HMRC is signing overdue traders onto Making Tax Digital

From September 2026, HMRC is signing up sole traders and landlords who should already be using Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. More than 436,000 people were sent the first quarterly update, and auto-enrolment has started for those with qualifying income over £50,000. The process involves signing in to HMRC online services to confirm self-employment and property sources copied from the 2024 to 2025 tax return.

The service targets sole traders and landlords earning over £30,000 who must prepare for Making Tax Digital from 6 April 2027. It also applies to those whose 2024 to 2025 qualifying income was over £50,000 and who have not joined yet. People who are digitally excluded or whose income sources ceased by 5 April 2026 are the main exceptions.

To get started, users must sign in to HMRC online services and open Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. They need to choose HMRC-recognised software that covers their income and accounting period. Digital records must be created from the start of the 2026 to 2027 tax year.

The second quarterly update covering 6 April to 5 October, or 1 April to 30 September, is due on 7 November 2026. The next deadline for any overdue updates is also 7 November 2026. Paper Self Assessment returns are due by 31 October, with registration required by 5 October for new users.

There are no penalty points for late quarterly updates during the 2026 to 2027 tax year. However, users still need compatible software, digital records, and the updates before they can file their annual return. The updates must be linked to GOV.UK and dated, not vague.

The website states it provides independent guidance and is not affiliated with HMRC or GOV.UK. It summarizes official HMRC Self Assessment updates and links them to their source. The content is presented in plain English without jargon.

The site mentions that over 26% of people experience anxiety before tax deadlines, according to an 8 October 2026 GOV.UK announcement. This statistic highlights the stress associated with Self Assessment preparation. HMRC encourages an early start to reduce this stress.

The platform covers self-employed individuals, sole traders, and limited company directors. It specifically addresses those who have not yet joined the Making Tax Digital scheme. Landlords earning over £30,000 are also included in the scope.

Users can check their income sources before HMRC copies last year's details across. If HMRC has signed them up, they must confirm the copied details and add or stop any sources that have changed. This allows users to set income sources correctly from the start.

The website provides a guide on what to do if HMRC signed you up, including checking records and contacting Self Assessment enquiries if needed. It also offers a guide on how to join yourself if you are not contacted yet. These resources help users navigate the transition to digital filing.

The site references an official HMRC announcement and a link to read the MTD guide. It also points to the latest HMRC Self Assessment updates and official GOV.UK updates for Self Assessment filers. All links are designed to direct users to authoritative sources.

The site emphasizes that updates must be linked to GOV.UK and dated to avoid vagueness. It also notes that compatible software is required to cover all income sources. These features ensure compliance with HMRC requirements.

The official website of HMRC is signing overdue traders onto Making Tax Digital is hmrctax.info.

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