Do I Still Need an Accountant If My Bank Offers a Tax Filing Tool?

Are you ready for MTD?

With the rise of digital banking and Making Tax Digital (MTD), many sole traders and landlords are asking: “If my bank offers a built-in tax filing tool, do I still need an accountant?” It’s a fair question and one worth unpacking before you rely on automation alone.

What is MTD?

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HMRC’s initiative to modernise the UK tax system. It means keeping digital records and submitting tax returns using compatible software—no more paper forms or manual uploads. For sole traders and landlords, MTD for Income Tax will become mandatory from April 2026, so now’s the time to get familiar. While some bank tools are MTD-compliant, they don’t offer the guidance or support needed to navigate the rules confidently.

What Bank Tax Tools Actually Do:

Most bank-integrated tax tools offer:

•             Auto-categorisation of transactions

•             Basic self-assessment estimates

•             Direct submission to HMRC via MTD-compatible software

They’re designed to be quick, simple, and low-cost. But while they tick the compliance box, they don’t offer strategic advice, error-checking beyond software rules, or support when things get complicated.

What an Accountant Brings to the Table

At Middlebrook Accountancy, we go far beyond filing. We help you understand your finances, plan ahead, and stay compliant with confidence. That includes:

•             Personalised tax planning and advice

•             Support with HMRC letters or investigations

•             Guidance on allowable expenses, reliefs, and timing

•             Business insights—from cash flow to pricing strategies

We also use smart software like Xero to streamline your bookkeeping, but we never let tech replace judgement.

Real-Life Scenarios Where DIY Falls Short

•             A landlord juggling repairs, void periods, and capital gains

•             A sole trader with seasonal income and VAT thresholds

•             A side hustler unsure how to register or claim expenses

•             Anyone who’s received a brown envelope from HMRC

In these cases, a filing tool might miss key deductions, misinterpret rules, or leave you feeling exposed.

Cost vs Value: What Are You Really Paying For?

We’re not anti-tech. In fact, we love it. But we believe the best results come when smart software is paired with smarter humans.

Think of accountancy as an investment, not a cost. Good advice can save you more than it costs both financially and emotionally. You’re not just paying for a tax return; you’re paying for peace of mind, future-proofing, and someone in your corner.

If your finances are truly simple, DIY might work. But if you want clarity, confidence, and strategic support, you still need an accountant.

📞 Let’s talk. At Middlebrook Accountancy, we offer jargon-free advice, warm support, and a free consultation to help you decide what’s right for you. Whether you DIY or delegate, we’re here to help you feel confident and in control.