Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: key dates and what you need to do
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: key dates and what you need to do
Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is changing the way many sole traders and landlords report their income to HMRC. The rules already apply to people with qualifying income over £50,000, and the threshold is due to fall to £30,000 from 6 April 2027.
If you are affected, you will need to use MTD-compatible software to keep digital records and send quarterly income updates to HMRC. These updates do not replace your annual Self-Assessment tax return, which is still due by 31 January.
HMRC began automatically signing up eligible taxpayers in the first £50,000 group from September 2026 where they had not already registered themselves or through an accountant or tax adviser. Even if HMRC registers you, it is important to make sure your records, software and reporting process are ready.
With more people being brought into MTD over the next few years, planning ahead can help you avoid last-minute problems and missed deadlines.
Key filing deadlines: 2026–2028
Add these important dates to your diary. Late filing and non-compliance penalties are due to apply from April 2027 under HMRC’s points-based system, so having a reliable reporting routine will be essential.
| 2026 | |
| 7 August | 1st quarterly update (£50k plus) |
| September onwards | HMRC registers MTD taxpayers automatically from £50k cohort |
| 7 November (Saturday) | 2nd quarterly update (£50k plus) |
| 2027 | |
| 31 January (Sunday) | Self assessment tax return 2025-26 for MTD £50k plus (in addition to quarterly reporting updates) |
| 7 February (Sun) | 3rd quarterly update (£50k plus) |
| 7 May | 4th quarterly update (£50k plus) |
| 7 August (Sat) | 1st quarterly update for 2027-28 tax year (£30k plus) |
| 7 November (Sun) | 2nd quarterly update for 2027-28 tax year (£30k plus) |
| 2028 | |
| 31 January | Submit tax return to HMRC from MTD software for 2026-27 tax year |
| 7 February | Third quarterly update |
| 7 May (Sun) | Fourth quarterly update |
| 7 August | First quarterly update for MTD for 2028-29 tax year (£20k plus) |
Need help getting ready?
If you are unsure whether MTD applies to you, need help choosing suitable software or would like support with digital records and quarterly submissions, please contact Kennedys Accounting. Our team will be pleased to discuss what you need and provide a quote for carrying out the work.