Quarterly updates are here. Are you in?
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax began in April 2026 for the highest-earning sole traders and landlords, and widens in 2027 and 2028. We set you up and file everything for you.
Who has to use it, and when
It applies to sole traders and landlords. HMRC looks at your combined gross income from self-employment and property, before expenses, in an earlier tax year.
From 6 April 2026
Qualifying income over £50,000 in the 2024/25 tax year. These people should already be using it.
From 6 April 2027
Qualifying income over £30,000 in the 2025/26 tax year. That year has just ended, so check now.
From 6 April 2028
Qualifying income over £20,000 in the 2026/27 tax year.
Income counts before expenses, so it is not your profit. Employment income and dividends do not count towards the threshold.
Check if it affects you
Enter your combined gross income from self-employment and property for each year you know. Leave a box blank if unsure.
Result
Enter your income to see when MTD is likely to apply to you.
An estimate only. HMRC will confirm if you are required to join.
What changes
Instead of one return after the year ends, you send HMRC short updates through the year and a final declaration at the end.
Digital records
You keep income and expenses in compatible software, not on paper or loose spreadsheets.
Four quarterly updates
Every three months you send a summary of income and expenses for each source.
A final declaration
After the year ends, you confirm your figures and finalise your tax by 31 January.
Quarterly update dates
For the standard tax-year quarters in 2026/27. Each update is due on the 7th of the month after the quarter ends.
Some businesses can choose calendar-quarter dates instead. We will pick what suits you. Missing deadlines can lead to penalty points and penalties.
We take the work out of MTD
- Check whether and when you must join
- Set you up on compatible software
- Keep your digital records through monthly bookkeeping
- Prepare and send your quarterly updates on time
- File your final declaration on time
Fixed monthly fee
Quoted for the work involved. Your first 2 months are free, with no upfront cost.
MTD questions
Does MTD replace Self Assessment?
For those it covers, it replaces the single annual return with quarterly updates and a final declaration. If your income is below the thresholds, you carry on with Self Assessment as now.
Is the threshold based on profit?
No. It is based on gross income from self-employment and property before expenses, combined.
Do I need special software?
Yes. HMRC does not provide software, so you need compatible software to keep digital records and send updates. We handle this for you.
I have both a trade and rental income. How does that work?
The two are added together to test the threshold. Updates are then sent for each source separately.
What if I cannot use digital tools?
There are exemptions for people who genuinely cannot use digital services. Talk to us and we will tell you whether you qualify.
This page is general information, not personal tax advice. It reflects the position at October 2026. Please speak to us about your own circumstances.