Your first MTD quarterly update: a step-by-step guide

If you are in the first MTD for Income Tax wave from April 2026, your first quarterly update covers the period 6 April 2026 to 5 July 2026 and is due by 7 August 2026. You will then file three more updates that year, plus a final declaration after the tax year ends.

A quarterly update is a summary, not a full tax return. You report:

• Total business or property income for the quarter
• Total allowable expenses, grouped into HMRC's categories
• Separate figures for each trade and for property income, if you have both

You don't claim reliefs or allowances yet — those are handled once a year at the final declaration, so quarterly figures can be provisional.

1. Make sure your records for the quarter are complete and categorised
2. Open your MTD-compatible software (or spreadsheet + bridging software)
3. Review the quarter's totals against your bank
4. Submit the update to HMRC through the software before 7 August
5. Save the confirmation for your records

See the 3 steps to file your MTD →

We prepare and file quarterly updates for £75 + VAT each, and can register you for MTD first if needed (£95 + VAT). Call 0114 327 1480 or email shjenquiry@msc-g.com.

Ask us to file your first update →