HMRC has launched a new online tool to help taxpayers determine whether they need to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD ITSA). What is it and how can you use it?

MTD ITSA is being phased in from April 2026 and involves quarterly reporting of income and expenses to HMRC. Broadly, those with income from self-employment and/or property income exceeding £50,000 will be required to use it from April 2026, and those with such income exceeding £30,000 will join from April 2027. However, as with most HMRC initiatives, there are exceptions and so HMRC has launched an online tool that taxpayers can use to check whether they need to sign up for MTD.

The tool itself is also fallible, as it cannot currently take into account any foreign income, for example, from a holiday home that is rented out. Further guidance confirms which groups of people are automatically exempt from MTD ITSA, and who can apply for an exemption, so it is worth checking the tool out well in advance of April 2026.

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