Making Tax Digital Quarterly Update Deadlines: Every Date You Need to Know
Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is changing how sole traders and landlords report their income to HMRC. Instead of waiting until the end of the tax year to complete a Self Assessment tax return, those within scope must now keep digital records and submit quarterly updates using HMRC-compatible software.
With the first submission deadline fast approaching, understanding the key dates is essential. Missing a deadline or leaving your bookkeeping until the last minute can create unnecessary stress and make the transition to MTD much harder.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Who needs to follow Making Tax Digital?
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is being introduced in phases.
From 6 April 2026, MTD applies to:
- Sole traders with qualifying gross income over £50,000
- Landlords with qualifying gross property income over £50,000
- Individuals with combined self-employment and property income above £50,000
The rollout will continue:
- 6 April 2027 – Income over £30,000
- 6 April 2028 – Income over £20,000
If you are approaching these thresholds, preparing now will make the transition much easier.
The four Making Tax Digital quarterly update deadlines
One of the biggest changes under MTD is moving from one annual submission to four quarterly updates throughout the tax year.
The deadlines are:
7 August
Reporting period: 6 April to 5 July
This is the first quarterly submission and the first opportunity for many businesses to report under the new system.
7 November
Reporting period: 6 July to 5 October
Your second quarterly update continues to build your digital tax record for the year.
7 February
Reporting period: 6 October to 5 January
The third quarterly update covers the busy autumn and Christmas trading period for many businesses.
7 May
Reporting period: 6 January to 5 April
This completes the fourth quarterly update and finishes your reporting for the tax year.
Although these updates provide HMRC with information throughout the year, they are not your final tax return.
Don’t forget the final declaration
As well as your quarterly updates being submitted, you must still complete your Final Declaration.
31 January
This deadline allows you to:
- Confirm your quarterly figures
- Declare any additional income
- Make final adjustments
- Calculate your overall tax liability
For most businesses, this replaces the current Self Assessment process while bringing together all sources of taxable income.
Why these deadlines matter
Unlike the old system, Making Tax Digital spreads reporting across the entire year.
This means bookkeeping can no longer be something you only think about in January.
Keeping your records updated regularly helps you:
- Avoid last-minute pressure
- Reduce bookkeeping errors
- Prepare accurate quarterly updates
- Understand your tax position throughout the year
- Stay compliant with HMRC requirements
Many businesses will find that maintaining their bookkeeping monthly makes quarterly submissions much simpler.
Is there a penalty if you miss a deadline?
HMRC has introduced a soft landing period for the first year of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
During the 2026/27 tax year, no penalty points will be issued for late quarterly updates.
However, you are still expected to submit your quarterly updates on time. The soft landing gives businesses the opportunity to become familiar with the new system before the points-based penalty regime is fully enforced.
Using this first year to build good bookkeeping habits will make future submissions much easier.
How Rosemary Bookkeeping can help
Making Tax Digital introduces more reporting throughout the year, but it does not have to become another burden.
Your local Rosemary Bookkeeper can help you:
- Understand whether MTD applies to you
- Register for Making Tax Digital
- Set up HMRC-compatible software
- Keep your digital records accurate
- Prepare each quarterly update
- Stay on top of every important deadline
Whether your first submission is just around the corner or you’re preparing for the £30,000 threshold in 2027, getting organised now will help you stay compliant and reduce stress.
