MTD for Income Tax
MTD for Income Tax is now live for the first cohort
It started on 6 April 2026 for qualifying sole traders and landlords whose qualifying income for 2024–2025 was over £50,000. Later cohorts have different start dates.
People required to use MTD for Income Tax for 2026–2027 should sign up now. Check your position using HMRC's official eligibility guidance.
General information only — not tax advice.
Last reviewed: 11 July 2026
Start dates
Who needs to use it and when?
These phases use qualifying income from self-employment and property. They do not mean every sole trader is already required to use MTD for Income Tax.
| MTD start date | Qualifying income tax year | Qualifying income |
|---|---|---|
| 6 April 2026 | 2024–2025 | over £50,000 |
| 6 April 2027 | 2025–2026 | over £30,000 |
| 6 April 2028 | 2026–2027 | over £20,000 |
HMRC workflow
What HMRC requires
Required users need software that works with MTD for Income Tax for the digital record and submission workflow.
- 1
Use software that works with MTD for Income Tax.
- 2
Create, store and correct digital income and expense records.
- 3
Send quarterly updates to HMRC through compatible software.
- 4
Complete the annual tax-return workflow.
Clear product boundary
What VanVox supports today
Structured quote and invoice records
Capture and organise business information through existing VanVox workflows, with review and confirmation where the product requires it.
Confirmed expense and receipt records
Capture and organise business information through existing VanVox workflows, with review and confirmation where the product requires it.
Document history and CSV/export workflows where currently available
Capture and organise business information through existing VanVox workflows, with review and confirmation where the product requires it.
Readiness checklist
Three practical next steps
Step 1
Check your start date
Use HMRC's eligibility guidance and your qualifying income for the relevant tax year.
Step 2
Choose compatible software or speak to an agent
Confirm how quarterly updates and your annual workflow will reach HMRC.
Step 3
Organise records consistently
Keep digital income and expense records complete and correct throughout the year.
Working with a professional? See how VanVox supports client-controlled accountant handoffs.
Exemptions may apply
Do not assume the rules apply in the same way to everyone. Use HMRC's eligibility and exemption guidance to check your circumstances.
Read HMRC exemption guidance (external link)Official references
Check the current GOV.UK guidance
Last reviewed: 11 July 2026. Publisher for every source below: GOV.UK.
- Find out if and when you need to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (external link)
Publisher: GOV.UK
- Making Tax Digital for Income Tax for businesses: step by step (external link)
Publisher: GOV.UK
- Choose the right software for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (external link)
Publisher: GOV.UK
- Sign up for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (external link)
Publisher: GOV.UK
- Find out if you can get an exemption from Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (external link)
Publisher: GOV.UK
MTD FAQ
Common questions
Is every sole trader required to use MTD for Income Tax now?
No. Start dates depend on qualifying income for the relevant tax year, and exemptions may apply. Check HMRC guidance.
Can I use VanVox as my compatible submission software?
No. VanVox is not currently represented as MTD-compatible or HMRC-recognised software.
Does VanVox send quarterly updates or tax returns to HMRC?
No. VanVox does not currently submit quarterly updates or tax returns to HMRC.
Can VanVox still help me organise records?
VanVox supports structured quote and invoice records, confirmed expense and receipt records, and shipped document-history and export workflows. You still need a compatible submission workflow where HMRC requires one.
Start organising your business records
Use VanVox for its current record-capture workflows, alongside the compatible software and professional advice your circumstances require.
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