Most sole traders are not asking whether they are ready for MTD. They are asking whether they are in scope at all.
Here is how to check.
The threshold question
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies from 6 April 2026 if your qualifying income exceeded £50,000 in the 2024/25 tax year.
Qualifying income means: self-employment profits + property income (rental, not capital gains).
It does not include: employment income, pension income, investment income, or capital gains.
The scenarios
You earn £55,000 freelancing, no other income. → In scope. You must comply from 6 April 2026.
You earn £40,000 freelancing. → Not in scope yet. Your threshold is April 2027 (£30,000 wave) or April 2028 (£20,000 wave). You have time.
You earn £35,000 freelancing + £20,000 from a rental property. → £55,000 combined qualifying income. In scope from 6 April 2026.
You earn £60,000 employed + £15,000 freelancing. → Employment income does not count. £15,000 qualifying income. Not in scope yet.
You earn £30,000 freelancing + £25,000 employed. → Only the £30,000 counts. Not in the first wave.
The 2024/25 tax year
This is the year ending 5 April 2025. If you filed your Self Assessment for 2024/25 (deadline was 31 January 2026), your figures are already known to HMRC.
If you have not filed 2024/25 yet (you are late — penalties apply), HMRC will use estimated figures or flag you separately.
The upcoming waves
| Threshold | Start date |
|---|---|
| £50,000+ | 6 April 2026 |
| £30,000+ | 6 April 2027 |
| £20,000+ | 6 April 2028 |
How to check for certain
Your 2024/25 Self Assessment return will show your self-employment and property income figures. Add them. If the total exceeds £50,000, you are in the first wave.
Still not sure? Free checker: landolio.com/tools/mtd-readiness-checker
Which wave do you fall into? Are you already set up?
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