Making Tax Digital calculator
Add gross turnover from every sole trade and gross income from every property business to check when MTD for Income Tax applies. Expenses and the trading or property allowance do not reduce the eligibility figure.
Staged MTD eligibility
This example combines £26,000 design turnover, £9,000 online-sales turnover and £7,000 gross property income: £42,000 qualifying gross income.
| Tax year starts | Threshold | Example result |
|---|---|---|
| 6 April 2026 uses 2024/25 return income | Above £50,000 | Below threshold |
| 6 April 2027 uses 2025/26 return income | Above £30,000 | MTD required |
| 6 April 2028 uses 2026/27 return income | Above £20,000 | MTD required |
The statutory test is above the threshold, not equal to it. Entry from April 2026 uses qualifying income reported for 2024/25; April 2027 uses 2025/26; and April 2028 uses 2026/27.
Standard quarterly update calendar: 2026/27
| Step | Period | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 update | 6 April–5 July 2026 | 7 August 2026 |
| Quarter 2 update | 6 July–5 October 2026 | 7 November 2026 |
| Quarter 3 update | 6 October 2026–5 January 2027 | 7 February 2027 |
| Quarter 4 update | 6 January–5 April 2027 | 7 May 2027 |
| Final declaration and balancing payment | — | 31 January 2028 |
| First payment on account for 2027/28 | — | 31 January 2028 |
| Second payment on account for 2027/28 | — | 31 July 2028 |
Each trade and property business must be represented in compatible software. Quarterly updates are cumulative summaries, not quarterly tax returns, and they do not themselves create a quarterly tax payment.
Final declaration
After the fourth update, make accounting and tax adjustments, include other reportable income, and submit the final declaration by 31 January after the end of the tax year. For 2026/27 that deadline is 31 January 2028.
Payments on account
MTD does not alter Self Assessment payment dates. Where payments on account apply, each is normally 50% of the previous qualifying bill, due on 31 January and 31 July, followed by any balancing payment the next 31 January.
Assumptions
- Figures entered are your share of gross receipts before expenses and allowances.
- All trade and UK/overseas property streams are combined for the threshold test.
- The calendar uses standard tax-year quarters; a calendar-quarter election can produce different period ends.
- Exemptions and deferrals, including digital exclusion, are not assessed here.
Frequently asked questions
Which income counts towards the MTD threshold?
Qualifying income is gross self-employment and property income before expenses, tax allowances or pension contributions. Add all sole-trade and property streams together. PAYE salary, dividends and savings are not included in this threshold test.
Does the threshold apply to profit or turnover?
It applies to qualifying gross income: turnover before expenses for each trade plus gross property income. It is not the taxable profit shown on your final return.
When does MTD for Income Tax become mandatory?
It is staged from 6 April 2026 for qualifying income above £50,000, from April 2027 above £30,000, and from April 2028 above £20,000.
Do quarterly updates replace the tax return and tax payments?
No. Quarterly updates report summary income and expenses. A final declaration is still required, and Self Assessment balancing payments and payments on account keep their normal 31 January and 31 July deadlines.