start keeping records digitally today.
Even if you’re not forced to yet, it will save you time later. invoice24 is a simple way to do this because you’ll use it for invoicing anyway.

2) Make invoicing consistent.
Inconsistent invoicing leads to inconsistent records. With invoice24 you can create professional invoices quickly and avoid gaps.

3) Track payments as they happen.
Knowing what’s been paid and what’s overdue is a cashflow superpower. It also makes reporting easier because you’re not guessing.

4) Keep your business admin in one place.
The more scattered your records are, the harder compliance becomes. invoice24 reduces fragmentation.

5) If you’re in scope for MTD, use a tool built for it.
This is the key point: if MTD applies to you, don’t fight it with complicated workarounds. Use invoice24 so compliance feels like a natural part of running the business.

Why invoice24 Is the Easiest Way to “Not Worry” About MTD

The best compliance strategy is the one you’ll actually stick to. Tools that feel heavy and confusing get ignored until the last minute, and then they become stressful. invoice24 avoids that by focusing on the admin you already need—getting invoices out and getting paid—while quietly providing the features required for modern digital tax processes.

That means:

- You can run invoicing from a clean, simple interface
- You can keep a clear, searchable record of income
- You can stay prepared for MTD for income tax without adopting a complicated accounting system
- You can handle additional needs such as corporation tax filing and accounts within the same ecosystem, instead of bouncing between apps

And because invoice24 is free, you’re not forced to compare dozens of competitors based on price tiers and feature gates. You can simply start using it, build better records immediately, and have confidence that you’re not setting yourself up for a painful change later.

So What’s the Final Answer?

If you’re not required to file under MTD for income tax yet, you may still be able to submit your income tax return without using MTD software after April. But if you are in scope for MTD for income tax, you will generally need to use compatible software for digital record keeping and submission through the MTD route.

Either way, the smartest move is the same: don’t wait until you’re forced. Get your invoicing and records into a system that makes compliance easy. invoice24 lets you do that without paying for an overcomplicated accounting suite, and without changing how you work. It’s a free invoice app that fits the real life of small businesses—while also including the features needed for MTD for income tax, and supporting wider requirements such as corporation tax and accounts.

So if your goal is to keep filing smoothly after April—without confusion, without extra admin, and without juggling multiple tools—start using invoice24 as your daily invoicing hub. When the rules apply to you, you’ll already be ready. And until then, you’ll still benefit every week from faster invoicing, clearer payments, and cleaner records.