Making Tax Digital for Income Tax starts 6 April 2026 for anyone with self-employment or property income over £50,000. Use this checklist to make sure you are ready. Print it, work through each section, and contact us if you need help with any items.

Section 1: Am I Affected?

☐ My gross self-employment income exceeded £50,000 in 2024/25

☐ My gross property rental income exceeded £50,000 in 2024/25

☐ My combined self-employment + property income exceeded £50,000 in 2024/25

Section 2: Software Setup

☐ I have chosen HMRC-recognised MTD software (Xero, FreeAgent, QuickBooks, Sage, or Hammock)

☐ My software is connected to my HMRC Government Gateway account

☐ I have tested submitting a dummy quarterly update (if my software offers this)

☐ My accountant has confirmed they can file MTD submissions on my behalf

☐ I have set up bank feed connections (optional but saves significant time)

Section 3: Digital Record-Keeping

From 6 April 2026, all records must be kept digitally. No more paper spreadsheets or shoe boxes.

For each income source, I am recording digitally:

☐ Date of each transaction

☐ Amount received or paid

☐ Category of income or expense (rent, repairs, insurance, etc.)

For landlords specifically:

☐ Rental income per property (if multiple properties)

☐ Mortgage interest payments

☐ Repairs and maintenance costs

☐ Insurance premiums

☐ Letting agent fees

☐ Council tax (if paid by landlord)

☐ Utility bills (if paid by landlord)

☐ Travel to properties (mileage records)

For sole traders specifically:

☐ Sales/turnover

☐ Cost of goods sold (if applicable)

☐ Business travel and mileage

☐ Office costs and equipment

☐ Professional subscriptions

☐ Staff costs (if applicable)

☐ Marketing and advertising

Section 4: Key Dates for 2026/27

Mark these dates in your calendar:

Deadline	What’s Due	Date
Q1 Update	April–July 2026 figures	7 August 2026
Q2 Update	July–October 2026 figures	7 November 2026
Q3 Update	October 2026–January 2027 figures	7 February 2027
Q4 Update	January–April 2027 figures	7 May 2027
End of Period	Full year summary	31 January 2028

☐ I have set calendar reminders for all five dates above

☐ I know who will be submitting my updates (me or my accountant)

Section 5: Accountant Check

☐ My accountant has confirmed they are MTD-ready

☐ My accountant has explained the quarterly submission process to me

☐ I know the cost of MTD compliance through my accountant

☐ My accountant is using software compatible with HMRC’s MTD API

☐ I have a process for sending my records to my accountant regularly (not once a year)

Section 6: Penalty Awareness

☐ I understand that HMRC has a 12-month grace period for late quarterly submissions in Year 1 (2026/27)

☐ I understand that from Year 2 (2027/28), late submissions will attract penalty points

☐ I understand that 4 penalty points in a year triggers a £200 fine

☐ I understand that interest on late tax payments still applies from Year 1

Your MTD Readiness Score

Count your ticked boxes from all sections above:

Score	Status	What To Do
25+ out of 30	Ready	You are well prepared. Final software checks and you are good to go.
15–24	Nearly There	Focus on the unticked items. Book an accountant review to fill the gaps.
Below 15	Action Needed	You need professional help before April. Book a free consultation today.

HS Global Accountancy | MTD Specialists for Landlords & SMEs | Harrow, London

This checklist is for guidance only and does not constitute professional tax advice. Tax rules may change. Always consult a qualified accountant for advice specific to your circumstances.