With Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD ITSA) approaching, understanding the timeline is essential for staying compliant. Here’s a clear breakdown of the key dates and what to expect.
April 2026: Phase 1 Begins
Mandatory for self-employed individuals and landlords earning over £50,000 annually.
These taxpayers will need to:
- Keep digital records
- Submit quarterly updates
- Complete an End-of-Period Statement (EOPS)
- Submit a Final Declaration
April 2027: Phase 2 Begins
Mandatory for those earning over £30,000 annually.
Future Phases (To Be Confirmed)
HMRC has indicated it will evaluate:
- Partnerships
- Smaller businesses
- Landlords under the £30,000 threshold
Quarterly Update Deadlines
Quarterly updates will generally be due one month after the quarter ends, likely following this pattern:
- Q1: 5 August
- Q2: 5 November
- Q3: 5 February
- Q4: 5 May
Annual Submissions
The traditional tax return will be replaced by two components:
- EOPS – verifies income and expenses
- Final Declaration – confirms your total tax position
Planning early will help avoid last-minute disruption when MTD ITSA becomes mandatory.