From April 2026, HMRC is changing how millions of people report their income. Here’s what it means for you.
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a new government initiative to modernise the tax system. Instead of submitting one Self Assessment tax return each year, affected customers will need to keep digital records of their income and business expenses and send quarterly updates to HMRC using approved software. The annual tax return will still also need completing as normal.
From April 2026:
From April 2027:
We’re already exploring the best options to make the changes as simple as possible for you. You don’t need to do anything right now. We’ll be in touch soon to confirm if you’re affected and guide you every step of the way.
Here you'll find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Making Tax Digital.
Yes, as well as your 4 quarterly updates, a final tax return (also called a Final Declaration) will still need to be submitted by the following 31st January.
No, it only changes how and when you report your income.
There are no changes to making payment.
Yes, for Self Employed and income from property of more that £50,000. Those above £30,000 will be included from April 2027.
Yes gross income (or turnover) is before any deductions such as expenses. The qualifying income thresholds would apply to your share if income from jointly owned property.
You’ll need to keep digital records for all of them and we’ll send updates for each income stream separately.
HMRC can issue fines or penalties for missed submissions.
Partnerships are not currently in scope of MTD.
Yes. Income from self employment, UK property and foreign property are in scope of MTD. It is gross income from self employment and rental income.
Not until April 2027
Not yet. Currently it is planned that this group will be included from April 2028.
Qualifying income is that from self employment and income from property. PAYE would not be considered in the qualifying income threshold test.
We’ll manage this for you. You’ll need to keep digital records for Income Tax if all of the following apply:
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