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The very first submission deadline for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is 7 August 2026.

Here is a simple breakdown of what this means for you and your business.

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Making Tax Digital Has Arrived: What You Need to Know

If you are self-employed or a landlord in the UK, the way you report your taxes to HMRC is officially changing. Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax just kicked off on 6 April 2026. But what does this actually mean for your daily business?

Who is affected right now?

You must follow the new rules starting this tax year if your total business or property income was over £50,000 in the 2024/2025 tax year.

(If you earn between £30,000 and £50,000, you have an extra year to prepare. Your rules will start in April 2027. If you earn under £30,000, the rules do not apply to you yet).

Your New Tax Deadlines

Instead of scraping together your receipts for one big tax return every January, you will now send HMRC four short “updates” throughout the year, plus one final summary at the end.

Since the new tax year just started, here is your new deadline calendar:

• Quarter 1 Update: Covers 6 April to 5 July. Due by 7 August 2026.
• Quarter 2 Update: Covers 6 July to 5 October. Due by 7 November 2026.
• Quarter 3 Update: Covers 6 October to 5 January. Due by 7 February 2027.
• Quarter 4 Update: Covers 6 January to 5 April. Due by 7 May 2027.

After these four updates, you will submit a Final Declaration by 31 January 2028. This replaces your old yearly Self Assessment tax return, and it is the date you actually pay your final tax bill.

What you need to do today

If you fall into the £50,000+ bracket, the clock is ticking toward that first August deadline. Here are three simple steps to keep you on track:

1. Get the right software: You can no longer use the old HMRC website to type in your numbers manually. You must use HMRC-approved digital software (like Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, or special “bridging software” if you want to keep using your own spreadsheets).
2. Record as you go: Do not leave your bookkeeping until July. Start logging your income and expenses weekly or monthly so you are completely ready for that first quarterly update.
3. Talk to your accountant: If you use an accountant, confirm how they will be handling your new quarterly updates so nothing slips through the cracks.

Moving to digital taxes might feel like a massive hassle right now, but breaking your tax reporting down into smaller chunks is designed to save you from that familiar January panic. Mark 7 August 2026 on your calendar, get your software sorted, and take it one quarter at a time!

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