MTD – when the quarterly returns to HMRC are due

by Aitch, posted in Income Tax

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax began on 6 April 2026 for qualifying taxpayers. Those with qualifying income over £50,000 are now required to maintain digital records and submit updates of trading or property income and expenses using compatible software.

Under MTD for Income Tax, quarterly updates are required every three months for each self-employment and property business. These quarterly updates are simply summaries of income and expenses based on digital records. You do not need to make any accounting or tax adjustments before sending a quarterly update to HMRC. HMRC receives totals only, not individual digital records.

For those using standard tax year periods, the deadlines are:

  • 7 August (covering the period 6 April to 5 July)
  • 7 November (covering the period 6 April to 5 October)
  • 7 February (covering the period 6 April to 5 January)
  • 7 May (covering the period 6 April to 5 April)

Alternatively, calendar quarters can be used if they better match your accounting period, but the same deadline dates apply. This will make record keeping simpler if your accounting period ends on 31 March.

Even if there has been no activity, an update must still be submitted. Missing deadlines can lead to penalties, although HMRC has said they will not apply penalty points for late quarterly updates for the first 12 months. Penalty points will still apply for late tax returns.

Source:HM Revenue & Customs | 06-04-2026
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Aitch
I'm Aitch, the Founder and CEO of CIGMA Accounting Ltd. As a Chartered Management Accountant and as a CIMA member, I've spent more than 16 years helping businesses, entrepreneurs, landlords, and individuals with tax planning, accounting, and HMRC compliance. As a chartered accountant in London, I'm passionate about making complex tax matters easier to understand and helping clients make confident financial decisions. Over the years, I've advised start-ups, SMEs, established companies, and high-net-worth individuals across a wide range of tax and accounting matters. My expertise includes Corporation Tax, Self-Assessment, Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax planning, R&D tax relief, capital allowances, international tax, and resolving complex HMRC compliance issues. Whether clients need a business accountant, tax accountant, or strategic tax advisor, my focus is always on delivering practical advice that creates long-term value. One of my specialist areas is Making Tax Digital (MTD). I've worked extensively with businesses preparing HMRC's digital reporting requirements, helping them move to cloud accounting, improve financial processes, and adopt technology that makes compliance more efficient. I regularly speak at Making Tax Digital roadshows, industry events, and educational sessions in collaboration with Zoho Books, sharing practical insights into digital accounting, tax legislation, and the future of the profession. Many business owners looking for the best accounting firm in London are not simply searching for an accountant they're looking for trusted advice, responsive support, and long-term value. That's the approach I've taken in building CIGMA Accounting. My team and I work closely with businesses across London and the UK, providing accounting services, tax advisory, bookkeeping, payroll, VAT, company accounts, and strategic tax planning tailored to each client's goals. Through this website, I share practical guidance on UK taxation, Making Tax Digital, HMRC updates, Corporation Tax, Self-Assessment, and business finance. My aim is to provide reliable, straightforward information that helps business owners understand changing regulations, reduce compliance risks, and make informed financial decisions with confidence.
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