Making Tax Digital guides
Plain-English answers to the questions people actually ask.
Getting started
- Am I in MTD wave 1? Check whether Wave 1 applies to you
- MTD waves 1, 2 and 3 explained The rules most people miss, in one place
- What counts as qualifying income for MTD? Your gross income before expenses, combined across every source
- Started a new business? When MTD applies to you New businesses get extra time. Here is how it works
Software
- The genuinely free MTD software options Real free routes, and who qualifies for each
- How FreeAgent is free with NatWest, RBS or Mettle What the free route actually requires
- MTD software for sole traders, landlords or both What fits your situation
- Are spreadsheets still allowed under Making Tax Digital? Yes, if they connect to HMRC through bridging software
- What is bridging software and do you need it? The digital link that keeps a spreadsheet compliant
Deadlines and penalties
- No MTD software yet and the deadline is close? Free software exists, and several can be set up in a day
- What to submit for your first MTD deadline What actually goes into your first quarterly update
- What happens if you miss an MTD deadline What is and is not covered if you are late
- Your MTD deadline calendar, in one place Every MTD deadline for your first year, in one place
- Your checklist before the MTD deadline Six things to confirm before you file
- Do you still need to file a Self Assessment return? Yes, alongside your new MTD obligations
- What the MTD soft landing protects you from What it covers, and what it does not
- Does a late MTD update still count if you catch up? What catching up does and does not undo
Landlords
- Do landlords need Making Tax Digital? Yes, on the same income test as sole traders
- Self-employed and a landlord? How MTD combines your income Your income sources are tested together, not apart
This page gives general information, not tax or financial advice, and TaxQuarters is independent, not connected to HMRC. Your circumstances may differ; for advice, speak to a qualified accountant or tax adviser.