17 Mar 2026 Self employed? Get ready for the launch of Making Tax Digital on 6 April

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax launches on 6 April 2026.  You will need to use this new method of reporting your income and expenses if:

• you’re a sole trader or a landlord registered for self assessment
• you get income from self-employment or property, or both
• your qualifying income is more than £20,000 (to be phased in over 3 years)

You’ll need to use recognised software on your ‘phone or laptop, submit quarterly updates and submit your tax return by 31 January each year.

Read all about the new way to submit tax returns on this dedicated website.   Find out if you can apply for an exemption on this page.   You do not need to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax until the 2027 to 2028 tax year at the earliest, if in your 2024 to 2025 tax return you: claimed averaging relief.