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Did you miss the first Making Tax Digital (MTD) quarterly submission?

The first MTD quarterly submission was due on 7 August 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000.

21 Aug 2026

By Scott Arnott

The first Making Tax Digital for Income Tax quarterly submission was due on 7 August 2026. This was the first filing deadline for sole traders and landlords who must use MTD from the 2026/27 tax year.

The first quarter covers the period from 6 April 2026 to 5 July 2026, and it is not a full tax return. Instead, it is a summary of income and expenses sent to HMRC using compatible software.

Who needs to submit?

MTD for Income Tax applies from 6 April 2026 to sole traders and landlords who have qualifying income of more than £50,000 in the 2024/25 tax year.

Qualifying income means total income from self-employment and property before any relevant expenses are deducted. HMRC estimates that more than 864,000 sole traders and landlords are within the scope of MTD rules. However, HMRC estimates that around 25% of taxpayers have registered for the new MTD regime.

What did you need to submit?

The first quarterly update is a summary of income and expenses for the period 6 April 2026 to 5 July 2026. Your software totals the income and expenses and sends the figures to HMRC.

The 2026/27 tax year is a soft-launch year with no immediate filing penalties. However, late submissions will still be recorded by HMRC. Individuals who miss the deadline can expect letters from HMRC regarding missed deadlines and notes being added to the individual’s tax records.

This first submission does not create a tax payment. You still complete the year-end tax process and pay any tax due by the usual deadline.

Key things to keep in mind

The first MTD quarterly submission is due on 7 August 2026
The first period runs from 6 April 2026 to 5 July 2026
The update is a summary, not a full tax return
You must use MTD-compatible software
MTD applies first to sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to file a Self Assessment tax return on 7 August 2026?
No. The quarterly update is only a summary of income and expenses. The final declaration is submitted on or before 31 January 2028.

Do I still need to file a tax return?

Yes. After submitting the 4 quarterly updates there is a final submission at the end of the tax year which replaces the UK tax return.

Do I need to pay tax when I submit the quarterly update?
No. The quarterly update does not create a payment. The payment dates are still the same and the quarterly updates can used to help estimate the payments on account for the following tax year before the final submission.

Can I continue using paper records?

Individuals within MTD must keep digital records and submit these to HMRC using compatible software.

What should I do before the deadline?
Check that you are signed up, make sure your software is compatible, and record all income and expenses for the first quarter 6 April 2026 – 5 July 2026.

Can Alliotts submit quarterly updates for me?

Yes. Alliotts can prepare and submit your quarterly updates on your behalf using compatible software.