Every Making Tax Digital question, answered on one page each

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30 answers, each one search question, each traced to the GOV.UK page it came from and date-stamped. Checked 14 August 2026.

Start here

What is Making Tax Digital for Income Tax?
Do I have to use Making Tax Digital from April 2026?
What counts as qualifying income for MTD?
Does MTD replace Self Assessment?
I have a job or a pension as well — how does MTD affect me?

Dates and deadlines

What are the Making Tax Digital deadlines?
What is the 7 November MTD deadline?
What is the 7 February MTD deadline?
What is the 7 May MTD deadline?
Standard or calendar update periods — which should I use?
What is a quarterly update and what do I actually send?

Thresholds and who is in

When does the £30,000 MTD threshold start?
When does the £20,000 MTD threshold start?
Do I need Making Tax Digital if I earn under £20,000?
Who is exempt from Making Tax Digital for Income Tax?
How do I get a digitally excluded exemption from MTD?

Penalties

What are the penalties for missing MTD deadlines?
Are there really no penalties for late quarterly updates in 2026/27?
What are the new late payment penalties under MTD?
I have missed a quarterly update — what happens now?

Software and records

What software counts for Making Tax Digital — and is any of it free?
Can I still use spreadsheets under MTD?
What counts as a digital record under MTD?

Sole traders and landlords

How does Making Tax Digital work for sole traders?
How does Making Tax Digital work for landlords?
How does MTD work for jointly owned property?

Signing up, in and out

How do I sign up for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax?
Will HMRC sign me up to MTD automatically?
Should I join Making Tax Digital voluntarily?
Can I opt out of Making Tax Digital?

General information about UK tax rules, not tax advice. Your own circumstances and HMRC's official guidance govern your position. If you are unsure, speak to an accountant or contact HMRC.