Making Tax Digital for Small Business

From April 2026, some sole traders and landlords must keep digital records and send quarterly updates using HMRC-compatible software, instead of relying only on a yearly Self Assessment process and reporting via the HMRC portal.

Who it applies to?

  • Aimed at individuals in Self Assessment with self-employment income, property income, or both

  • Where ‘qualifying’ income is above the relevant threshold i.e. self employment income, landlord income

  • Directors of limited companies are out scope

  • Partnerships and Limited Partnerships are currently out of scope, but this will change in the future

What changes?

  • Keep digital records using compatible software. You can keep a spreadsheet, but you need to use software to submit quarterly returns and your year-end return, and you cannot submit via the HMRC portal.

  • You will need to send quarterly updates during the tax year

  • You still need to submit a final declaration - similar to your current annual tax return

When do i need to register?

  • Qualifying income over £50,000 in 2024/25 tax return must join from 6 April 2026

  • Qualifying income over £30,000 in 2025/26 tax return must join from 6 April 2027

  • Qualifying income over £20,000 in 2026/27 tax return must join from 6 April 2028

What are the quarterly reporting periods?

  • Quarter 1: April to June reporting period, submission date 7th August

  • Quarter 2: July to September reporting period, submission date 7th November

  • Quarter 3: October to December reporting period, submission date 7th February

  • Quarter 4: January to March reporting period, submission date 7th May

  • Final declaration - similar to your annual tax return - due the following 31 January (no change)

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