Making Tax Digital
MTD for Income Tax Checker — Do I Need It, and When?
Enter your self-employment turnover and rental income to see whether Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies to you, and from which April — 2026, 2027 or 2028.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies to sole traders and landlords whose qualifying income — gross self-employment turnover plus gross rental income — is over £50,000 (from 6 April 2026, based on 2024/25), over £30,000 (from 6 April 2027, based on 2025/26) or over £20,000 (from 6 April 2028, based on 2026/27). Once in, you keep digital records, send four quarterly updates and file a final declaration instead of a Self Assessment return.
Reviewed by Kamran Ishaq FCCA, Founder & CEO · Last updated
Your MTD start date
From 6 April 2027
Your qualifying income of £32,000 in 2025/26 is over the £30,000 threshold, so MTD for Income Tax applies from 6 April 2027.
What you'll file each year
- Quarter 6 April – 5 July
- Update due 7 August
- Quarter 6 July – 5 October
- Update due 7 November
- Quarter 6 October – 5 January
- Update due 7 February
- Quarter 6 January – 5 April
- Update due 7 May
Plus a final declaration by 31 January after the tax year ends, replacing the Self Assessment return.
MTD applies to you from 6 April 2027. We'll set up the software, sign you up with HMRC and file every quarterly update.
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Expert help
Turn your estimate into the right tax decision.
A calculator can model the numbers. Our accountants can check the assumptions, explain the options and handle the return or payroll work for you.
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Frequently asked
questions.
Gross self-employment turnover plus gross property income, before expenses. Employment income, dividends, savings interest and partnership income are not included.
The tax year two years before each start date: 2024/25 for April 2026, 2025/26 for April 2027, and 2026/27 for April 2028.
Four quarterly updates of income and expenses from compatible software, then a final declaration by 31 January after the tax year, which replaces the Self Assessment return.
Yes, with bridging software that submits from the spreadsheet to HMRC. Most people find dedicated software such as Xero, QuickBooks or FreeAgent easier.
Some people are, for example if HMRC accepts you are digitally excluded. You have to apply for an exemption; it is not automatic.
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