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For man with a van & removals

MTD for Income Tax for man with a van & removals.

The van as your key asset, fuel, the odd helper, a mix of booking-platform and cash jobs and a summer moving peak. Here's how Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies to man-with-a-van and removals operators, and when it starts.

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When does it start for me?

In scope now over £50k, from April 2027 over £30k.

MTD for Income Tax phases in by gross income before expenses. With a busy diary and the van to run, your gross income can build up across the year.

Live now
£50,000
In scope from April 2026
Your likely date
£30,000
In scope from April 2027
£20,000
In scope from April 2028
Platform and cash

Every job counts, however it's booked.

Booking-platform jobs and cash removals are all taxable income. Platform statements make handy records, and logging cash jobs as you're paid keeps your gross complete for the quarter.

What records you need →
What's changing

Digital records, four quarterly updates, one final declaration.

When you're in scope, your annual Self Assessment return is replaced by four short quarterly updates and a year-end final declaration, all through recognised software.

What to keep digital

  • Platform and cash job income
  • Deposits and balances on quotes
  • The van, finance, lease or purchase
  • Fuel and running costs
  • Helper wages, if you pay one
  • Insurance, blankets, straps and tools

Bring in platform statements and log cash as you go so a busy summer is fully captured.

  • The van Your key asset, claimed by method
  • Helper wages A deductible cost when you pay
  • Deposits Recorded in the right quarter
The removals detail

The bits specific to man-with-a-van work.

The van

Bought, financed or leased, it's your key asset. Record it correctly for capital allowances or deduction.

Helper wages

Paying a hand for a job is a deductible cost. Record it, and check how you engage helpers for any employer duties.

Platform and cash

Bring in platform statements and log cash jobs so your gross income is complete for the quarter.

Seasonal peak

Summer is busier. Quarterly updates report it as it happens, reconciled at your final declaration.

Why Clear Books

Built for the cab, not the office.

Between jobs is no time for paperwork. Clear Books works from your phone and gives HMRC exactly what MTD needs, whenever you're in scope.

  • Bring in platform statements and log cash jobs
  • Link deposits and balances to each move
  • Record the van and helper wages
  • See your gross income against the thresholds
  • Send HMRC-compliant quarterly updates in minutes
  • Free plan available, no timer
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The Clear Books MTD for Income Tax submissions screen showing four quarterly updates submitted to HMRC
Q1 update submitted
HMRC recognised
Common questions

Man with a van MTD FAQ.

When does MTD for Income Tax start for man-with-a-van operators?
If your gross income is over £50,000 it applies now, from 6 April 2026. Between £30,000 and £50,000, your start date is April 2027, and from April 2028 it drops to £20,000.
How is my van treated?
If you buy it, it's usually claimed through capital allowances; if you finance or lease it, the costs are generally deductible. Fuel and running costs are recorded separately.
Can I claim wages for a helper?
If you pay a helper, that's a deductible business cost. Paying people can bring employer responsibilities, so check how you engage them, but the payment itself is deductible.
How do platform and cash jobs work together?
Both are income. Platform statements make useful records, and cash jobs go in as you're paid, so your gross income is complete for each quarter.
How do quotes with deposits work?
A deposit is income you record when received, with the balance on the day. Linking them to the job keeps your quarterly figures consistent.
Free for sole trader operators

Know where you stand before the deadline.

Log jobs, deposits and the van as you go, watch your gross against the thresholds, and be ready to submit when your wave lands.

Try Clear Books free → Back to MTD for Income Tax