{"id":25217,"date":"2026-07-30T16:02:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-30T15:02:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=25217"},"modified":"2026-08-03T09:40:20","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T08:40:20","slug":"dont-panic-a-sole-traders-guide-to-mtd-for-income-tax-april-2026-deadline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/dont-panic-a-sole-traders-guide-to-mtd-for-income-tax-april-2026-deadline\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t\u00a0panic! A sole trader\u2019s guide to MTD for Income Tax (April 2026 deadline)\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/money-matters\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Money Matters<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDon\u2019t panic! A sole trader\u2019s guide to MTD for Income Tax (April 2026 deadline) \t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLet&#8217;s bust some myths about MTD for Income Tax while taking a deeper dive into what&#8217;s required.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-30T16:02:19+01:00\">30 July, 2026<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Don\u2019t\u00a0panic! A sole trader\u2019s guide to MTD for Income Tax (April 2026 deadline)\u00a0\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/dont-panic-a-sole-traders-guide-to-mtd-for-income-tax-april-2026-deadline\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/asavinwattanajantra\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Asavin\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-810x810.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Asavin Wattanajantra<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Douglas Adams&nbsp;might&#8217;ve&nbsp;said:&nbsp;don&#8217;t&nbsp;panic about&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/making-tax-digital\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But&nbsp;don&#8217;t&nbsp;ignore it either.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As of April 2026, if&nbsp;you&#8217;re&nbsp;a sole trader earning over \u00a350,000, the way you file tax has changed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;ll&nbsp;need to file it online, keep digital records, and send quarterly digital updates under Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s&nbsp;the biggest Income Tax shake-up in 30 years, but&nbsp;it&#8217;s&nbsp;not a new tax.&nbsp;It&#8217;s&nbsp;just a smarter way of reporting it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This quick guide explains&nbsp;what&#8217;s&nbsp;changing, how to avoid last-minute chaos, and how to stay calm and compliant.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-sage-container is-constrained is-style-jade\"><div class=\"sage-container__inner\">\n<h3 id=\"h-key-takeaways-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>MTD for Income Tax applies from April 2026 to sole traders and landlords with gross income over \u00a350,000.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is not a new tax. You still report the same income and expenses, and the main tax payment dates stay the same.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The main change is that you need to keep digital records and send quarterly updates through compatible software.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/mtd-quarterly-updates-listicle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Quarterly updates<\/a>&nbsp;are summaries of income and expenses, not four full tax returns.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/5-reasons-to-start-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax-early\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Getting ready early<\/a>&nbsp;helps&nbsp;you avoid last-minute pressure and gives you a clearer view of your tax position&nbsp;through&nbsp;the year.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s what we&#8217;ll cover:<\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-mtd-for-income-tax-the-short-version\" data-level=\"2\">What is MTD for Income Tax? (The short version)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-who-does-mtd-for-income-tax-apply-to\" data-level=\"2\">Who does MTD for Income Tax apply to?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-common-myths-about-mtd-for-income-tax\" data-level=\"2\">Common myths about MTD for Income Tax<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-should-sole-traders-prepare-now\" data-level=\"2\">Why should sole traders prepare now?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-experts-are-saying-about-mtd-for-income-tax\" data-level=\"2\">What experts are saying about MTD for Income Tax<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-changes-under-mtd-for-income-tax\" data-level=\"2\">What changes under MTD for Income Tax?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-can-sole-traders-prepare-for-mtd-for-income-tax\" data-level=\"2\">How can sole traders prepare for MTD for Income Tax?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-is-hmrc-moving-tax-online\" data-level=\"2\">Why is HMRC moving tax online?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-frequently-asked-questions-about-mtd-for-income-tax\" data-level=\"2\">Frequently asked questions about&nbsp;MTD for Income Tax<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-suggested-related-reading\" data-level=\"2\">Suggested related reading<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-mtd-for-income-tax-the-short-version\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is MTD for Income Tax? (The short version)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Previously: You keep records however you like and file one big tax return in January.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since April 2026: If your gross income is over \u00a350,000 from sole trade or property income, you must:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep your records digitally.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Send quarterly updates (at least 4 times a year, although more&nbsp;frequently&nbsp;gives you better insight into your cash flow and tax liability).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sign a final digital tax return at year-end.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That&#8217;s&nbsp;it! Here are more details on how&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/self-assessment-ending-making-tax-digital-sole-traders\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">it affects Self Assessment and how you can make the best of it.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you need comprehensive details on the history of MTD for Income Tax,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/making-tax-digital-guide-income-tax\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here is the complete guide<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-who-does-mtd-for-income-tax-apply-to\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who does MTD for Income Tax apply to?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From April 2026, MTD for Income Tax applies to sole traders and landlords with gross income over \u00a350,000 from sole trade or property income.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The rollout is phased, with lower gross income thresholds following in later years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Date<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Gross income threshold<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Who is affected<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>April 2026&nbsp;<\/td><td>\u00a350,000+&nbsp;<\/td><td>Sole traders and landlords&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>April 2027&nbsp;<\/td><td>\u00a330,000+&nbsp;<\/td><td>Sole traders and landlords&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>April 2028&nbsp;<\/td><td>\u00a320,000+&nbsp;<\/td><td>Sole traders and landlords&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you earn under \u00a320,000, the article states that things will not change for now, although you can still sign up to MTD voluntarily and benefit from digital record keeping.