For painters & decorators
MTD software for painters & decorators
On jobs all week? Making Tax Digital means quarterly updates to HMRC instead of one yearly return. PennyPort keeps your job payments, materials and van costs tidy so the books look after themselves.
What painters & decorators keep track of
Pop in what came in and what went out — PennyPort sorts it into the right boxes for HMRC.
Job payments
Log what each job pays, including deposits and stage payments.
Paint & materials
Paint, fillers, paper and the materials you buy for each job.
Tools & equipment
Brushes, sprayers, ladders and kit — claimed with capital allowances worked out for you.
Van fuel & mileage
Choose simple mileage at HMRC's rates, or record your actual running costs.
Insurance & subscriptions
Public liability and the other costs of running the business.
Workwear & safety gear
Overalls, masks and the safety kit that keeps you protected on site.
When you'll need to start
Making Tax Digital arrives in stages, based on your combined self-employment and property income:
April 2026
Now liveIncome over £50,000 a year
April 2027
Income over £30,000 a year
April 2028
Income over £20,000 a year
Not in the first wave yet? Start now and it'll be second nature long before your date arrives.
Why PennyPort
The simple way to stay on top of it
Quotes and invoices on the spot
Raise and send a tidy invoice from your phone the moment a job's done.
Materials receipts kept safe
Snap the merchant receipt at the counter and it's matched to the job for good.
No year-end pile-up
Little and often beats a shoebox in January — your figures stay ready all year.
Free phone app on iPhone & Android
Built for HMRC Making Tax Digital
Questions, answered
Do decorators have to use Making Tax Digital?
If your self-employment income — plus any rental income — goes over the threshold for the year, HMRC will require quarterly updates and digital records. It starts at over £50,000 from April 2026, then £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028.
Can I claim mileage instead of all my van costs?
Yes. PennyPort works out the simplified mileage allowance at HMRC's rates, or you can record your actual fuel and running costs — whichever suits you.
Can I use it on my phone?
Yes — the free PennyPort Go app lets you invoice, snap receipts and log mileage from the job, all synced to your account.
Can I claim for overalls and safety gear?
Yes — protective clothing and safety equipment are allowable. Snap the receipt at the counter and it's matched to the expense.
PennyPort fits other trades too