Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for ITSA): What It Means and How We Can Help You Stay Compliant
Making Tax Digital (MTD)
The UK Government’s Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment initiative is set to reshape how individuals and businesses report income to HMRC. While MTD for VAT is already in place, the next major change is Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) — starting from April 2026.
In this post, we’ll walk you through:
- What changes are coming with MTD for Income Tax,
- Who will be affected and how, and
- How Taxes4u can support you every step of the way.
What Changes Are Coming with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment?
From April 2026, MTD for Income Tax will become mandatory for many self-employed individuals and landlords. Under this new system, the way you report your income to HMRC will significantly change.
Here’s what’s new:
- Quarterly digital updates: Instead of one annual Self Assessment tax return, you’ll need to submit updates to HMRC every three months.
- Digital record keeping: You’ll be required to keep all records digitally using MTD-compliant software.
- End of Period Statement (EOPS): After the end of the tax year, you’ll need to submit a final statement reconciling your income and claiming any reliefs or adjustments.
- Final Declaration: A final annual declaration will confirm all income details before your final tax liability is calculated.
| Aspect | Current Process (Self Assessment) | MTD for Income Tax (From April 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Record Keeping | Paper records or spreadsheets | Digital records via MTD-compatible software |
| Submission Frequency | One annual return | Quarterly submissions + EOPS + Final Declaration |
| Software Requirement | Not required | Mandatory digital software |
| Submission Method | HMRC Self Assessment portal | Submission through MTD-compliant software |
| Financial Visibility | Limited | Real-time tracking of income and tax position |
| Deadline Pressure | High around 31 Jan | Deadlines spread throughout the year |
| Automation & Insights | Manual processes | Automated, efficient, and insight-driven reporting |
Who Will Be Impacted by Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment?
- From April 2026, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment will apply to self-employed individuals and landlords with annual income over £50,000.
- From April 2027, it will extend to those earning over £30,000 per year.
If you currently rely on spreadsheets or manual records, now is the time to transition to digital bookkeeping to stay compliant with MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment requirements.
How Taxes4u Can Help with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment
As experienced digital bookkeepers, we provide full support to help you prepare and adapt to MTD for Self Assessment with ease.
Here’s how we can help:
- MTD-Compliant Software Setup
We help you choose and set up the right digital bookkeeping software to meet HMRC’s MTD requirements.
- Ongoing Digital Bookkeeping
We maintain your records digitally, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind.
- Quarterly HMRC Submissions
We handle all your quarterly income tax updates and ensure nothing is missed.
- End of Year Statements & Tax Planning
We take care of your End of Period Statement and Final Declaration, and help optimise your tax position.
- Training & Support
We offer expert guidance and software training if you want to manage your digital records yourself.
Why Prepare for MTD Early?
Making Tax Digital is more than a compliance obligation — it’s an opportunity to streamline your finances, reduce errors, and plan better. By getting ready now, you’ll avoid last-minute stress and stay ahead of HMRC’s deadlines.
Ready for Making Tax Digital? Let’s Get Started.
Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for HMRC’s digital income tax reporting changes. Whether you’re self-employed, a landlord, or a small business owner, our digital bookkeeping team is here to help you stay fully compliant and stress-free with your MTD obligations.
Orther blog posts that you might be interested in
- Self-Employed? Here’s What You Can Deduct in 2025
- The Early Bird’s Guide to Maximising Your UK Tax Return for 2024/2025
- Timelines, guidelines and recommendations for the UK Tax Return submission
- Late Tax Return Penalties and Appeals – What is it and how to deal with it?
- How to Register as Self-Employed in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Ultimate Guide to Self-Employed Mortgages in the UK: Navigating Tax Returns, SA302, and More
- CIS Registration UK: Everything You Need to Know About
- UTR Registration and Cancellation: What You Need to Know