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-common-myths-about-mtd-for-income-tax-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Common myths about MTD for Income Tax&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the&nbsp;Accountex&nbsp;North event in Manchester during September 2025, much of the conversation focused on confusion around&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/mtd-for-income-tax-facts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MTD for Income Tax<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are the main myths the article addresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-will-i-have-to-pay-tax-four-times-a-year-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Will I have to pay tax four times a year?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Your tax payment dates stay the same: 31 January and, if you pay on account, 31 July.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What changes is how often you update HMRC, not how often you pay tax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-can-i-wait-until-hmrc-makes-me-sign-up-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can I wait until HMRC makes me sign up?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. You will need to take action yourself.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Waiting could leave you with less time to choose software, set up digital records, and get support.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-will-mtd-for-income-tax-be-too-much-work-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Will MTD for Income Tax be too much work?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It should make&nbsp;record keeping&nbsp;more manageable when you keep records digital throughout the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/mtd-quarterly-updates-listicle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Quarterly updates<\/a>&nbsp;are short and cumulative, which can reduce the January rush.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-is-software-choice-limited-or-expensive\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is software choice limited or expensive?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The original article states that software options include&nbsp;different products, price points, free tools, and bridging options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-nbsp-will-mtd-for-income-tax-break-what-i-already-do-for-vat-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">&nbsp;<strong>Will MTD for Income Tax break what I already do for VAT?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The article explains that MTD for Income Tax follows the same broad digital approach as MTD for VAT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-why-should-sole-traders-prepare-now\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why should sole traders prepare now?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Preparing early helps you spread the work over months instead of handling everything close to a deadline.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It also gives you time to choose software,&nbsp;connect&nbsp;your bank,&nbsp;practise&nbsp;regular record keeping, and understand your tax position before the busiest part of the&nbsp;Self Assessment&nbsp;year.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Same tax, fewer surprises: you still pay tax on the same income, but digital records give you more visibility&nbsp;through&nbsp;the year.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Short, simple updates: quarterly submissions are summaries of income and expenses, not full tax returns.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cleaner records: digital record keeping can reduce errors and make it easier to keep income and expenses up to date.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Better cash flow visibility: regular updates can help you understand what to set aside for tax.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">MTD: Your business survival guide<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-d74b8314-e3b1-4385-9b30-51a7de0ca091\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Get MTD for Income Tax: The business survival guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_565116862-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"A business woman successfully navigating MTD for Income Tax\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_565116862-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-experts-are-saying-about-mtd-for-income-tax-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What experts are saying about MTD for Income Tax&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p><em>\u201cDo not sit back and wait to be forced. Act now, or you will risk being overwhelmed.\u201d<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p><cite>Amy Copeland, CEO, Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB)&nbsp;<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p><em>\u201cIt is a no-brainer.&nbsp;The irony is MTD actually takes work away from you.\u201d<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p><cite>Jonathan Dowden, product marketing director, Sage&nbsp;<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p><em>\u201cClients find tax forecasts really useful\u2014it stops those awful surprises.\u201d<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p><cite>Rebecca Benneyworth FCA, Rebecca Benneyworth and Co&nbsp;<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p><em>\u201cWe have been preparing clients for MTD for years. Digital bookkeeping is not something to fear. It is protection and clarity.\u201d<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p><cite>Laura MaCarthy, Your Virtual Digital Bookkeeping Team&nbsp;<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The bottom line:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you start early, MTD for Income Tax can become part of your normal business routine rather than another January task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-changes-under-mtd-for-income-tax-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What changes under MTD for Income Tax?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>What changes<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>What stays the same<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>You need to keep digital records using compatible software. You send updates at least quarterly. You&nbsp;submit&nbsp;your final return through the same software.&nbsp;<\/td><td>You report the same income and expenses. The main payment deadline&nbsp;remains&nbsp;31 January. If you pay on account, 31 July&nbsp;remains&nbsp;relevant.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-what-changes-under-mtd-for-income-tax\">The quarterly update dates listed in the original article are 7 August, 7 November, 7 February, and 7 May.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-can-sole-traders-prepare-for-mtd-for-income-tax\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How can sole traders prepare for MTD for Income Tax?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use this action plan to move from awareness to practical preparation without leaving everything until the last minute.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-1-check-whether-mtd-for-income-tax-applies-to-you-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Check whether MTD for Income Tax applies to you<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Review your gross income from sole trade or property income and compare it with the phased thresholds.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-choose-compatible-software-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Choose compatible software<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose an HMRC-approved tool that fits how you work.