The UK tax landscape is changing, and one of the biggest reforms in recent years is Making Tax Digital (MTD). While it started with VAT, it is now expanding to Income Tax Self-Assessment (ITSA), impacting self-employed professionals and landlords. Understanding MTD is essential to stay compliant and make your tax reporting more efficient.
What is Making Tax Digital?
Making Tax Digital is a government initiative designed to modernise tax administration in the UK. The key principle is simple: instead of relying on annual paper-based tax returns, taxpayers must keep digital records and submit regular updates to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) using MTD-compatible software.
For the self-employed and landlords, MTD means:
- Maintaining digital records of income and expenses
- Submitting quarterly updates throughout the tax year
- Filing a final declaration at the year-end
This system allows HMRC to receive real-time information and helps taxpayers manage cash flow and tax obligations more effectively.
Who Needs to Comply?
From April 2026, MTD for Income Tax will be mandatory for most self-employed individuals and landlords with qualifying income.
Qualifying Income
Your qualifying income is a key concept under MTD for Income Tax. You must comply with MTD if your total qualifying income exceeds £50,000 for 2024/25, where qualifying income includes:
- Self-employment profits – Gross Income before allowable expenses
- Property income – Total turnover before allowable expenses
Income from other sources, such as employment (PAYE), savings, investments, pensions, or dividends, does not count towards the qualifying income threshold.
The threshold will gradually lower in future years:
- 2027 – £30,000
- 2028 – £20,000
Some exemptions apply, such as where digital record-keeping is not reasonable or practicable due to disability, age, or other exceptional circumstances.
How MTD Changes Tax Reporting
Under MTD, traditional annual self-assessment returns are being replaced by quarterly updates. Here’s what that means:
- Quarterly Income and Expense Updates
You’ll submit digital summaries every three months, tracking your income and allowable expenses in near real-time.
- End-of-Year Final Declaration
A final declaration reconciles the quarterly updates and confirms the total tax liability for the year.
- Real-Time Awareness of Tax Position
Instead of discovering your tax bill at the end of the year, you’ll have a clear picture of your obligations throughout the year.
This approach encourages proactive financial management and reduces the risk of unexpected tax bills.
Getting Ready for MTD
- Choose MTD-Compatible Software
You’ll need digital software approved by HMRC to submit updates. Popular options include Xero, QuickBooks, and FreeAgent. Some spreadsheet users can use bridging software to connect their records to HMRC digitally.
- Digitise Your Records
All income and expense data should be kept digitally. Receipts, invoices, and bank statements can be scanned or captured electronically.
- Plan for Quarterly Updates
Unlike the annual self-assessment, MTD requires you to stay on top of your records each quarter. Setting aside time regularly will make reporting smooth and stress-free.
- Seek Professional Advice
An accountant familiar with MTD can ensure your records and submissions comply with HMRC requirements and help you optimise tax efficiency.
Key Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Quarterly Deadlines
6 April 2026 – When you must start keeping records using MTD for Income Tax software
7 August 2026 deadline to send your first quarterly update for 6 April to 5 July
7 November 2026 deadline to send your second quarterly update for 6 July to 5 October
7 February 2027 deadline to send your next quarterly update for 6 October to 5 January
7 May 2027 deadline for your final quarterly update for 6 January to 5 April
31 January 2027 deadline to submit a Self Assessment tax return
You can review all key deadlines published on the Gov.UK MTD website:
https://makingtaxdigital.campaign.gov.uk/mtd-for-income-tax-dates/
Chart Accountancy can help
Making Tax Digital can be complex. If you need guidance or support with any aspect of MTD, get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you stay compliant and simplify your digital reporting.
