Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Check
Find out if Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA) applies to you and whether your records and software are ready.
Why this matters
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) is the biggest change to how sole traders and landlords report income to HMRC in decades. From April 2026, anyone with qualifying income above £50,000 must use HMRC-compatible software to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC — replacing the annual Self Assessment tax return. From April 2027 the threshold drops to £30,000, and further expansion is planned.
Failing to comply carries financial penalties and late filing surcharges. Many accountants are already at capacity helping existing clients transition, so leaving preparation to the last minute may mean you cannot find professional support when you need it. The software compatibility requirement alone can take weeks to implement properly if you are currently using spreadsheets or paper records. Checking your position now and making the switch early is far less disruptive than scrambling to meet a mandatory deadline.
What you'll need
- Your approximate annual self-employment or rental income figure
- Details of the accounting software or method you currently use
- Whether you have an existing Self Assessment registration with HMRC
- Your accounting period end date
What you'll get
A personalised compliance report covering: a score out of 100, an executive summary, a list of findings ranked by severity, and a prioritised action plan with timeframes.
Use this free tool to find out whether Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies to you, check if your records and software are ready, and get a clear action plan before your first quarterly deadline.
General guidance only — not legal advice. Consult a qualified UK solicitor for specific issues.