How to submit MTD quarterly updates
A step-by-step guide for UK sole traders — mandatory from April 2026
What are MTD quarterly updates?
From 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords with income over £50,000 must submit quarterly updates to HMRC through Making Tax Digital. This replaces the single annual Self Assessment with four quarterly submissions plus an end-of-year declaration.
When are quarterly updates due?
| Quarter | Period | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 | 6 Apr – 5 Jul | 5 Aug |
| Quarter 2 | 6 Jul – 5 Oct | 5 Nov |
| Quarter 3 | 6 Oct – 5 Jan | 5 Feb |
| Quarter 4 | 6 Jan – 5 Apr | 5 May |
| End of year | Full tax year declaration | 31 Jan following year |
What do you need to submit?
- Digital records of all business income and expenses
- Categorised transactions matching HMRC categories
- Summary of income and expenses for the quarter
How to submit with Accounted
Connect your bank
Accounted syncs transactions automatically via Open Banking.
Let Penny categorise
AI bookkeeper categorises transactions with 95%+ accuracy.
Review and approve
Check Penny’s categorisations, approve or adjust.
Submit to HMRC
One click to submit. Every submission returns an HMRC reference number.
Download your receipt
PDF proof of every submission.
What if I miss a deadline?
HMRC charges penalties for late submissions. Accounted sends deadline reminders via the app and messaging so you never miss one.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to submit quarterly updates?
If your self-employment or property income exceeds £50,000, yes from April 2026. The threshold drops to £30,000 from April 2027.
What software do I need?
You need HMRC-recognised MTD software. Accounted is HMRC-recognised and handles quarterly submissions automatically.
Can my accountant submit for me?
Yes — your accountant can review and submit through the free Accounted accountant portal.
How much does MTD software cost?
Accounted starts at £14/month. Founding members get 50% off for life.
Ready to get MTD-compliant?
Start your 14-day free trial. Penny handles the quarterly submissions.
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