Understanding MTD 2026 Changes and Essential Steps for UK Small Businesses
A practical guide to the MTD 2026 changes affecting UK small businesses. Understand what is changing, why it matters, and the steps you need to take today.
Understanding MTD 2026 Changes and Essential Steps for UK Small Businesses
April 2026 brings one of the most significant changes to UK tax administration in a generation. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) goes live, and small business owners who are not prepared risk penalties, stress, and unnecessary disruption to their day-to-day operations.
This guide cuts through the complexity and gives you the clear, practical information you need to get ready.
What Is Actually Changing in 2026?
The fundamental change is this: instead of filing a single Self Assessment tax return once a year, qualifying self-employed individuals and landlords must now:
- Keep all income and expense records in a digital format
- Submit quarterly updates to HMRC via MTD-compatible software
- Complete an End-of-Period Statement after each business or property income source at the end of the tax year
- Make a Final Declaration (replacing the traditional SA return) to confirm all income and finalise the tax year
This is not a voluntary option. It is a legal requirement for those who meet the income threshold.
Who Does This Affect in 2026?
From 6 April 2026, you must comply with MTD for ITSA if:
- You are self-employed as a sole trader, and/or
- You receive income from UK property, and
- Your combined qualifying income from these sources exceeds £50,000 in the previous tax year
If your income is between £30,000 and £50,000, your mandatory start date is April 2027. Those earning above £20,000 are expected to follow in April 2028.
The Quarterly Reporting Calendar
Under MTD, the tax year is divided into four reporting periods:
| Quarter | Period | Submission Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 6 April – 5 July | 5 August |
| Q2 | 6 July – 5 October | 5 November |
| Q3 | 6 October – 5 January | 5 February |
| Q4 | 6 January – 5 April | 5 May |
Missing these deadlines triggers HMRC’s points-based penalty system. Accumulating enough points leads to a £200 fine per late submission.
Essential Steps for Small Businesses
Step 1: Assess Your Position
Pull out your last Self Assessment return. Add together your gross self-employment income and any UK property income (before expenses). If the combined figure exceeds £50,000, April 2026 is your deadline.
Step 2: Open a Dedicated Business Bank Account
If you do not already have one, separating your business and personal finances is essential. It makes digital record-keeping far simpler and removes ambiguity when categorising transactions.
Step 3: Choose MTD-Compatible Software
Only software that connects directly to HMRC’s API is acceptable for making quarterly submissions. Look for HMRC-recognised software that handles:
- Income and expense recording
- Quarterly update submissions
- EOPS and Final Declaration
- VAT if applicable
Avoid the temptation to continue using spreadsheets without bridging software — this is a common compliance trap.
Step 4: Migrate Your Records
Start recording all business transactions digitally from the beginning of the tax year in which your obligation starts. Trying to reconstruct months of records at submission time is stressful and error-prone.
Step 5: Understand Allowable Expenses
MTD does not change what you can claim — it changes how you record and submit it. Common allowable expenses for sole traders include:
- Materials and stock
- Vehicle costs and mileage
- Home office costs (proportionate use)
- Professional subscriptions and insurance
- Marketing and advertising
- Subcontractor payments
Step 6: Plan Your Quarterly Review Process
Set a regular date each month to update your records. By the time each quarterly deadline arrives, your figures should already be largely complete — requiring only a final review rather than a frantic catch-up.
Step 7: Brief Your Accountant
If you use an accountant or bookkeeper, discuss how your working relationship will change. They will need agent authorisation to submit on your behalf, and you may need to share access to your digital records more frequently.
Exemptions and Deferrals
HMRC recognises that not everyone can comply with digital requirements. Exemptions may be available for those who:
- Are digitally excluded due to age, disability, or location
- Have religious objections to the use of technology
- Are subject to an insolvency procedure
Applications for exemption must be made to HMRC in advance of your mandatory start date.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
HMRC’s new points-based penalty system for MTD is designed to be proportionate for occasional lapses but punishing for persistent non-compliance. Reach four penalty points within a two-year period, and you receive a £200 fine — with a further £200 for every subsequent late submission until the points are reset.
Moving Forward with Confidence
MTD 2026 is a significant change, but it is not an insurmountable one. Small businesses that start preparing now — choosing the right software, building good record-keeping habits, and understanding the quarterly cycle — will find the transition far less disruptive than those who leave it to the last minute.
InvoiceGuru helps small businesses navigate these changes with confidence — handling digital record-keeping, invoicing, and expense tracking in one simple app that keeps you MTD-compliant throughout the year.
The digital future of UK tax administration is here. Getting ahead of it now is the smartest business decision you can make.