Making Tax Digital for Carpenters
CIS on site work, a workshop of tools, timber and materials on every job — carpentry tax adds up fast. We’re MTD-ready accountants for self-employed carpenters and joiners across the UK, on fixed monthly fees.
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The Tax Digital Team
Carpenters Specialists
We speak carpentry.
You’d rather be cutting joints than reconciling CIS and timber merchant invoices. We understand how carpentry and joinery work runs — subcontract site pay, bespoke materials, a workshop and a van full of tools. We turn it into clean digital records and quarterly MTD submissions, and make sure you claim back the CIS you’re owed.
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Quarterly Zoom Reviews
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The MTD Checklist
Tick the boxes that apply to your business.
Are you MTD-ready as a Carpenter?
Not Yet Compliant
Select items from the list to see your status.
Why Carpenters Switch to TaxDigital
Most Carpenters do not want more admin. They want fewer surprises, clearer numbers, and confidence that HMRC is taken care of. We combine MTD expertise with practical accountancy that fits around site work.
We focus on making your records accurate and easy to maintain, so your returns are right the first time and you can make decisions with confidence.
| Feature | Traditional Accountant | TaxDigital for Carpenters |
|---|---|---|
| Record Keeping | Paper receipts & spreadsheets | 100% Paperless via App |
| Response Time | Days or weeks | Same Day / Instant Chat |
| Pricing Model | Hourly billing + Year-end bill | Fixed Monthly Subscription |
| Tax Visibility | Surprise bill once a year | Real-time Liability View |
| Industry Knowledge | Generalist (Jack of all trades) | Specialist Carpenters Team |
| Software | Desktop / None | Xero / QuickBooks / FreeAgent |
MTD is for Sole Traders — Here's Yours
Making Tax Digital only applies to sole traders and landlords. We've built a dedicated package specifically for you — no fluff, no overpaying for things you don't need.
Sole Traders — Sole Traders
Why MTD Matters for You
Quarterly Digital Reporting
HMRC now requires quarterly submissions via MTD-compatible software — we handle all of them for you.
Penalty-Free Compliance
Missing MTD deadlines carries real fines. We keep you compliant so you never have to worry.
Tax-Efficiency Built In
We don't just file — we find every legitimate deduction and reduce your bill, year after year.
Packages
Pick a package that matches where you are now. Many Carpenters start with VAT and bookkeeping support, then add payroll or year-end accounts as the business grows. If you are not sure, we will point you to the right level.
Detailed Plan Comparison
See exactly what’s included in each plan — no hidden fees, no surprises.
| Features |
Sole Traders
£69+VAT/per month
|
Landlords
£39+VAT/per month
|
|---|---|---|
| MTD Compliance | ||
| Quarterly MTD Submissions | ||
| HMRC Digital Account Setup | ||
| End-of-Year Final Declaration | ||
| Accountancy Services | ||
| Self Assessment Tax Return | ||
| Year-end Accounts | — | |
| VAT Returns | — | |
| Support & Advice | ||
| Support Channel | Email Only | Email & Phone |
| Dedicated Accountant | — | |
| Tax Planning Review | — | Annual |
| Software | ||
| Bookkeeping Software | Basic | Standard |
| Receipt Scanning | ||
| Real-time Tax Liability View | ||
| Get started | Choose Plan | Choose Plan |
* Prices exclude VAT. Terms and conditions apply.
Services for Carpenters
How we saved Oak & Joint Carpentry Ltd...
Oak & Joint Carpentry Ltd came to us with a familiar problem: lots of small purchases across builders’ merchants, inconsistent invoicing, and VAT figures that never quite matched the bank. They also had CIS deductions coming in on some jobs and standard invoicing on others, which made tracking income confusing.
We set them up with MTD-compatible software, built a simple weekly routine, and cleaned up their chart of categories so materials, tools, fuel, and subcontract costs were consistent. We also checked their VAT treatment and made sure CIS deductions were recorded correctly as credits against their liabilities. Within two VAT quarters they had reliable numbers, fewer missing receipts, and clear visibility over profit per job.
Ready to simplify your tax?
Join hundreds of other carpenters who have made the switch to digital.
"I’ve been very pleased with the service from Tax Digital. They did an excellent job helping me get compliant with MTD. The whole process felt…"
Kong Sasik
Verified Client"They are really good at saving me money"
Shaun Moore
Verified Client"If you're a landlord, you'll know how hard it is to keep up with all the changing rules. MTD is just another headache. The TaxDigital…"
GY Go
Verified ClientCarpenter tax & CIS — your questions answered
Have more questions?
Speak to one of our carpenters experts directly.
The Carpenters Handbook
Everything you need to know about keeping your carpenters business compliant and profitable.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for ITSA) moves self-employed reporting online. From 6 April 2026 it applies to sole traders with qualifying income over £50,000, falling to £30,000 (2027) and £20,000 (2028). Qualifying income is your gross turnover before expenses and before any CIS deductions, so most full-time carpenters are in scope.
You will keep digital records, send a short quarterly update from compatible software, and file a final declaration. We confirm whether it applies and get you set up early.
Under the Construction Industry Scheme, contractors deduct money from your payments and send it to HMRC as advance tax — 20% if you are CIS-registered, 30% if you are not. Those deductions are credited against your Self Assessment bill. Because they are taken off your gross pay (before your expenses and personal allowance), subcontract carpenters are very often due a refund. We reconcile every CIS statement, claim back what you have overpaid, and keep your verification current.
Common allowable costs for carpenters and joiners include:
- Van and running costs (or mileage)
- Hand and power tools
- Timber, fixings and materials for jobs
- Workshop rent, power and consumables
- Public liability and tool insurance
- Workwear and PPE
- Phone, training, accountancy
Workshop costs and bespoke materials are captured against the jobs they relate to.
Your van and tools are the engine of the business, and the tax rules are generous. A van is plant and machinery, so you can usually write off its full cost in year one through the Annual Investment Allowance — unlike a car. Running costs (fuel, insurance, repairs, road tax) are deductible on the business share, or you can use simplified mileage (45p a mile for the first 10,000, then 25p) instead of actual costs and capital allowances. Tools and bigger equipment are claimed via capital allowances too. Machinery like saws, planers and a workshop dust system qualify for capital allowances. We pick the method that puts the most back in your pocket.
MTD quarterly updates fall due about a month after each quarter (7 August, 7 November, 7 February and 7 May); your final declaration and tax are due by 31 January. Xero, QuickBooks and FreeAgent are all MTD-ready and have mobile apps for snapping receipts and logging jobs on site. We set up the right one, connect it to HMRC and file every update for you.