Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is now law for self-employed people and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000, from April 2026. The £30,000 band joins in April 2027, and £20,000 in April 2028. Below £20,000 of qualifying income you are outside MTD altogether and stay on Self Assessment as now.
The part that worries people most is the phrase “quarterly updates”. It sounds like four tax returns a year. It is not. A quarterly update is a cumulative summary of your income and expenses, sent from digital records — the tax itself is still settled once a year in your Final Annual Declaration. The deadlines are 7 August, 7 November, 7 February and 7 May.
What genuinely changes is the need for digital record-keeping and compatible software, and the rhythm of staying current through the year rather than scrambling in January. Handled properly, that is an improvement — fewer surprises, a clearer picture, and no deadline panic. Handled badly, it is admin you did not sign up for.
If you are not sure whether MTD applies to you, our two-question checker gives you a verdict in seconds, with your exact deadlines. And if it does apply, our MTD service runs your quarterly obligations through the year — software included. Your Final Annual Declaration and Tax Return is prepared and priced separately.
Have this question yourself? Talk to an adviser.