Core Viewpoint - HWB, a UK-based accountancy practice, has promoted Lyndon Howes to assistant tax compliance manager in anticipation of increased demand for tax support due to upcoming regulatory changes [1][4]. Group 1: Promotion and Role - Lyndon Howes has been with HWB since 2011 and previously held the position of tax senior [1]. - His new role will involve responding to client queries and overseeing the Making Tax Digital (MTD) process [4]. Group 2: Regulatory Changes - HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) plans to expand its MTD initiative to include self-employed individuals and those with private rental income, effective from April 2026 for individuals with qualifying income above £50,000 ($68,893) [2]. - The MTD initiative aims to provide HMRC with a real-time view of tax liabilities, requiring registered individuals to use compatible software for electronic quarterly returns and a final end-of-year submission [3]. Group 3: Team Development - Two other members of the tax department, George Vass and Danny Hockin, have recently passed professional exams and are studying with the Chartered Institute of Taxation to become chartered tax advisers [4].

Core Insights - Sage has launched an AI-driven Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax automation tool, designed to simplify quarterly tax updates into a single workflow, marking it as the UK's first tool of its kind, with an expected release in October 2025 [1] - The tool will assist accounting firms in preparing for mandatory quarterly updates starting April 2026 for landlords and self-employed individuals earning over £50,000, by organizing client data and minimizing manual tasks [2] Group 1 - The MTD for Income Tax automation tool will facilitate client categorization, task scheduling, document management, and early identification of potential issues, supporting compliance with new digital record-keeping requirements [2] - Sage's chief product officer emphasized that the Sage Platform enables faster, more secure product delivery, helping accountants and businesses remain compliant while focusing on growth [3] - The tool is part of Sage's broader strategy to integrate AI across its products, enhancing operational efficiency for accountancy firms as they approach the 2026 MTD deadline [4] Group 2 - The Sage Copilot, which is already utilized for task automation and insight generation, will be further enhanced by AI Agents to manage various operational tasks such as payroll and compliance [4] - The MTD for Income Tax automation tool will be available through Sage's suite of MTD solutions and within the Sage for Accountants offering in the UK, specifically tailored for accountancy firms [4]