Find out if you need Making Tax Digital in 30 seconds.
A free, independent guide for UK sole traders and landlords. Drag the slider, see the year you'll join, then take the full checker for a clearer, source-backed answer.
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Mandatory from 6 April 2027
If your 2025-26 qualifying income (gross self-employment plus property, before expenses) is over £30,000, MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment applies to you from 6 April 2027, unless you were already mandated from April 2026.
See full reportPreview only. Use the full checker for edge cases and a precise answer.
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Reviewed regularly
Last: 02 May 2026
How it works
Three steps. No spreadsheets, no jargon.
Most people get a clear answer in under a minute.
01
Tell us your tax type
Sole trader, landlord, both, or PAYE only - the right path is shorter than you think.
02
Enter your income
Use a single year, or our calculator stitches together two years for the year-precise rule.
03
Get a clear, dated answer
We tell you the exact tax year you join MTD, what to do next, and the HMRC source.
Full checker
Answer the exact questions HMRC cares about.
The quick preview is useful, but this flow handles taxpayer type properly and produces a permanent result page.
UK only. Making Tax Digital applies to UK taxpayers registered with HMRC. Not UK-based?
New
See what MTD-ready receipt scanning actually looks like.
Upload a receipt or photograph one with your phone. We extract every field Xero asks for, supplier, VAT breakdown, line items, account code, and flag any personal items mixed in business expenses.
- Photo, PDF or scan
- VAT 0% / 5% / 20% split
- Line-item extraction
- Personal vs business flag
- Suggested Xero account
- SA103 box for sole traders
Five paths
Pick where you are. Skip the irrelevant questions.
Each persona shortcut takes you straight to the relevant checker step.
Mandation timeline
When each group joins MTD
Click any year to read what changes for you.
See quarterly deadlines6 Apr 2026
Live nowOver £50,000 qualifying income
For sole traders and landlords, based on the relevant Self Assessment tax return.
6 Apr 2027
Next waveOver £30,000 qualifying income
For sole traders and landlords not already in the April 2026 group.
6 Apr 2028
ConfirmedOver £20,000 qualifying income
Confirmed expansion for sole traders and landlords.
MTD for VAT
Already liveAlready live
VAT-registered businesses should continue following MTD for VAT rules where applicable.
Plain-English guides
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Five answers, plain English.
Is this affiliated with HMRC?
No. IsMyTaxDigital is an independent guide. We link to official HMRC guidance so you can verify the source.
What is 'qualifying income'?
Gross self-employment turnover plus gross UK and foreign property income, before expenses. PAYE salary, dividends, savings interest, pensions, and capital gains do not count.
I earn under £20,000. Do I need to do anything?
You are not currently required to use MTD for Income Tax if qualifying income is at or below £20,000, but keep records and watch for future rule changes.
Do I have to use commercial software?
You need HMRC-recognised MTD-compatible software. Some options are free or low-cost, and spreadsheet users can often use bridging software.
What if I miss a quarterly update?
MTD uses penalty points and late-payment rules. Check the deadlines page and speak to an accountant if you are already late.
Editorial integrity
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Every page is reviewed by a human. If a rule has changed or we got a number wrong, send a short note.
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Spotted something off?
If a rule, threshold, or date does not match HMRC's current guidance, please send a note.