Making Tax Digital for Income Tax starts 6 April 2026. That is 10 days from now.
If you are a sole trader or landlord earning over £50,000, you are in the first wave. Quarterly digital submissions replace your annual Self Assessment return.
Here is what you need to do before April 6.
Step 1: Check if you are in scope
MTD for Income Tax applies if your qualifying income from self-employment or property is over £50,000 in the 2024-25 tax year (the one ending April 5, 2025).
If you are close to the threshold, check now. HMRC will write to you, but the letter may be slow.
Step 2: Get compatible software
You need HMRC-recognised software to submit quarterly updates. Your current spreadsheet does not count.
Options that work: QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Xero, Sage, and a number of smaller providers. Most offer free trials.
You need to be connected and using it before your first quarterly deadline — which falls on 7 August 2026 for the quarter ending 5 July.
Step 3: Authorise the software with HMRC
This is the step most people forget. You need to sign into your Government Gateway account and grant your software permission to submit on your behalf. It takes about 10 minutes.
Without this, your software cannot submit — even if you are fully set up.
Step 4: Understand the new quarterly pattern
Instead of one annual return in January, you now have:
- 4 quarterly updates (simplified summaries of income/expenses)
- 1 end-of-year finalisation (the equivalent of your current return)
The quarterly updates are lightweight. The annual one is where the detail goes.
What happens if you miss the start date
MTD for Income Tax uses the new points-based penalty system. Miss a quarterly submission → 1 point. Hit 4 points → automatic £200 fine.
Check your exposure: landolio.com/tools/mtd-penalty-calculator
The 10-minute readiness check
Free checker — tells you exactly where you stand and what to do next: landolio.com/tools/mtd-readiness-checker
If you want everything in one place
The MTD Readiness Toolkit (£14) has the full checklist, software comparison guide, HMRC authorisation walkthrough, and quarterly submission template.
10 days left.
Are you ready for MTD? What is the piece you are still unsure about?
Top comments (0)