When will I need to start Making Tax Digital?
Making Tax Digital is being introduced in stages. The date you need to start depends on:
The type of income you receive
How much you earn
Whether you’re VAT registered
Whether you trade as a sole trader or through a limited company
Here’s how it works…
If you’re VAT registered
Most VAT-registered businesses are already within Making Tax Digital for VAT. Since April 2022, all VAT-registered businesses have had to:
Keep digital VAT records
Submit VAT returns using compatible software
If you’re VAT registered and using cloud accounting software, you’re likely already compliant.
If you’re a sole trader
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies based on your total qualifying income before expenses, not profit.
It’s being introduced in stages:
From April 2026 if your income is over £50,000
From April 2027 if your income is over £30,000
From April 2028 if your income is over £20,000
This income includes total turnover from self-employment and property combined. If your income is below £20,000, you won’t be required to join yet, although you can sign up voluntarily.
HMRC’s detailed guidance is here.
If you’re a landlord
As with sole traders, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies based on your total qualifying income before expenses, not profit. These are the dates when you’ll need to start MTD ITSA:
From April 2026 if your income is over £50,000
From April 2027 if your income is over £30,000
From April 2028 if your income is over £20,000
If your gross rental income, combined with any sole trader income, exceeds the threshold in a given tax year, you’ll need to join MTD ITSA from the relevant start date.
It doesn’t matter whether you own one property or several. The key factor is your total qualifying income.
If you run a limited company
Limited companies are not yet required to follow Making Tax Digital for Corporation Tax. You will only be included in these circumstances:
Your company is VAT registered, in which case it must already comply with MTD for VAT
You personally have sole trader or rental income above the thresholds that income may fall under MTD for Income Tax
How does HMRC decide if you’re included?
HMRC looks at your income from your most recent Self-Assessment return. If your qualifying income exceeds the threshold, HMRC will contact you before your start date with instructions.
Do I have to wait until my start date?
The income test is based on gross income before expenses, not taxable profit.
No. You can prepare in advance. Many people are choosing to move to digital record-keeping early so the transition feels gradual rather than rushed. Preparing ahead means:
Your bookkeeping is already structured correctly
You’re familiar with the software
Quarterly updates feel routine
Your tax planning becomes more proactive
When your numbers are updated regularly, you gain visibility long before your formal start date.
What happens once you start?
Once you’re within MTD for Income Tax, you’ll need to:
Keep digital records
Send quarterly updates to HMRC
Submit a final declaration at the end of the tax year
Tax payment dates remain the same under Self-Assessment. MTD changes reporting, not when tax is due.
What should you do now?
Start by answering three questions:
What is your total gross income from self-employment and property?
When does your threshold bring you into scope?
How are you currently keeping records?
If you’re close to the threshold, it’s worth preparing early. If you’re comfortably above it, this is the time to make sure your systems are ready.
We’ve created a practical checklist to help UK business owners prepare for Making Tax Digital and keep their records compliant. You can download it here.
If you’d like clarity on your start date and whether your current setup is ready, get in touch. We’ll review your position and guide you through the next steps calmly and practically.