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/making-tax-digital\/sole-trader\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sage Sole Trader Free<\/a>&nbsp;is one&nbsp;option, and the article notes that other free or low-cost alternatives may also be available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-3-start-logging-income-and-expenses-digitally-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Start logging income and expenses digitally<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Begin by entering recent transactions so you can get used to the process before quarterly updates become routine.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-4-connect-your-bank-if-appropriate-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Connect your bank, if appropriate<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bank feeds can help transactions flow into your&nbsp;software&nbsp;so you can&nbsp;categorise&nbsp;them as you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-5-nbsp-practise-nbsp-the-quarterly-update-process-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5.&nbsp;Practise&nbsp;the quarterly update process<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use your software to understand how quarterly updates work and what information you need to keep up to date.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-6-review-your-tax-estimates-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Review your tax estimates<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regular updates can give you a clearer view of what you may need to set aside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-7-get-support-if-you-need-it-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Get support if you need it<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A bookkeeper or accountant can help you understand the rules, choose software, and set up a process that works for your business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-why-is-hmrc-moving-tax-online-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why is HMRC moving tax online?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MTD for Income Tax is part of HMRC wider move towards digital tax services.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The original article explains that HMRC wants more interactions to happen digitally by 2030, with fewer phone calls and paper forms and more people managing tax through apps and software.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For sole traders, the practical message is simple: digital record keeping is becoming a normal part of tax management.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starting now helps you build the habit before the rules affect you directly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have received a letter from HMRC about MTD, see&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/why-has-hmrc-written-to-me-about-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">why has HMRC written to me about Making Tax Digital for Income Tax<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-final-thoughts-prepare-early-and-stay-in-control-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final thoughts: prepare early and stay in control<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a sole trader, you already manage admin, invoicing, customers, delivery, and tax tasks.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MTD for Income Tax is easier to handle when you prepare in stages rather than close to a deadline.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spread the learning curve over months, not days.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Get support while there is more time to ask questions.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep clearer records&nbsp;through&nbsp;the year.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stay in control of your tax process instead of reacting at the last minute.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You do not have to love Making Tax Digital. You just need to be ready. Pick your software, connect your bank account if&nbsp;appropriate, and start logging your first expense digitally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions-about-nbsp-mtd-for-income-tax\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently asked questions about&nbsp;MTD for Income Tax<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785423544083\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Is MTD for Income Tax a new tax?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No.\u00a0MTD for Income Tax changes how eligible sole traders and landlords keep records and report information to HMRC. It does not create a new tax.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785423553612\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Do sole traders have to pay tax four times a year under MTD?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No.\u00a0The main payment dates stay the same: 31 January and, if you pay on account, 31 July.\u00a0\u00a0<br>Quarterly updates change how often you report\u00a0information, not how often you pay.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785423569514\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What income threshold applies from April 2026?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">From April 2026, MTD for Income Tax applies to sole traders and landlords with gross income over \u00a350,000 from sole trade or property income.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785423582403\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What records do I need to keep digitally?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You need to keep digital records of your income and expenses using MTD-compatible software.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785423594060\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Are quarterly updates the same as full tax returns?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No. Quarterly updates are short summaries of income and expenses.\u00a0\u00a0<br>Your final return completes the year-end position.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785423613623\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can I use\u00a0software\u00a0I already use for VAT?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The article explains that MTD for Income Tax follows the same broad digital approach as MTD for VAT, so you may already be familiar with the process.\u00a0\u00a0<br>Check that your software is compatible\u00a0for\u00a0MTD for Income Tax.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785423632128\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What should I do first?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Check whether the rules apply to you, choose compatible software, and start keeping income and expense records digitally.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785423639820\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What is an MTD digital link?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">An\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-is-an-mtd-digital-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MTD digital link<\/a>\u00a0is the electronic connection between software programs or products that allows data to transfer without manual intervention.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785423651356\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Is\u00a0Self Assessment\u00a0ending?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No. For more details on how MTD relates to\u00a0Self Assessment, see\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/self-assessment-ending-making-tax-digital-sole-traders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Self Assessment ending: Making Tax Digital for sole traders<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">MTD: Your business survival guide<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Your real world guide to using Making Tax Digital for Income Tax in April 2026, April 2027 or April 2028. For sole traders, landlords, freelancers, side-hustlers\u2014and more.