The mandatory use of digital software for Income Tax Self-Assessment is being phased in from April 2026 onwards. If your qualifying income is over:
- ÂŁ50,000 for the 2024 to 2025 tax year, you will need to use it from 6 April 2026
- ÂŁ30,000 for the 2025 to 2026 tax year, you will need to use it from 6 April 2027
- ÂŁ20,000 for the 2026 to 2027 tax year, the government has set out plans to introduce legislation to lower the qualifying income threshold
What does this mean?
Very simply:
What you need to do now
1. Work out when the phased rollout applies to you
You should start to read the guidance from HMRC about qualifying income and what that means for you. Particularly when to start so you can get ready for Making Tax Digital in time. HMRC will get in touch to let you know that you must get ready for Making Tax Digital and sign up to use it. Importantly to note that HMRC won’t sign you up automatically, so it’s important to do this in time.
You can use HMRC’s tool to check when you need to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Find out if and when you need to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax – GOV.UK
2. Choosing Making Tax Digital software
You’ll need to choose Making Tax Digital software that works with the new system, such as a bookkeeping or accounting app on your phone or laptop.
It’s up to you which you’d prefer. You’ll choose from a list of recognised providers. You can even use a combination of different software if that works better for you.
You will need to use software that works with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax to:
- create, store and correct digital records of your self-employment and property income and expenses
- send your quarterly updates to HMRC
- submit your tax return by 31 January the following year
You can choose to use either:
- a single software product that meets all your needs
- more than one software product, that when used together will meet all your needs
When choosing software, you should think about your specific needs, for example, whether you want to keep using your record-keeping software.
Software that creates digital records
Some compatible software lets you create digital records of your business income and expenses.
You might do this by:
- manually entering the records into the software (like Kinderly for example)
- connecting the software to an online business bank account, or data capture software
The compatible software can then create digital records, using the information you provide. You should always check that the digital records are accurate.
These types of software may also allow you to send quarterly updates and submit your tax returns to HMRC (Kinderly does not have this function).
Software that connects to your records
If you decide to keep using your current spreadsheets or accounting software, you can connect them to software that works with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
This is known as bridging software.
There are both free and paid software options. You can find a list of compatible software here. Check whether they offer record keeping and/or bridging and ensure you choose software that meets your needs.
Practitioner Plus members, please be advised that Kinderly does not have the bridging software that connects with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
Find software that works with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax – GOV.UK
3. Sign up
Check the guidance and Sign up for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax – GOV.UK
4. Learn more about Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
You can find guidance from HMRC, including videos, live and recorded webinars and more here HMRC videos and webinars for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax – GOV.UK
Exemptions
You can check if you can apply for an exemption from Making Tax Digital for Income Tax in the future
If you consider that you are digitally excluded, you can apply if:
- it’s not practical for you to use software to keep digital records or submit them — this may be due to your age, disability, location or another reason
- you are a practising member of a religious society (or order) whose beliefs are incompatible with using electronic communications or keeping electronic records
You’ll need to explain how these reasons apply to your own circumstances.
HMRC will consider the information you send them and they’ll either tell you:
- that you’re exempt (they’ll let you know what you need to do next)
- why you’re not exempt and how you can appeal
You’ll find full guidance on exemption here Find out if you can get an exemption from Making Tax Digital for Income Tax – GOV.UK
Further support
At Coram PACEY, we are working closely with colleagues at HMRC to ensure that you know what you need to do in plenty of time for the upcoming changes. We will keep members informed of further support and resources as soon as possible.
To help us understand and support you better, if you have particular query or specific questions about Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, let us know and we will ask HMRC. Email us at policy@corampacey.org.uk and use the subject line MTD.
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