Business Sorted
Free MTD tool

Do I need Making Tax Digital in 2026?

Answer a few questions to estimate whether MTD for Income Tax may apply to you, when it may start, and what to prepare next. Built for UK sole traders, freelancers and landlords.

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Published thresholds

Over GBP 50,000: from 6 April 2026

Over GBP 30,000: from 6 April 2027

Over GBP 20,000: from 6 April 2028

Check your likely MTD start date

What income are you checking?

Use total qualifying income from self-employment, property, or both. This is a planning check, not a tax calculation.

Are you registered for Self Assessment?
Have you already submitted at least one Self Assessment tax return?
Do you already use accounting software?
Do you mainly use spreadsheets or manual records?

1. Check if you are in scope

MTD Income Tax is aimed at sole traders and landlords with qualifying self-employment or property income over the published thresholds.

2. Prepare your records

You may need digital records and quarterly updates through compatible software, rather than leaving everything until January.

3. Confirm with official sources

Use GOV.UK and HMRC notices for the final position, especially if your income sources or exemptions are unusual.
Hands-off next step

Turn your MTD result into a simple system

The checker gives the quick answer. The paid packs give the practical "now what?" for records, software, expenses and quarterly routines.

MTD Starter Pack£19

A simple readiness pack for sole traders and landlords who need to understand their MTD dates, records and quarterly routine.

  • MTD readiness checklist
  • Quarterly update calendar
  • Expense categories cheat sheet
  • Sole trader spreadsheet template outline
  • Landlord spreadsheet template outline
  • Questions to send to your accountant
Buy now View details

MTD Setup Kit£49

The fuller setup kit for turning MTD anxiety into a weekly and quarterly digital record keeping system.

  • Everything in the Starter Pack
  • Digital record keeping workflow
  • Receipt naming system
  • Quarterly update checklist
  • MTD software chooser
  • Landlord and sole trader setup checklists
Buy now View details

Making Tax Digital FAQs

Who needs Making Tax Digital for Income Tax?

GOV.UK says Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies to sole traders and landlords registered for Self Assessment with qualifying self-employment or property income over the relevant threshold.

When does Making Tax Digital start?

The published phases are 6 April 2026 for qualifying income over GBP 50,000, 6 April 2027 for over GBP 30,000, and 6 April 2028 for over GBP 20,000.

Can I use spreadsheets for Making Tax Digital?

Spreadsheets alone are not enough unless they work with MTD-compatible software or bridging software that can send the required updates to HMRC.

Is this checker tax advice?

No. It is a plain-English planning tool. Check GOV.UK, HMRC notices and a qualified accountant or tax adviser for your circumstances.

Sources checked

Last checked: 9 August 2026. Business Sorted gives general organisation support, not legal, tax or accounting advice.