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.
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.