What You Need Before Registering
Government Gateway credentials, your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), National Insurance number, business start date, and chosen MTD-compatible software ready to authorise.
Step-by-Step MTD Registration Process
- Log in to your HMRC online services account.
- Select Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
- Confirm your income sources.
- Authorise your MTD software.
- Choose your MTD start date.
- Save HMRC’s confirmation for your records.
Authorising Your MTD Software
Software authorisation gives your chosen tool permission to read your tax information and submit on your behalf. The link is created via OAuth between HMRC and your software.
Choosing Your MTD Start Date
Your start date determines when your first quarterly update begins. For most people in phase one, this is 6 April 2026.
What Happens After MTD Registration
Your software can now retrieve obligations from HMRC and submit quarterly updates and your year-end final declaration.
Common MTD Registration Mistakes to Avoid
Mistakes include using the wrong Government Gateway account, leaving software authorisation incomplete, and registering before your software is fully set up.