Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is live in six days. If you're earning from self-employment or property in the UK, this is the practical checklist.
No waffle. Just what to do.
Step 1: Check if it applies to you now
- £50k+ annual income from self-employment/property: Yes, April 2026
- £30k–£50k: April 2027
- Under £30k: April 2028
Use landolio.com/tools/mtd-readiness-checker if you want the quick yes/no.
Step 2: Pick compliant software (this week, not next)
HMRC-recognised options for freelancers:
| Software | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| FreeAgent | Freelancers, consultants | £14.50/mo |
| QuickBooks Self-Employed | Simple income tracking | £8/mo |
| Xero | More complex businesses | £15/mo |
| Countingup | Bank + accounts in one app | £9.95/mo |
Spreadsheets don't count. They need to link digitally to HMRC.
Step 3: Get your records in order
You'll need income and expense records from April 2025. If you've been tracking in a spreadsheet, now is the time to import them into your chosen software.
The first quarterly update covers April–June 2025. That submission is due 7 August 2025 — technically already overdue if MTD applied to you from April.
If you're in this position: talk to your accountant first before submitting late.
Step 4: Understand the quarterly calendar
| Quarter | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Apr–Jun | 7 August |
| Jul–Sep | 7 November |
| Oct–Dec | 7 February |
| Jan–Mar | 7 May |
Then a final declaration in January as usual.
Step 5: Connect to HMRC
Once you've picked software, you'll need to authorise it to connect to your HMRC account. Takes about 10 minutes. Do it before 6 April.
If you want a full walkthrough — software comparison, penalty breakdown, quarterly template, and step-by-step setup guide — the MTD Readiness Toolkit has it all for £14.
Or start free at landolio.com — tools and guides, no login.
Six days. Don't leave it.
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