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-d74b8314-e3b1-4385-9b30-51a7de0ca091\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Get MTD for Income Tax: The business survival guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_565116862-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"A business woman successfully navigating MTD for Income Tax\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_565116862-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-suggested-related-reading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Suggested related reading<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/making-tax-digital-guide-income-tax\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Making Tax Digital for Income Tax guide<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/self-assessment-ending-making-tax-digital-sole-traders\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How MTD affects Self Assessment<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/mtd-for-vat-questions-answered\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Making Tax Digital for VAT questions answered<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/size\/self-employed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sage Sole Trader Free<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join more than 500,000 UK readers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-b1a63862-3fa0-4a5e-bb67-c76b88bbc6b8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/mtd-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMaking Tax Digital for businesses\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/making-tax-digital-for-income-tax\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-30636 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations tag-mtd-business tag-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax business_type-small-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_737875163-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Man at a desk working through papers on a computer\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_737875163-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_737875163-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_737875163-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-08T09:00:00+01:00\">8 August, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">19 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/mtd-quarterly-update\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMTD quarterly updates: Everything you need to know\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tHere\u2019s the what, why, when, and how of making an MTD for Income Tax update\u2014quarterly, or otherwise. Simple language, no jargon, just the facts.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-31395 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations tag-bookkeeping tag-mtd-business tag-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/mtd-quarterly-updates-supercharge-your-business\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/07\/mtd-tricks-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"A small business person working on MTD\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/07\/mtd-tricks-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/07\/mtd-tricks-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/07\/mtd-tricks-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-08T09:00:00+01:00\">8 August, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tHow MTD quarterly updates can supercharge your business. Yes, really.\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-31363 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations tag-mtd-business tag-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/mtd-quarterly-updates-listicle\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1207391933-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1207391933-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1207391933-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1207391933-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-08T09:00:00+01:00\">8 August, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\t10 tips and tricks for your MTD quarterly update\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-10151 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-bookkeeping tag-business-finances tag-mtd-business tag-need-to-know tag-tax tag-vat business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/mtd-for-vat-business-tame-tax\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1166663659-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1166663659-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1166663659-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1166663659-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-31T10:48:56+01:00\">31 July, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">7 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tMaking Tax Digital: how MTD for VAT helps your business tame tax\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-10038 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-bookkeeping tag-business-finances tag-mtd-business tag-need-to-know tag-tax business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/mtd-income-tax-needs-to-know\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1413633547-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Checking products to sell to customers\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1413633547-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1413633547-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1413633547-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-31T10:20:19+01:00\">31 July, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\t6 things you need to know about Making Tax Digital for Income Tax\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Let&#8217;s bust some myths about MTD for Income Tax while taking a deeper dive into what&#8217;s required.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":356,"featured_media":16438,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_page_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_article_type":"","_sage_video":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"[{\"keyword\":\"MTD sole traders\",\"score\":70}]","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"[\"\",\"Making Tax Digital 2026, HMRC MTD deadline, digital tax software\"]","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"6","post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6,9],"tags":[30,343],"business_type":[4],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[73,75],"imagine_tag":[142,334,727],"coauthors":[351],"class_list":["post-25217","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-money-matters","category-strategy-legal-operations","tag-mtd-business","tag-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax","business_type-small-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Asavin Wattanajantra","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1402342490.jpg","imagine_tags":{"142":"Making Tax Digital for businesses","334":"Making tax digital for income tax","727":"Self Assessment and Making Tax Digital for Income Tax"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice UK","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25217","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/356"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25217"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25217\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31598,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25217\/revisions\/31598"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/16438"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25217"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25217"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25217"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=25217"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=25217"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=25217"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=25217"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=25217"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=25217"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=25217"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}