Question 1

Do I need to use Making Tax Digital?

Accepted Answer

If you're self-employed or a landlord, you'll need to use MTD-compatible software based on your qualifying income (self-employment + property income combined): April 2026 for income over £50,000, April 2027 for income over £30,000, and April 2028 (planned) for income over £20,000.

Question 2

When should I start using Calceum?

Accepted Answer

You can start using Calceum now to get familiar with the process before it becomes mandatory. If you're in the first wave (over £50,000), you'll need to keep digital records from 6 April 2026. Starting early means less stress when the deadline arrives.

Question 3

What if I'm not sure I'll hit the income threshold?

Accepted Answer

Your threshold is based on your qualifying income from the previous tax year. If you're close to the threshold, it's worth preparing anyway - you can use Calceum during the pilot for free, and you'll be ready if your income increases.

Question 4

Do I need an accountant to use Calceum?

Accepted Answer

No. Calceum is designed for people with straightforward tax affairs who manage their own records. If you currently do your own Self Assessment, you'll be able to use Calceum. However, if you have complex affairs or prefer professional support, your accountant can also use Calceum on your behalf.

Question 5

How does Calceum work?

Accepted Answer

Record your transactions in our spreadsheet template (or link your existing spreadsheet via formulae). When you're ready to submit, upload the template to the Calceum platform, review your data, and submit to HMRC. HMRC requires digital links throughout - no manual copying or pasting allowed.

Question 6

Can I keep using my existing spreadsheet?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but you'll need to link it to the Calceum template using Excel formulae. This creates the 'digital link' that HMRC requires - your data must flow automatically without manual re-entry. We provide guidance on how to set this up, or you can simply use our template directly.

Question 7

What is a digital link?

Accepted Answer

A digital link is HMRC's term for an automatic data connection - like an Excel formula that pulls data from one sheet to another. HMRC doesn't allow you to manually type or copy-paste figures between systems. Calceum is designed to maintain these digital links from your records through to HMRC submission.

Question 8

How long does a quarterly submission take?

Accepted Answer

Most users complete a submission in under 10 minutes. Upload your spreadsheet template to the Calceum platform, review the summary, and submit. Calceum handles all the technical complexity of communicating with HMRC.

Question 9

Can I use Calceum for both self-employment and property income?

Accepted Answer

Yes. One Calceum account covers all your qualifying income sources - whether you have one self-employment, multiple self-employments, UK property, or foreign property. You submit everything together.

Question 10

What exactly do I need to submit each quarter?

Accepted Answer

Each quarter, you submit a summary of your income and expenses to HMRC. This includes total income received and total expenses by category. These are cumulative totals from the start of the tax year. At year-end, you'll add any adjustments (like capital allowances) and submit a final declaration.

Question 11

Do quarterly updates need to be 100% accurate?

Accepted Answer

No. HMRC understands that quarterly updates are estimates based on your records at that point. You can make adjustments throughout the year, and everything gets finalised in your end-of-year declaration. There are no penalties for reasonable inaccuracies in quarterly updates.

Question 12

What are the deadlines for quarterly submissions?

Accepted Answer

Quarterly updates must be submitted within one month of each quarter end: Q1 (Apr-Jun) by 7 August, Q2 (Jul-Sep) by 7 November, Q3 (Oct-Dec) by 7 February, Q4 (Jan-Mar) by 7 May. Calceum tracks your deadlines and sends reminders so you never miss one.

Question 13

What happens if I miss a deadline?

Accepted Answer

HMRC applies a points-based penalty system. You receive a point for each late submission. Once you reach a threshold (typically 4 points), you'll receive a £200 penalty. Points expire after 24 months of compliance. Calceum helps you avoid this with deadline tracking and reminders.

Question 14

Will I still need to do a Self Assessment tax return?

Accepted Answer

MTD replaces the Self Assessment process for your self-employment and property income. Your quarterly updates plus your final declaration together form your tax return. However, if you have other income types not yet covered by MTD (like dividends or capital gains), you may still need to report those separately.

Question 15

Is Calceum officially recognised by HMRC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Calceum is listed on HMRC's official register of Making Tax Digital compatible software. We've been through HMRC's recognition process and meet all their technical and security requirements.

Question 16

What happens to my data?

Accepted Answer

Your spreadsheet data is processed securely to extract the summary figures needed for HMRC. We encrypt all data in transit and at rest. Your data is stored on secure UK-based servers. We never sell or share your data with third parties.

Question 17

Do you store my full spreadsheet?

Accepted Answer

We only extract and store the summary figures needed for your HMRC submissions. Your detailed transaction data remains in your spreadsheet under your control. We keep submission records for compliance purposes.

Question 18

How do you connect to HMRC?

Accepted Answer

Calceum uses HMRC's official Making Tax Digital APIs. When you first use Calceum, you'll authorise us to submit on your behalf through HMRC's secure Government Gateway. This is the same process used by all HMRC-recognised software.

Question 19

Can I delete my account and data?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can request deletion of your account at any time. We'll remove your personal data in accordance with GDPR. Note that we may need to retain submission records for a limited period for legal compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use Making Tax Digital?

When should I start using Calceum?

What if I'm not sure I'll hit the income threshold?

Do I need an accountant to use Calceum?