MAKING TAX DIGITAL EXPLAINED

Do I need to use Making Tax Digital?

Do I need to use Making Tax Digital?

Do I need to use Making Tax Digital?

Find out whether Making Tax Digital applies to your business, when the new rules start, and what you need to do to stay compliant.

Find out whether Making Tax Digital applies to your business, when the new rules start, and what you need to do to stay compliant.

3 min read

Want a simple overview first?

Download the free guide for UK sole traders and understand the key accounting records, deadlines and Making Tax Digital changes in plain English.

Do I need to use Making Tax Digital?

Do I need to use Making Tax Digital?

Making Tax Digital, often called MTD, is being introduced gradually for UK sole traders and landlords.

From April 2026, MTD applies to those with qualifying income over £50,000. From April 2027, it applies to those over £30,000. From April 2028, it is planned to apply to those over £20,000.

If you are affected, HMRC should notify you. However, it is still important to understand the rules early so you can prepare.

Common misconception

“I only need to think about MTD when HMRC contacts me.”

“I only need to think about MTD when HMRC contacts me.”

Not true.

Making Tax Digital is being introduced in stages, so many sole traders will need to prepare before they receive any communication from HMRC.

The sooner you know your obligations, the easier the transition will be.

The main idea to remember

The main idea to remember

Making Tax Digital depends on your qualifying income, so check your income level before the rules apply.

READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?

Want to go beyond the basics?

Want to go beyond the basics?

Explore my practical guides for UK sole traders, covering accounting essentials and Making Tax Digital software in plain English.

KEEP READING

Related Articles

NO JARGON. NO JUDGEMENT.

Practical accounting for UK sole traders.