🚨 April 2026 Mandatory Deadline
Making Tax Digital Checker
HMRC is banning the old Self Assessment portal for high earners. Check if you are legally required to buy MTD software before the 2026 deadline.
Your Gross Income
⚠️ Use your GROSS income (total turnover/sales before any expenses are deducted).
£
£
MTD Status
Total Qualifying Income
£0
Your MTD Deadline
None
You currently fall below all MTD thresholds and can continue using traditional Self Assessment.
The MTD 2026 Panic
For decades, sole traders and landlords have filed a single Self Assessment tax return once a year. Starting April 6, 2026, this is illegal for anyone earning over £50,000.
Under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA), you must use approved software (like Xero or QuickBooks) to send HMRC updates four times a year, plus a final end-of-year declaration.
Making Tax Digital FAQs
Do I need MTD 2026?
If your combined gross income from self-employment and property is over £50,000, you MUST use MTD-compatible software starting 6 April 2026. If your income is between £30,000 and £50,000, your deadline is April 2027.
Is the MTD £50k threshold based on profit or turnover?
The threshold is based entirely on your GROSS turnover (total sales/income) before any expenses are deducted. Many sole traders mistakenly think it is based on their net profit.
What counts towards my MTD qualifying income?
It includes all income from sole trader businesses and property rentals. It does NOT include your PAYE salary, dividend income, or interest from savings.
Can I still use spreadsheets for MTD?
You can only use spreadsheets if you use 'bridging software' to digitally link your spreadsheet to HMRC's systems. You cannot simply manually type your figures into the HMRC portal anymore.