Making Tax Digital for UK freelancers.
The timeline, the thresholds, the software, the submissions, the penalties. Everything you need to know about MTD for ITSA in one page — updated for the April 2026 rollout.
How MTD has rolled out — and what's next.
MTD for VAT
Mandatory for VAT-registered businesses above £85,000 threshold. Quarterly digital VAT submissions introduced.
MTD for VAT — all registrations
Extended to all VAT-registered businesses regardless of turnover. All VAT returns now submitted digitally.
MTD for ITSA — Phase 1
Self-employed and landlords with combined qualifying income above £50,000 must comply. Quarterly digital submissions replace the single annual return.
MTD for ITSA — Phase 2
Extended to self-employed and landlords with combined qualifying income above £30,000.
MTD for ITSA — Phase 3
Expected extension to those with combined qualifying income above £20,000. Date not yet confirmed by HMRC.
The software that actually works for freelancers.
HMRC's approved-software list runs to dozens of options. For most UK freelancers, four matter.
FreeAgent
From £9.50/monthBest for: Limited company directors & contractors
Purpose-built for freelancers and contractors. Included free with NatWest/RBS business banking. What we use as default.
Xero
From £14/monthBest for: Growing freelance businesses
Full MTD compliance, bank feeds, multi-currency support, strong accountant integration.
QuickBooks
From £12/monthBest for: Sole traders & small Ltd companies
Self-employed plan includes mileage tracking. Full MTD ITSA features in higher tiers.
Sage Accounting
From £15/monthBest for: Established small businesses with staff
Strong MTD compliance, payroll integration, good for businesses with employees.
Common MTD questions.
Do I have to use MTD right now?
MTD for VAT is already mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses. MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) began in April 2026 for those with qualifying income above £50,000. If your qualifying income is between £30,000 and £50,000, you're in from April 2027. Below £30,000, HMRC has deferred indefinitely.
What counts as 'qualifying income' for MTD for ITSA?
Qualifying income is your combined gross income from self-employment and property. It does not include employment income (PAYE), dividends, savings interest, or capital gains. If your freelance income plus rental income exceeds the threshold, MTD applies.
What are the quarterly submission deadlines?
Under MTD for ITSA, quarterly updates are due within one month of each quarter end. If your tax year runs April–April, the quarters end 5 July, 5 October, 5 January, and 5 April, with submissions due one month after each.
Does MTD replace the January 31st self-assessment deadline?
MTD replaces the single annual return with four quarterly updates and a final declaration. The final declaration (equivalent to the current return) must be submitted by 31 January following the tax year. Payment deadlines remain unchanged.
What software does HMRC accept for MTD?
HMRC maintains a list of approved compatible software at gov.uk. FreeAgent, Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, and several others are approved. Spreadsheets can be used with HMRC-approved bridging software, but we rarely recommend this — dedicated software is cheaper and cleaner.
What happens if I miss a quarterly MTD submission?
Under the points-based penalty system, each missed submission earns a penalty point. Reaching the threshold (4 points for quarterly filers) triggers a £200 financial penalty. Points reset after a compliant period — 24 months of on-time filings.
Can I keep using spreadsheets for MTD?
Technically yes, via HMRC-approved bridging software that connects your spreadsheet to the MTD API. In practice this is fiddly, error-prone, and only marginally cheaper than dedicated MTD software. We strongly recommend FreeAgent or Xero instead.
Does MTD apply to my Ltd company?
MTD for ITSA applies to individuals, not Ltd companies. Your Ltd is subject to MTD for VAT if registered, and corporation tax filings continue as normal (non-MTD for now, but HMRC has signalled MTD for Corporation Tax is coming). As a director, you're still within MTD for ITSA in your personal capacity if your non-Ltd qualifying income (e.g. rental) exceeds the threshold.
MTD is handled automatically on our monthly packages.
FreeAgent included free. Bank feeds connected. Quarterly submissions filed for you. You never see the MTD filings — they just happen. £45/mo sole trader, £95/mo Ltd.
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