Bookkeeping & Making Tax Digital for Locum GPs

What is Making Tax Digital for Income Tax?

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies from 6 April 2026 to sole traders and landlords whose qualifying income (gross self-employment plus property income) is over £50,000, falling to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028. PAYE salary does not count. Locum gps trading through a limited company or a partnership are not brought in yet. We set up compatible software and file the quarterly updates for you.

When do I need to start MTD?

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies from 6 April 2026 to sole traders and landlords whose qualifying income (gross self-employment plus property income) is over £50,000, falling to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028. PAYE salary does not count. Locum gps trading through a limited company or a partnership are not brought in yet. We set up compatible software and file the quarterly updates for you.

What software do I need?

Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements mean many professionals will need MTD-compatible accounting software. From April 2026, this applies to individuals with qualifying income over £50,000. Medical.Accountants works with major cloud-based platforms to streamline your bookkeeping. We recommend the most suitable software based on your practice size and complexity.

What are quarterly updates?

Quarterly updates are digital submissions of income and expenses required under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. These will be mandatory for qualifying individuals from 6 April 2026. They provide HMRC with a regular summary of your business performance. Medical.Accountants will manage these submissions to ensure your practice remains compliant.

Can my accountant submit MTD updates for me?

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies from 6 April 2026 to sole traders and landlords whose qualifying income (gross self-employment plus property income) is over £50,000, falling to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028. PAYE salary does not count. Locum gps trading through a limited company or a partnership are not brought in yet. We set up compatible software and file the quarterly updates for you.

What records must I keep?

You must keep records of all sales, business expenses, bank statements, and relevant tax documents. Digital record-keeping is increasingly necessary to satisfy MTD requirements. Records should generally be retained for at least six years. Medical.Accountants advises you on the best methods to capture and store these documents efficiently.

How much does MTD bookkeeping cost?

Our packages for locum gps start at £45.83 + VAT a month, with Core at £62.50 and Growth at £75 + VAT. The right package depends on your income sources, whether you trade through a company and any payroll, VAT or pension work. We confirm the exact fee in writing before any work begins, so there are no surprise invoices.

What happens if I miss a quarterly update?

MTD for Income Tax uses a points-based late-submission regime. HMRC will not award points for missed quarterly updates in the 2026/27 tax year, but you must still submit the updates before submitting your tax return. Later years have different rules. Check the HMRC guidance for your start year; tax return and payment obligations remain.

What are GP locum A and B forms and when are they due?

GP partners report NHS pensionable profit to the scheme each year on a certificate based on the practice accounts; locum GPs use the locum A and B forms to pay contributions on each piece of pensionable work. Late or wrong forms cause missing service and incorrect pension records. We prepare the figures and check them against the accounts before submission.

What is the Type 2 self-employed medical practitioner certificate?

GP partners report NHS pensionable profit to the scheme each year on a certificate based on the practice accounts; locum GPs use the locum A and B forms to pay contributions on each piece of pensionable work. Late or wrong forms cause missing service and incorrect pension records. We prepare the figures and check them against the accounts before submission.

Help with this question: Payroll & Pensions for Doctors & Healthcare Professionals

How are pensionable earnings calculated for locum GPs?

Most NHS doctors and many healthcare staff are members of the NHS Pension Scheme. Contributions are deducted through payroll, and locum or private work can count only through the correct forms. High earners should check the annual allowance each year, as pension growth can trigger a tax charge.

Help with this question: NHS Pension Tax & Annual Allowance for Locum GPs

What documents do I need for my return?

You typically require P60s, P11D forms, interest certificates, and records of all business income and expenses. Medical.Accountants provides a tailored checklist based on your specific healthcare role. We will request these details during our onboarding process. Providing comprehensive documentation ensures your tax position is accurately calculated.

What are payments on account?

Payments on account are advance payments towards your next Self Assessment bill, normally due on 31 January and 31 July. Each is usually half the previous year’s relevant Income Tax and Class 4 National Insurance bill, excluding Capital Gains Tax and student loans. Exceptions apply where the bill is below £1,000 or over 80% was collected at source.

Help with this question: Self Assessment Tax Returns for Locum GPs

Can I amend a return after filing?

You can generally amend a Self Assessment return within 12 months of the 31 January filing deadline. This allows you to correct errors or include forgotten information. Medical.Accountants can assist in reviewing previous submissions to ensure accuracy. Tax refunds can be claimed for up to four previous tax years.