The new system has more deadlines and the first is this week
HMRC has written directly to customers to remind them about a new tax system. The first new deadline relating to Making Tax Digital is this week.
The new way of doing self assessment, for people who do their own taxes, such as the self-employed and landlords, is being phased in gradually. It involves doing quarterly submissions, rather than one end-of-year calculation.
The first of those quarterly submissions is due this Friday, August 7. On Monday, some self assessment users received an email reminding them about the new system.
It explained that those with a turnover over £50,000 in the 2024/25 tax year should be using MTD as of April 6, 2026. This group is affected by this week’s new deadline.
Those who had a turnover of more than £30,000 in the 2025/26 tax year will need to use MTD from April 6, 2027. Those over £20,000 in the 2026/27 tax year will need to use it from April 6, 2028.
HMRC is running webinars to help.
HMRC said: “During them, we’ll cover the requirements of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, practical steps you can take to prepare your business, the rules, who will be affected and when, making informed software choices, authorising your agent, if applicable, and signing up to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax and utilising any benefits and opportunities. If you’re a sole trader or landlord without an accountant or bookkeeper, register for this webinar for the latest information, to help you get ready for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
HMRC added: “From April 6, 2026, it is now a legal requirement for those with a turnover over £50,000. We’ll look at planning – understanding the rules and work out if you’re affected and when, how to prepare for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, including what you need to do, the actions you will take and signing up for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, using Making Tax Digital for Income Tax – following the rules and consider how you can utilise any benefits and opportunities.
“You’ll also find useful short videos, including ‘How do I sign up for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax?’ – available on HMRC’s YouTube channel.”
